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Crack Burgers Recipe Easy Juicy Melted Cheddar Homemade Delight

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A simple yet addictive burger recipe featuring juicy beef patties with a crispy crust and melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for quick and satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 slices (about 4 oz / 115 g) sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended), lightly toasted
  • Salt, freshly ground, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
  • Optional toppings: sliced pickles, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions

Instructions

  1. Gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Do not overwork the meat to keep it loose for juicy texture (about 5 minutes).
  2. Divide the beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz / 115 g each). Form loose balls rather than tight patties.
  3. Preheat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until very hot (a drop of water should sizzle instantly).
  4. Place one ball of beef in the skillet and smash it down firmly with a spatula until about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Repeat for other patties, leaving space between them. Cook for 2-3 minutes without touching to develop a deep brown crust.
  5. Flip the burgers carefully and immediately place a slice of cheddar on each patty. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through (medium-rare to medium is ideal).
  6. While burgers cook, toast buns with butter in a separate pan or toaster until slightly crunchy and rich in flavor.
  7. Assemble the burgers by placing patties on buns and adding any optional toppings like pickles or tomato slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overwork the beef to keep patties juicy. Smash patties firmly once in the pan and avoid pressing after flipping to retain juices. Use high heat for a crispy crust. Toast buns with butter for added richness. For variations, try different cheeses or low-carb buns. Patties can be formed a day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack burgers, juicy burgers, melted cheddar, easy burger recipe, homemade burgers, smash burgers, quick dinner