Peanut Butter and Jelly Smash Burgers

This recipe is basically what happens when your childhood lunch meets your adult grilling skills, and honestly, it’s the kind of genius that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner.

The maple bourbon bacon jam is doing all the heavy lifting as your “jelly,” bringing sweet, smoky, boozy vibes that make regular grape jelly look like amateur hour.

We’re talking about 80/20 ground beef getting the full smash treatment on a screaming hot cast iron skillet, creating those crispy, caramelized edges that burger dreams are made of.

The peanut butter melts slightly from the heat of the fresh-off-the-grill patties, creating this creamy, nutty sauce that somehow makes perfect sense with the savory bacon jam.

Fair warning: this is the kind of burger that makes people stop mid-conversation and ask what that incredible smell is, followed immediately by “Can you make me one?”

You’re about to become the person who took a nostalgic flavor combo and turned it into the most talked-about burger at every cookout, and frankly, you deserve that kind of culinary street cred.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal fat content)
• ½ cup favorite BBQ seasoning

For the Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam

• 2 lbs sliced bacon, cubed
• 2 medium shallots, diced
• 1 .5 cups pure maple syrup
• 2 .5 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 .5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 oz bourbon

For Assembly

• Fresh peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• Sliced American cheese
• Burger buns (croissant buns preferred)

Instructions

Prep the Grill

1. 1 Preheat your grill using charcoal to medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C) for direct cooking. The coals should have a thin layer of ash but still glow red underneath, indicating optimal temperature for the bacon jam cooking phase.

Make the Bacon Jam

1. 2 Add a cast iron skillet to the grill grates and let it heat for 2 minutes until the surface is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately upon contact.
2. 3 Add your cubed bacon to the skillet and cook until rendered and golden brown (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. The bacon should release most of its fat and develop crispy edges while maintaining some chew.
3. 4 Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving exactly 1.5 tbsp of bacon fat in the skillet. Too much fat will make the jam greasy, while too little won’t provide enough flavor base for the aromatics.
4. 5 Add diced shallots to the hot bacon fat and brown for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The shallots should become translucent and fragrant.
5. 6 Carefully deglaze the skillet with 2 oz bourbon, standing back as it may flare briefly. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as these add crucial flavor depth to the jam.
6. 7 Add maple syrup, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the mixture thickens and turns dark amber brown (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally. The jam is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and drips slowly.
7. 8 Return the crispy bacon bits to the skillet and mix everything together until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool. The jam will thicken further as it cools and can be reheated gently before serving.

Make the Smash Burgers

1. 9 Reheat your grill to high heat (around 400°F/200°C) for direct cooking. You’ll need this higher temperature to achieve the proper searing on the burger patties.
2. 10 Gently roll the ground beef into 6-8 balls using approximately ¼ lb of meat per ball. Handle the meat as little as possible to prevent tough burgers – just enough to form loose balls that hold together.
3. 11 Place the cast iron skillet back on the grill and heat until it’s slightly smoking (about 450°F/230°C). An instant-read thermometer pointed at the skillet surface should read this temperature, or you can test by flicking a few drops of water that should sizzle and evaporate immediately.
4. 12 Place one burger ball in the center of the hot skillet, then immediately cover with parchment paper and press firmly with a wide spatula until the burger is completely “smashed” against the skillet surface. The thinner the better – aim for about ¼-inch thickness.
5. 13 Season the exposed side with BBQ seasoning and let cook for 1-2 minutes without moving. You’ll hear aggressive sizzling – this is creating the crucial caramelized crust that makes smash burgers special.
6. 14 Flip the patty carefully with a thin spatula, season the newly exposed side with more BBQ rub, and immediately top with a slice of American cheese. The cheese should begin melting from the residual heat of the patty.
7. 15 Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the second side develops a golden-brown crust. Remove to a plate and let rest briefly while repeating the process with remaining burger balls.

