We all know about peanut butter and jelly, but have you ever heard of a peanut butter burger?
This recipe takes the American classic to a whole new level of deliciousness, and I can’t get enough of it.
It may not make sense at first, but once you take your first bite, you’ll never want to have your last.
Why put peanut butter in a burger, you ask? Because it gives it a wonderfully sweet, creamy, and nutty flavor, that’s why!
Still not convinced? Just think of satay. This popular Asian meat skewer is dipped in peanut sauce, and it tastes amazing. Peanut butter burgers do, too!
Getting bored with your regular cheeseburger? Make things more fun, flavorful, and exciting with this peanut butter burger!
Peanut Butter Burger
If you’ve never tried a peanut butter burger, you’re missing out. This juicy hamburger is topped with melted cheese, bacon, and yes – peanut butter.
What a wonderful explosion of flavors!
There are a zillion recipes out there claiming to have the best burger patty recipe. But to me, this is one is top-notch.
Nothing beats a good-old-fashioned burger seasoned with only salt and pepper.
Adding more seasonings to a good-quality beef will only overpower its umami-packed flavor.
The choice of toppings? My God, what a mind-blowing flavor combination!
It’s sweet, salty, savory, smoky, creamy, and nutty, all at the same time. It’s so addictive, it shouldn’t even be legal.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – It’s not a burger party without the patty! Use 80-20 ground beef for a wonderful balance of flavors.
- Salt and Pepper – They’re all you’ll need to season the patties.
- Creamy Peanut Butter – The secret ingredient that makes these burgers extra special. Any brand works, but do get the creamy kind, so it spreads easily.
- Sharp Cheddar – The most classic burger topping there is.
- Maple-Flavored Bacon – The second most classic burger topping there is.
- Burger Buns – Use any type of bun or bread. Totally your call.
Tips for the Best Burger
- Want to make your burger extra moist? Slather some mayo on the bottom bun. Okay, I know mayo and peanut butter sounds like a weird combo. I was a bit hesitant about it, too, but I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor.
- There’s already peanut butter in your burger, so why not go all-in by adding your favorite jelly? PB&J burger for the win.
- Speaking of flavor combos, you know what else tastes great with peanut butter? Bananas. Yep. Go ahead, top that patty with a few banana slices. These ideas are getting stranger and stranger, but trust me, they all work like magic.
- Do not season the beef before shaping. Too much mixing will cause its juices to leak out, giving you dry burgers. That’s why it’s much better to season it once it’s been shaped into patties, not prior.
- For safety, use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. It should read at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Shape the patties at least an inch bigger than the buns because they’ll shrink as they cook.
- Make an indentation in the center for perfectly shaped patties that don’t swell in the middle.
- Once the patties are on the grill, leave them be! Do not be tempted to press down with a spatula to cook them faster. This will only cause the juices to ooze out. You want the juices in the patties, not on the grill!
- Let the patties rest for 5 minutes before digging in. This will allow them time to re-absorb their juices.
The Best Beef for Burgers
The best cut of beef for burgers is ground chuck, followed by cross rib roast and sirloin roast.
The more important thing to keep in mind is the meat-to-fat ratio, which should be 80% to 20%.
That said, you’ll want to pick meat with a nice marbling or has enough fat on the outside. You can also add 30% to 50% beef brisket for flavor.
Also, if you’re really serious about your burgers, I suggest you grind your own beef. It’s extra work, but it yields significantly better patties.
The thing about ground beef from the supermarket is, while it’s cheap, you’ll also have no idea what cut of beef goes in there.
When you’re in luck, it’s good, but more often than not, it’s not that flavorful and can be very spongy.
The Best Buns to Use
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with classic or sesame seed buns, but if you want more excitement to your burger experience, give any of these a try:
- Potato Buns – They’re ridiculously soft yet sturdy enough to handle a patty. It’s full of flavor, too.
- English Muffins – An odd choice, but it’s perfect if you’re having your burger for breakfast.
- Pub-style Buns – They’re tall, tender, and will make gourmet-looking burgers.
- Brioche Buns – A sweet contrast to the savory patty. They have an amazing texture, too!
- Wheat Buns – A healthier option for weight watchers.
- Pretzel Buns – They’re dense and can hold the patty, sauces, and condiments well without turning soggy.