Crack Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar (Print version)
Beef patties topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tangy ranch dressing on golden toasted buns.
# What you'll need:
→ Patties
01 - 1½ lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - ½ tsp garlic powder
→ Toppings
05 - 8 slices bacon
06 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
07 - ½ cup ranch dressing
08 - ½ cup crispy fried onions
09 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
10 - 1 large tomato, sliced
11 - 4 burger buns, split and toasted
→ Optional Add-Ons
12 - Sliced pickles
13 - Sliced red onion
# How to make it:
01 - Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - Gently combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Form into 4 equal patties, pressing a slight dimple in the center of each.
03 - Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
04 - Grill or pan-sear the burger patties for 3–4 minutes per side until desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar; cover to melt.
05 - Toast burger buns until golden.
06 - Spread ranch dressing on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce, a beef patty, crispy bacon, tomato slices, fried onions, and any optional add-ons. Top with the other half of the bun.
07 - Serve immediately.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of crispy bacon and melty cheddar creates those irresistible crackly textures that make restaurant burgers so addictive
- That creamy ranch sauce ties everything together in ways regular condiments just cant match
02 -
- That thumbprint dimple in the center of each patty prevents them from puffing up into spheres while cooking
- Let the cheese melt with the lid on for the last minute, or youll end up with unmelted disappointment
03 -
- Let the seasoned meat sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking for even heating
- Oil your grill grates right before placing patties, or theyll stick guaranteed