1-Getting started with Crack Burgers: Prepping your ingredients for smooth sailing. First, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then dice or crumble it into about ½ cup to mix in later. In a large bowl, combine the 1.5 pounds ground beef with the bacon pieces, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning, and ¼ cup sour cream, mixing it all by hand until it’s well blended.

2-Next: Divide the mixture into six ¼-pound balls and press them into patties, making sure to create a small indented dimple in the center of each to keep them from shrinking. This step helps the burgers cook evenly and stay juicy, which is a pro tip for anyone new to grilling. Once your patties are ready, you’re set for the cooking phase.

3-Now: Heat your griddle or grill to medium-high, around 350-375 degrees, and grease it lightly. Cook the patties for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes. Add the 6 slices of cheese on top, cover them, and let it go for one more minute so the cheese melts perfectly. While that’s happening, toast the 6 brioche hamburger buns face-down on the griddle using any leftover grease, flipping them every 30 seconds until they’re nicely browned.

4-Assembly and Serving: Once everything’s cooked, stack your patties on the buns and top with options like pickles, burger sauce, or caramelized onions for extra flair. Serve them hot for the best taste, and remember to adjust cook times if you’re using dietary swaps. For more grilling inspiration, check out our cheeseburger pie recipe that builds on similar flavors.