Sriracha Peanut Butter Bacon Smash Burgers Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of flavor, consider lightly toasting the brioche buns with a small amount of butter before spreading the sauce. This adds a subtle richness and ensures the bun remains sturdy against the sauce.

If you prefer a more intense bacon flavor, you can crumble the crispy bacon over the cheese rather than layering the strips. This distributes the bacon more evenly across the surface of the patty, ensuring you get a bit of crunch in every single bite you take.

When whisking the sriracha peanut butter sauce, if you find it is becoming too thick, add a tiny amount of warm water, half a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency.

This sauce is quite versatile and can also be used as a dip for sweet potato fries or as a spread for other types of sandwiches. Always taste your sauce before assembling; if you want more heat, feel free to add a little more sriracha to suit your personal preference for spiciness.

Variations

• Spicy Thai Burger: Add a tablespoon of fresh lime juice and a pinch of chopped cilantro to the peanut butter sauce to give it a bright, Thai-inspired citrus kick that cuts through the richness.
• Extra Crunch Burger: Top the burger with thinly sliced pickled cucumbers or fresh radish slices after adding the sauce to provide a refreshing, crisp texture that balances the savory beef perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat the patty in a skillet over low heat until warmed through before assembling.

Reheat

Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through to 160°F (71°C). Toast fresh buns for the best texture.

If you have leftovers, allow the burgers to cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator, ensuring they sit at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. Wrap each burger tightly in parchment paper or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Store any remaining sauce separately in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, where it will hold its texture and flavor well for up to 3 days.

You can prepare the sriracha peanut butter sauce up to two days in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. The bacon can also be cooked ahead of time and stored in a container lined with paper towels; simply reheat it in a dry skillet for a minute before using it to regain its crispness. Pre-portioning the beef patties and keeping them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook will save significant time during the meal preparation.

Serving ideas

Serve these burgers immediately while the patties are hot and the cheese is still molten. The contrast between the warm, savory burger and the slightly sweet, spicy sauce is at its peak right after assembly.

Because these burgers are quite rich, they pair exceptionally well with a side of crisp, acidic slaw or a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette. These sides help to cleanse the palate between bites and complement the deep, savory flavors of the beef and bacon combination perfectly.

For a complete gastropub-style meal, consider serving the burgers alongside some lightly salted vegetable sticks or a side of oven-roasted potatoes. The goal is to provide a refreshing, crunchy accompaniment that contrasts with the soft, decadent texture of the smash burger.

Ensure that you have plenty of napkins on hand, as the combination of the molten cheese and the glossy peanut butter sauce makes for an indulgent and slightly messy eating experience that is best enjoyed without formality.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Sriracha Peanut Butter Bacon Smash Burgers

Prep 10 minCook 10 minTotal 20 minServes 2

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp creamy roasted peanut butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp warm water
• 4 strips crispy applewood bacon
• 2 ground beef patties (4 ounces each)
• 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 brioche buns, toasted

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the creamy roasted peanut butter, honey, sriracha, and warm water. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it reaches a silky, smooth consistency. Set the sauce aside until you are ready to assemble the burgers.
2. Cook the applewood bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are perfectly crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels. Keep the pan hot for the burger patties.
3. Heat your cast iron skillet to 450°F (232°C). Place the beef patties onto the hot surface and smash them firmly with a heavy spatula to create a thin, wide patty. Sear for 2 minutes until a dark, flavorful crust forms on the bottom.
4. Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each. Allow the cheese to melt fully while the bottom side finishes cooking to 160°F (71°C). Layer two strips of crispy bacon over the bubbling cheese on each patty.
5. Toast the brioche buns until lightly golden. Spread a generous amount of the prepared sriracha peanut butter sauce onto both sides of the toasted buns. Place the cheesy, bacon-topped patty onto the bottom bun and close with the top bun. Serve immediately while warm.

Contains: gluten, eggs, peanuts, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

680

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

48 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.