Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 8 slices bacon, thick-cut, diced
  • 4 hamburger buns, brioche or potato buns
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • Optional: Lettuce, tomato, onion slices

Instructions:

  1. Cook diced bacon in skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan. Drain bacon on paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well and set aside.
  3. Gently combine ground beef, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Do not overmix. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties.
  4. Heat the reserved bacon grease in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the burger patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
  5. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet or add a splash of water to the pan and cover to help the cheese melt quickly.
  6. Lightly toast the hamburger buns in the same skillet or under a broiler for about a minute.
  7. Spread 'crack' sauce on the top and bottom buns. Place the cheese-topped burger patty on the bottom bun. Top with cooked bacon, and any desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion). Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Crack Burgers!