The Best Peanut Butter Bacon Burger Recipe: A Bold, Savory-Sweet Flavor Combo

Peanut butter. Bacon. Burger. Three power words that, when combined, create something bold, rich, salty, creamy, and unforgettable. This isn’t your average backyard burger. It’s a gourmet flavor bomb wrapped in comfort food clothing.

You might be skeptical at first. Peanut butter? On a burger? But one bite will convert you. The creamy peanut butter melts over the hot beef patty, mingles with smoky bacon, and creates a savory, nutty harmony you didn’t know you needed.

Let’s make the best peanut butter bacon burger you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients (With Measurements)

This recipe makes 4 burgers.

For the Burger Patties:

• 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Toppings:

• 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (1 tablespoon per burger)
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon
• 4 hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns work best)
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• Pickles (optional, but great for contrast)

Optional Add-ons:

• Jalapeño slices (for heat)
• A drizzle of honey (for sweet contrast)
• Arugula or lettuce

Tools You’ll Need

• Grill or skillet
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Foil or plate for resting the bacon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Place bacon in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium.

Cook until crispy, about 8–10 minutes, flipping as needed.

Drain on paper towels and set aside.

2. Make the Burger Patties

In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Form into 4 even patties. Press a slight indent in the center of each (this keeps them from puffing up while cooking).

3. Grill or Pan-Fry the Burgers

Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness.

Add cheese during the last minute if using. Let it melt.

Remove burgers from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.

4. Toast the Buns

Cut your buns and place them cut-side down on the grill or pan.

Toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

This keeps them from getting soggy.

5. Assemble the Burger

Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on the top or bottom bun (while the bun is still warm—it helps the spread melt).

Place the burger patty on the bun.

Top with 2 slices of crispy bacon.

Add onion slices, pickles, and any extras you like.

Close the burger and serve immediately.

Why Peanut Butter Works

Peanut butter brings:

• Creaminess
• Saltiness
• Slight sweetness
• Rich, nutty depth

It acts like a savory sauce, blending with the beef juices and bacon grease. The result is smooth, smoky, meaty magic.

Try it once. You’ll want to make it again and again.

Choose the Right Peanut Butter

Use creamy, salted peanut butter.

Avoid natural kinds that separate or have no salt.

A little sugar in the peanut butter helps balance the salt and fat of the bacon.

Crunchy peanut butter also works if you want texture.

Cheese or No Cheese?

It’s optional—but recommended.

Sharp cheddar cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.

It also adds extra meltiness, which complements the creamy topping.

Other good choices:

• Pepper jack (for spice)
• Gouda (for smokiness)
• American (for classic melt)

Best Buns to Use

Soft buns with a little sweetness are ideal.

Top picks:

• Brioche buns
• Potato rolls
• Pretzel buns (for salt lovers)

Avoid dense or dry buns. They’ll make the sandwich heavy and hard to bite.

Optional Flavor Twists

Want to level it up? Try these:

• Add grilled jalapeños for heat
• Mix a teaspoon of sriracha into the peanut butter
• Spread a thin layer of fig jam
• Add a fried egg for breakfast burger vibes
• Drizzle with maple syrup for sweet-and-savory contrast

This burger is bold, so it plays well with intense flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this burger with simple sides. Let it shine.

Good pairings:

• Sweet potato fries
• Kettle chips
• Coleslaw
• Pickles
• Ice-cold beer or soda

Keep your sides crisp and refreshing to balance the burger’s richness.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Form patties ahead and keep them chilled
• Cook bacon in advance and reheat in the oven
• Toast buns just before assembling
• Don’t spread peanut butter too early—it can soak the bread

Assemble right before serving for best texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

To Store:

Wrap leftover patties and bacon separately in foil or containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Warm patties in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Re-toast buns and re-spread peanut butter before serving.

Avoid microwaving—it ruins the texture.

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FAQs

1. Can I use turkey or veggie burgers?

Yes. Turkey burgers work well with peanut butter. Veggie patties are also great, especially lentil or black bean-based. Just avoid ones that are too dry.

2. Should I use creamy or crunchy peanut butter?

Creamy is best for meltiness. Crunchy adds texture if that’s your thing. Just make sure it’s salted and not dry.

3. Can I grill the burgers instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the bacon and peanut butter. Just watch for flare-ups with fatty meat.

4. What cheese pairs best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal. It cuts the richness and adds great melt. You can also try pepper jack, gouda, or blue cheese for boldness.

5. Will natural peanut butter work?

Not ideal. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and lacks salt. Use a shelf-stable brand that’s creamy and salted.

6. Is this burger too sweet?

No. It’s savory-first. The peanut butter has a mild sweetness, but the bacon, beef, and onion balance it out perfectly.

7. What’s the best bacon for this?

Thick-cut, smoked bacon is best. It adds chew, flavor, and saltiness. Avoid thin bacon—it gets lost in the burger.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prep patties and bacon in advance. Toast buns and assemble just before eating. Don’t add peanut butter too early or it can make the bun soggy.

9. What’s a good side dish?

Keep it light and crunchy. Try coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a crisp pickle salad. You want contrast to the burger’s richness.

10. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free bun. Most peanut butters are naturally dairy-free—just check the label.