Assemble the Burgers

1. 16 Build each burger by spreading peanut butter on the bottom bun, adding 1-2 burger patties (depending on desired thickness), topping with warmed bacon jam, and finishing with the top bun. Serve immediately while the patties are still hot and the peanut butter is slightly melted.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

• Cast iron skillet – Critical for achieving the high heat needed for proper smash burger technique and even heat distribution for the bacon jam
• Wide metal spatula – A thin, wide spatula makes flipping delicate smashed patties much easier and prevents breaking
• Instant-read thermometer – Helps monitor both grill temperature and skillet surface temperature for optimal cooking conditions
• Parchment paper – Creates a barrier when smashing patties, preventing sticking and ensuring even pressure distribution

Helpful Upgrades

• Digital kitchen scale – Ensures consistent burger sizes by weighing each portion to exactly ¼ pound for uniform cooking
• Grill plancha or griddle – If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a flat-top surface gives similar results for smash burgers
• Heat-resistant gloves – Makes handling the hot cast iron skillet over open flames much safer and more comfortable

Nice-to-Have Options

Bench scraper – Useful for transferring diced ingredients and keeping your cutting board organized during prep

Silicone spatula – Perfect for stirring the bacon jam without scratching your cast iron surface

Multiple mixing bowls – Helps keep ingredients organized and makes the cooking process more efficient

Remember, these tools enhance your cooking experience but aren’t absolutely mandatory – you can adapt with what you have in your kitchen!

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

• Replace regular burger buns with gluten-free hamburger buns or large portobello mushroom caps
• Verify your BBQ seasoning is gluten-free, as some blends contain wheat-based anti-caking agents
• Consider lettuce wraps for an ultra-low-carb, naturally gluten-free option

Dairy-Free Modifications

• Substitute dairy-free cheese slices made from cashew or coconut base
• Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter if tree nut allergies are a concern
• Many American cheese alternatives now melt beautifully and provide similar creamy texture

Alternative Protein Options

• Ground turkey or chicken (85/15 blend) works well but requires gentler handling and slightly longer cooking time
• Plant-based ground meat can be smashed similarly, though it won’t develop quite the same crust
• Ground lamb with Mediterranean seasonings creates an interesting fusion variation

Bacon Jam Variations

• Maple turkey bacon reduces fat content while maintaining smoky flavor
• Add diced jalapeños during the shallot cooking phase for heat
• Replace bourbon with apple cider for a family-friendly version
• Vegetarian “bacon” bits with liquid smoke can create a plant-based jam

Different Nut Butter Options

• Almond butter provides a more subtle, sophisticated flavor
• Cashew butter offers ultra-creamy texture that melts beautifully
• Sunflower seed butter for nut-free households

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

Each serving provides approximately 850-950 calories with a substantial 45-50g protein from the ground beef and nuts. The 80/20 ground beef delivers complete amino acids essential for muscle maintenance, while providing iron, zinc, and B-vitamins crucial for energy metabolism. The bacon jam contributes additional protein but also increases sodium content significantly.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Ground beef provides heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than plant-based iron sources, supporting healthy red blood cell formation. Peanut butter delivers healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and niacin, plus plant-based protein that complements the animal protein. Pure maple syrup contains antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc, though it should be consumed in moderation due to natural sugar content.

Shallots provide quercetin and sulfur compounds that support cardiovascular health and have anti-inflammatory properties. The balsamic vinegar adds acetic acid, which may help with blood sugar regulation when consumed with higher-carb foods.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free except for the buns and contains dairy, nuts, and significant sodium. The high protein content makes it suitable for active individuals and muscle-building diets. Consider this a special occasion meal due to calorie density, and pair with lighter sides like grilled vegetables to balance the richness.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

• Ground beef → Ground turkey (85/15) using same cooking method but adding 1-2 extra minutes cooking time
• Bourbon → Apple juice or beef broth for alcohol-free bacon jam with similar depth
• Maple syrup → Honey or brown sugar dissolved in water, though flavor will be less complex
• American cheese → Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for different flavor profiles

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

• Bacon → Turkey bacon or ham pieces to reduce cost while maintaining smoky flavor
• Fresh shallots → Yellow onion (use half the amount) for similar aromatic base
• Pure maple syrup → Pancake syrup though you’ll lose some complexity
• Croissant buns → Standard hamburger buns or brioche for similar richness

