Cracked Burgers
Discover the ultimate guide to making mouthwatering Cracked Burgers! Learn the secret technique for crispy, caramelized edges and juicy centers.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle
Ingredients
- 2 pounds high-quality ground beef 80/20 or 75/25 lean-to-fat ratio
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt preferably Diamond Crystal
- 4-6 slices American or cheddar cheese for melting
- 4-6 potato buns preferably Martin's Potato Rolls
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- High-heat oil like avocado or canola
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Gently form 3-4 ounce balls of ground beef without overhandling. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat your cast iron skillet or griddle to 450-500°F. Brush with high-heat oil.
- Smash the Burgers: Place a meat ball on the hot surface and immediately press down firmly with a spatula or burger smasher for 5-10 seconds to create a ¼-inch thick patty with cracked edges.
- Cook the First Side: Let the burger cook undisturbed for 60-90 seconds until a deep brown crust forms.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the burger, add cheese, and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds.
- Toast the Buns: Brush the buns with melted butter and toast lightly.
- Assemble the Burger: Place the patty on the bottom bun, add toppings, and finish with the top bun.
Notes
- For Cheesy Bacon Ranch Burgers, add cooked bacon and a ranch-mayo sauce.
- For Chicken or Turkey Burgers, use ground chicken or turkey with a higher fat content and adjust cooking time slightly.
- Experiment with different cheeses and toppings for unique flavor combinations.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 50gFat: 50g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!