Peanut Butter Bacon Jam Smashburger

When it comes to burgers, there’s a fine line between classic comfort and pure culinary creativity. The Peanut Butter Bacon Jam Smashburger crosses that line in the most delicious way possible. It takes the juicy, caramelized goodness of a smashburger and elevates it with two indulgent toppings: crispy bacon jam and smooth peanut butter. The result is a burger that’s savory, smoky, sweet, nutty, and downright unforgettable.

This is not your everyday cheeseburger. This is a burger for people who love bold flavors, aren’t afraid to experiment, and want a sandwich that delivers layers of taste in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue, making dinner for hungry friends, or just craving something extraordinary, this recipe will hit all the right notes.

In this guide you’ll find: a complete ingredient list, step‑by‑step instructions, expert tips, creative variations, and ideas for sides and serving. Let’s dig in!

What Makes This Burger Special

The magic of this burger comes from three main elements:

• Smashburger technique — thin, high‑heat seared patties with crispy edges
• Bacon jam — slow‑cooked sweet and smoky savory spread made from bacon, onions, and brown sugar
• Peanut butter — creamy or crunchy, adding richness and balancing sweet with salty

Combined with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and sharp cheese, this burger becomes a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need :

For the Smashburgers

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend) — ideal fat for juicy burgers
• Salt and black pepper — to taste
• 4–6 burger buns — brioche, potato, or artisan rolls
• 2–4 tablespoons butter or oil — for toasting buns and grilling

For the Bacon Jam

• 1 pound thick‑cut bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2–3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Ground black pepper — to taste

For Assembly

• Peanut butter (smooth or crunchy — 1–2 tablespoons per burger)
• Cheese slices (Cheddar, American, or Pepper Jack)
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions :

Step 1: Make the Bacon Jam

Bacon jam is worth every minute of effort — sweet, smoky, and rich.

1. Cook the bacon:
   In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until the fat renders and the bacon is crisp but not dry. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve the bacon fat in the pan.
2. Cook the onions:
   Add the sliced onion to the hot bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn golden, about 10–12 minutes.
3. Add garlic:
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
4. Add flavor boosters:
   Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup or honey, and balsamic vinegar. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes jam‑like, about 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Combine and cool:
   Add the cooked bacon back to the mixture. Taste and season with black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool while you prepare the burgers.

Tip: Bacon jam can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days — it actually tastes even better after a night!

Step 2: Prepare the Smashburger Patties

1. Divide the beef:
   Separate the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about ¼ pound each). Gently roll into loose balls. Don’t compact the meat — you want it to spread easily.
2. Heat the griddle or skillet:
   Preheat a heavy skillet or griddle over high heat. The surface should be very hot before you add the beef.
3. Smash the patties:
   Place 2–3 balls of beef on the hot surface (don’t crowd). Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, press each ball down firmly into a thin patty. Hold for a few seconds so the edges crisp up.
4. Season:
   Sprinkle salt and black pepper immediately after smashing.
5. Cook:
   Let the patties cook for about 2 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges. Flip and add a slice of cheese to each patty. Cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

While the burgers finish cooking, spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of the buns. Place them face‑down on the hot surface for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted and golden.

Step 4: Assemble the Peanut Butter Bacon Jam Smashburgers

Now for the best part:

1. Bottom bun:
   Spread a tablespoon or more of peanut butter.
2. Add the patty:
   Place the cheesy smashburger patty on top.
3. Add bacon jam:
   Spoon a generous layer of bacon jam over the patty.
4. Add fresh toppings:
   Top with a leaf of lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles if you like.
5. Top bun:
   Place the crisp toasted top bun and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Smashburgers

✔ High heat is essential: Smashburgers get their flavor from the quick sear. A screaming hot surface gives juicy centers and crispy edges.
✔ Don’t press after flipping: Once you flip the patty, resist pressing it down again — you want to keep those juicy flavors inside.
✔ Balance the peanut butter: A little goes a long way — peanut butter adds richness, but too much can overpower the other flavors.
✔ Use quality cheese: A cheese that melts well (like American or Cheddar) helps bind the toppings together.

Variations You Can Try

🍔 Spicy Sweet: Add a drizzle of sriracha or chipotle mayo for heat.
🍔 Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for more umami.
🍔 BBQ Flair: Swap maple syrup for smoky barbecue sauce in the bacon jam.
🍔 Double Stack: Try double patties for a heartier meal.

What to Serve With These Burgers

These bold burgers pair beautifully with:

• Crispy sweet potato fries
• Classic French fries with seasoned salt
• Coleslaw or crunchy cabbage salad
• Pickled vegetables
• Ice‑cold craft soda or beer

For a party spread, set up a build‑your‑own burger bar with extra toppings like avocado, jalapeños, onion rings, or extra bacon jam on the side.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftover bacon jam keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Smashburger patties are best eaten fresh, but cooked patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat patties gently in a skillet over low heat instead of microwaving, so they don’t dry out. Warm the bacon jam and use it on toast, grilled sandwiches, or even as a dip for fries.

Conclusion :

The Peanut Butter Bacon Jam Smashburger is a bold, flavorful creation that pushes the boundaries of classic burgers while honoring everything we love about juicy meat, savory sweetness, and unexpected combinations. It’s a burger that satisfies cravings, starts conversations, and elevates a simple meal into something special.

Whether you’re feeding friends at a backyard barbecue or treating yourself to an over‑the‑top dinner, this burger delivers unforgettable flavor in every bite. With its rich peanut butter tang, smoky‑sweet bacon jam, and perfectly seared patties, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.