Crack Burger With Bacon (Printable Recipe)

Addictive burgers loaded with bacon, cheddar, ranch seasoning and sour cream for incredible flavor combinations.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Burger Mixture

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 1/4 cup sour cream
04 - 1/2 cup bacon crumbles (from 6 strips bacon)
05 - 2 tbsp ranch seasoning

→ Assembly

06 - 6 cheese slices
07 - 6 brioche hamburger buns

→ Optional Toppings

08 - Burger sauce
09 - Caramelized onions
10 - Pickles

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Cook 6 strips of bacon on a griddle or skillet at medium heat until crispy. Flip strips as they shrivel and cook to desired doneness. Dice cooked bacon into 1/4 inch pieces to make about 1/2 cup bacon crumbles. Set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and sour cream. Mix by hand until ingredients are well blended and evenly distributed.
03 - Divide mixture into 6 portions of 1/4 pound each. Roll each portion into a ball, then press into patties. Seal any cracks along edges. Press a small divot into center of each patty to prevent doming during cooking.
04 - Heat griddle or grill to medium-high heat (350-375°F) and grease surface. Cook patties 5 minutes on first side, then flip and cook 4 minutes on second side. Top each patty with cheese slice and cook 1 additional minute until cheese melts.
05 - Place brioche buns cut-side down on same griddle surface used for burgers. Toast 30 seconds at a time, checking frequently, until golden brown and nicely toasted.
06 - Place cooked patties on toasted buns and add desired toppings such as burger sauce, caramelized onions, or pickles. Serve immediately while hot.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use 80/20 ground beef blend for optimal flavor and juiciness - leaner blends may dry out during cooking.
02 - Press divot in center of each patty before cooking to prevent burger from puffing up and forming dome shape.
03 - Cover patties with lid or metal bowl during final cheese melting stage to speed up process.
04 - Toast buns on same surface as burgers to add extra flavor from residual grease.
05 - Optional addition of Rocky Mountain beef rub can enhance flavor profile alongside ranch seasoning.