Burgers are a universal comfort food, but every now and then, a twist comes along that completely changes the way we think about them. Enter the Peanut Butter Bacon Burger—a recipe that balances smoky, salty bacon with the creamy richness of peanut butter. It sounds unusual, but once you try it, you’ll discover why this bold flavor combination has gained such a loyal following.
Why Peanut Butter Belongs on a Burger
At first glance, peanut butter might seem out of place on a burger. But when you break it down, the pairing makes perfect sense:
- Creaminess – acts like a savory sauce, binding the patty and bacon together
- Nutty depth – adds richness that complements the smoky bacon
- Subtle sweetness – balances the saltiness of the meat and cheese
- Melt factor – when spread on a warm bun, peanut butter softens into a silky layer that coats every bite
This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a clever way to add complexity without using heavy sauces or over-seasoning.
Ingredients (with Measurements)
This recipe serves 4 hearty burgers.
For the Burger Patties
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Toppings
- 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (about 1 tbsp per burger)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche or potato rolls work best)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended, but optional)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Pickles (optional, for tangy contrast)
Optional Add-Ons
- Fresh arugula or butter lettuce
- Jalapeño slices for heat
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweet balance
- Tomato slices for freshness
- A fried egg for an indulgent twist
Tools You’ll Need
- Grill or large skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels (for draining bacon)
- Small spoon or butter knife (for spreading peanut butter)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
- Place bacon in a cold skillet and then turn heat to medium.
- Cook slowly, flipping as needed, until crispy (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
🔑 Pro Tip: Use thick-cut, smoked bacon for maximum flavor.
2. Form the Burger Patties
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
- Press a small indent in the center of each patty (prevents puffing while cooking).
3. Grill or Pan-Fry the Burgers
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high.
- Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Add cheese in the last minute of cooking if desired; cover to melt.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before assembling.
4. Toast the Buns
- Slice buns in half.
- Place cut-side down on grill or skillet.
- Toast until lightly golden (1–2 minutes).
🔑 Pro Tip: Toasting prevents soggy buns and helps spread peanut butter evenly.
5. Assemble the Burger
- Spread 1 tablespoon peanut butter on the warm bun.
- Add the beef patty.
- Top with 2 slices crispy bacon.
- Layer on onions, pickles, and any extras you like.
- Close and serve immediately.
Choosing the Right Peanut Butter
Not all peanut butters are created equal when it comes to burgers.
- Best choice: Creamy, salted peanut butter with a slight sweetness.
- Avoid: Natural peanut butter that separates or unsalted versions—they can taste flat.
- For texture lovers: Crunchy peanut butter adds a pleasant bite.
Cheese or No Cheese?
Cheese is optional, but highly recommended. It adds extra meltiness and cuts through the richness.
- Best options: Sharp cheddar, gouda, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for boldness.
- Skip cheese if: You want a cleaner peanut-forward flavor.
The Best Buns to Use
The bun makes or breaks the burger. Go for soft, slightly sweet options.
- Top picks: Brioche buns, potato rolls, pretzel buns (for salt lovers)
- Avoid: Dense buns like ciabatta—they overpower the fillings.
Flavor Variations
Want to elevate your peanut butter bacon burger? Try these twists:
- Spicy Kick – Mix sriracha or chili flakes into the peanut butter.
- Breakfast Style – Add a fried egg and drizzle of maple syrup.
- Gourmet Touch – Spread a thin layer of fig or onion jam under the patty.
- Smoky Depth – Use smoked gouda cheese and applewood bacon.
- Sweet & Savory – Add caramelized onions and a touch of honey.
Serving Suggestions
Keep sides simple so the burger shines. Pair with:
- Sweet potato fries or curly fries
- Crisp coleslaw
- Pickled vegetables
- Potato chips
- Ice-cold craft beer, soda, or lemonade
Nutrition Insights (Approx. per Burger)
- Calories: 750–800 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
Note: Nutrition varies based on bun, peanut butter brand, and toppings used.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Form patties and cook bacon in advance. Store separately.
- Storage: Refrigerate patties and bacon for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm patties in a skillet or 350°F oven (10 minutes). Re-toast buns before serving.
- Avoid: Spreading peanut butter too early—it can soak into the bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using lean beef – leads to dry burgers.
- Adding peanut butter to a cold bun – it won’t melt properly.
- Skipping the bun toast – soggy buns ruin texture.
- Overcrowding the skillet – patties won’t sear properly.
- Using unsalted peanut butter – the burger will taste flat.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey or veggie patties instead of beef?
Yes! Turkey works beautifully, and veggie patties like black bean or lentil pair well with peanut butter.
2. Is creamy or crunchy peanut butter better?
Creamy melts smoothly, but crunchy adds fun texture. Both work—choose based on preference.
3. Can I grill instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky depth that enhances the bacon flavor.
4. What if I want it spicier?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
5. How do I keep buns from falling apart?
Choose soft but sturdy buns, toast them lightly, and spread peanut butter evenly.
6. Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes—skip cheese and use a dairy-free bun. Peanut butter is naturally dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
The Peanut Butter Bacon Burger isn’t just a novelty—it’s a flavor masterpiece that blends creamy, smoky, salty, and sweet in every bite. With the right balance of quality beef, crispy bacon, smooth peanut butter, and fresh toppings, you’ll have a burger that surprises and delights anyone bold enough to try it.
