Hawaiian Burgers

Hawaiian Burgers combine juicy seasoned beef patties with grilled pineapple, crispy bacon, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy homemade burger sauce. The balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors makes them perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or an easy weekend meal.

This post contains affiliate links

Cook these burgers outside on the grill or indoors in a cast-iron skillet, then serve them on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Every bite delivers caramelized pineapple, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a tender beef patty.

Complete your summer cookout menu with our Mexican Street Corn Salad or refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad.

What Are Hawaiian Burgers?

Hawaiian burgers are beef burgers topped with grilled pineapple and other sweet-and-savory ingredients such as bacon, cheese, and a flavorful sauce. Unlike a standard cheeseburger, the pineapple adds juicy sweetness and caramelized flavor that balances the rich beef and smoky bacon.

This version uses seasoned 80/20 ground beef, Swiss cheese, crisp bacon, grilled pineapple, fresh vegetables, and a creamy barbecue-Dijon sauce. You can cook the burgers outdoors on the grill or indoors in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan.

How Do Hawaiian Burgers Taste?

Every bite offers a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. The beef patty is juicy and savory, while the grilled pineapple adds bursts of natural sweetness that become even richer as the fruit caramelizes. Crispy bacon contributes smoky flavor, and melted Swiss or provolone cheese adds a creamy finish that ties everything together.

The fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion provide a refreshing crunch that keeps the burger from feeling too heavy. Toasted buns add just enough crispness while soaking up the burger juices without becoming soggy. The result is a satisfying burger that feels hearty, balanced, and full of flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly.
2. Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
3. Great for grilling or stovetop cooking.
4. Family-friendly and perfect for entertaining.
5. Easily customized with your favorite toppings.

You May Also Like These Recipes

• Easy BBQ Meatballs Recipe
• Oven Roasted Baby Red Potatoes Recipe
• Refreshing Beer Mimosas

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20) - creates juicy, flavorful burger patties.
• 1 teaspoon salt - enhances the flavor of the beef.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper - adds mild seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder - provides savory depth.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder - complements the beef.
• 4 brioche or hamburger buns - hold all the delicious fillings together.
• 4 slices Swiss cheese - melt beautifully over the burgers.
• 4 pineapple rings - add signature sweetness and caramelized flavor.
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp - contribute smoky crunch.
• 4 lettuce leaves - add freshness.
• 4 tomato slices - provide juicy texture.
• 4 red onion slices - offer a mild bite.
• 2 tablespoons butter - for toasting the buns.

Burger Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise - creates a creamy base.
• 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce - adds smoky sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - balances the richness.
• 1 teaspoon honey - complements the pineapple.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or outdoor grill
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs
• Instant-read thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties
   Combine the ground beef with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined, then divide into four equal portions. Shape each into a patty slightly larger than the buns, making a small indentation in the center to help prevent shrinking.
2. Make the Burger Sauce
   In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth. Refrigerate while preparing the burgers.
3. Cook the Bacon
   Cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. Grill the Pineapple
   Place the pineapple rings on the grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the sugars begin to caramelize.
5. Cook the Burgers
   Cook the burger patties over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and allow it to melt.
6. Toast the Buns
   Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them until lightly golden.
7. Assemble the Burgers
   Spread the burger sauce on both halves of each bun. Add lettuce, tomato, the cheeseburger patty, bacon, grilled pineapple, red onion, and finish with the top bun.
8. Serve
   Serve immediately with fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or fresh fruit.

Tips for Best Results

• Use ground beef with 20% fat for the juiciest burgers.
• Avoid pressing the patties while cooking to keep them moist.
• Grill the pineapple until lightly caramelized for the best flavor.
• Toast the buns to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Let the burgers rest for 2 to 3 minutes before assembling.
• Drain canned pineapple thoroughly. Excess liquid can prevent the pineapple from caramelizing and may make the burger soggy.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover burger patties, bacon, and pineapple separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep fresh vegetables and buns separate so they stay crisp and fresh.

Cooked burger patties can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Assemble the burgers with fresh toppings for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Swap Swiss cheese for provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack.
• Replace bacon with turkey bacon if preferred.
• Use brioche buns for extra richness or whole wheat buns for added fiber.
• Substitute maple syrup for honey in the burger sauce.
• Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
• Burger sauce: Replace the barbecue sauce in the homemade burger sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, more traditional pineapple-burger variation.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 740
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 47g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 13g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Keyword: Hawaiian Burgers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hawaiian Burgers ahead of time?
Yes. Form the burger patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.

What cheese works best?
Swiss cheese is traditional, but provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar are all excellent choices.

Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes. Drain the pineapple well before grilling so it caramelizes properly.

Can these burgers be cooked indoors?
Absolutely. A cast-iron skillet or grill pan works very well.

What sides go well with Hawaiian Burgers?
French fries, sweet potato fries, macaroni salad, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and grilled corn are all great choices.

Can I freeze the cooked patties?
Yes. Freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

How do I keep burgers juicy?
Use 80/20 ground beef, mix the meat only until combined, and avoid pressing the patties while they cook. Cook them only until the centers reach 160°F, then allow them to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before assembling.

Can I add more toppings?
Definitely. Avocado, jalapeños, caramelized onions, or barbecue sauce all taste wonderful on these burgers.

Can I use teriyaki sauce on Hawaiian burgers?

Yes. You can replace the barbecue sauce in the burger sauce with teriyaki sauce or brush a small amount directly onto the patties during the final minute of cooking. This creates a sweeter, more pineapple-forward flavor.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a burger that combines familiar comfort with bright, tropical flavors, these Hawaiian Burgers are a recipe worth keeping. They're easy enough for a family dinner yet impressive enough for your next backyard barbecue. The sweet grilled pineapple, smoky bacon, and juicy beef create a combination that everyone will remember.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like:

• LongHorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe
• Southern Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Creamy Deli-Style Macaroni Salad