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

• BBQ seasoning → Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika mixed in equal parts
• Balsamic vinegar → Apple cider vinegar plus 1 tsp brown sugar for similar acidity and sweetness
• Peanut butter → Any nut or seed butter you have on hand
• Cast iron skillet → Heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan preheated thoroughly

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

• When using leaner ground meat, add 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking
• Store homemade bacon jam in refrigerator for up to one week and reheat gently before serving
• Freeze extra bacon jam in ice cube trays for perfect single-serving portions

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

• Replace burger buns → Large lettuce leaves, grilled portobello caps, or cauliflower rounds to eliminate 25-30g carbs per serving
• Reduce maple syrup → Use sugar-free maple syrup or reduce quantity to 3/4 cup cutting approximately 15g carbs per serving
• Limit bacon jam portion → Use 2 tbsp instead of 1/4 cup to control both carbs and sodium

Smart Portion Control:

• Serve single patty burgers instead of double to reduce overall calorie load
• Pair with large mixed salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar to add fiber and nutrients
• Use 2 tbsp peanut butter total rather than generous spreading to control calories while maintaining flavor

Blood Sugar Management Tips:

• Eat protein first – consume a few bites of the burger patty before the bun to help slow glucose absorption
• Add fiber-rich sides like grilled asparagus or Brussels sprouts to help moderate blood sugar response
• Time this meal after physical activity when insulin sensitivity is naturally higher

Modified Nutritional Profile:

With lettuce wrap substitution and reduced bacon jam, estimated carbs drop to 12-15g per serving compared to original 35-40g, making this much more suitable for diabetes management while maintaining the essential flavors.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A bold IPA or porter complements the rich, smoky bacon jam while cutting through the peanut butter’s richness. For wine lovers, a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Malbec matches the burger’s intensity. Bourbon-based cocktails echo the bacon jam’s flavor profile beautifully. Non-alcoholic options include cold brew coffee, root beer, or iced tea with a splash of apple cider vinegar for palate cleansing.

Side Dish Recommendations

Crispy sweet potato fries provide textural contrast and complement the sweet-savory flavor profile. Grilled corn with lime and chili powder adds brightness and cuts the richness. Coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing provides cooling crunch and acidity. Grilled asparagus or zucchini offers a lighter vegetable component that won’t compete with the bold burger flavors.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers to continue the theme, serve the burgers as the main event, and finish with grilled peach cobbler for a complementary sweet ending. For casual entertaining, set up a DIY burger bar with various toppings alongside the signature peanut butter and bacon jam combination.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for weekend cookouts, game day gatherings, or summer entertaining when you want to serve something memorable. These burgers work beautifully for Father’s Day celebrations or backyard birthday parties where bold flavors are appreciated. The make-ahead bacon jam makes this ideal for planned entertaining since much of the work can be done in advance.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Smash Burger Secrets

Never press burgers after the initial smash – this squeezes out precious juices and prevents proper crust formation. Use cold ground beef straight from the refrigerator for easier handling and better texture contrast. Season aggressively since much of the seasoning stays on the cooking surface rather than penetrating the meat.

Bacon Jam Mastery

The jam should coat a spoon but still flow – if it becomes too thick, thin with a splash of bourbon or apple juice. Make it ahead as flavors develop and improve over 24 hours. If the jam seems too sweet, add an extra ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar to balance the flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Bacon jam keeps refrigerated for one week and can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Cooked burger patties can be stored for 2-3 days and reheated in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prepare bacon jam up to three days in advance and portion ground beef into balls the morning of cooking, storing covered in the refrigerator. Toast buns lightly just before assembly to prevent sogginess from the peanut butter and jam.

Scaling for Crowds

This recipe doubles or triples easily – use multiple cast iron skillets for faster cooking when feeding a crowd. Keep cooked patties warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the remaining batches.

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Smash Burgers represent the perfect marriage of childhood nostalgia and sophisticated grilling technique, creating a burger experience that’s both familiar and completely unexpected. The combination of crispy-edged smash burger patties, rich maple bourbon bacon jam, and creamy peanut butter creates layers of flavor and texture that will have your guests talking long after the last bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with approachable techniques that any home cook can master.