There’s something magical about the sweet-savory combination of juicy pineapple and crispy bacon on a burger that takes your backyard barbecue to the next level. This Pineapple Bacon Burger brings together tropical sweetness, smoky bacon, and a perfectly seasoned beef patty for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
I first created this recipe after a trip to Hawaii, where I fell in love with how tropical fruits complement savory dishes. The caramelized pineapple adds a subtle sweetness that balances the salty bacon and umami-rich beef. It’s become my go-to burger for summer gatherings when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why I Love These
These burgers perfectly balance sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite.
They come together in under an hour but taste like something from a gourmet burger restaurant.
I make these whenever I want to elevate a casual cookout into something memorable.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 fat ratio)
- 4 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce, divided (Sweet Baby Ray's or similar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 slices smoked bacon, uncooked
- 4 fresh pineapple slices, ½ inch thick with core removed
- 4 brioche-style burger buns
- Toothpicks for securing
How To Make
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Don't overwork the meat or the burgers will be tough.
- Divide the seasoned beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and shape into patties about 3½ inches in diameter and ½ inch thick.
- On a parchment-lined tray, lay 2 bacon slices in a criss-cross pattern (like an X). Place one burger patty in the center where the bacon crosses.
- Place a pineapple slice on top of the burger patty, then fold the bacon slices up and over, wrapping around the burger and pineapple. Secure with a toothpick through the center.
- Repeat the wrapping process with the remaining patties, pineapple slices, and bacon. Place all assembled burgers on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce over the bacon using a pastry brush.
- Return to oven and bake another 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F for well-done, or adjust timing for your preferred doneness.
- Remove burgers and let rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Meanwhile, toast the burger buns if desired.
- Carefully remove toothpicks and serve on toasted buns. Add lettuce, cheese, or other toppings as desired.
Nutrition
These Pineapple Bacon Burgers offer a balanced profile with protein from the beef patty and bacon, while the pineapple provides natural sugars, vitamin C, and manganese. This burger is higher in protein and satisfying fats, making it a filling meal option that provides sustained energy.
For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey, and opt for turkey bacon instead of pork. The pineapple adds natural sweetness without the need for additional sugars, and provides digestive enzymes that can help break down the protein in the meal.
This recipe contains common allergens like dairy (cheese) and gluten (buns). For dairy-free options, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Gluten-sensitive individuals can enjoy this burger with gluten-free buns or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
Tips & Variations
- Save time by cooking the bacon in advance and reheating it briefly before assembling the burgers.
- For a tropical twist, add a thin slice of avocado and substitute pepper jack cheese for the cheddar.
- Make it gluten-free by using lettuce wraps instead of buns and checking that your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.
Ways To Serve Them
- With sweet potato fries and a tangy coleslaw for a complete meal
- Alongside a fresh tropical fruit salad to complement the pineapple theme
- With grilled corn on the cob brushed with a lime-chili butter
- For a party, set up a DIY burger bar with additional toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, and different cheeses
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Store cooked patties separately from toppings and buns in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep the pineapple in its own container to prevent everything from becoming too soggy.
- Freezer: Cooked burger patties freeze well for up to 3 months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag. The assembled burgers with toppings don’t freeze well.
- Reheat: For best results, warm patties in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Microwave on 50% power if you’re in a hurry, but the texture won’t be as good. Assemble with fresh toppings after reheating.
Pineapple Bacon Burger
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 fat ratio)
- 4 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce, divided (Sweet Baby Ray's or similar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 slices smoked bacon, uncooked
- 4 fresh pineapple slices, ½ inch thick with core removed
- 4 brioche-style burger buns
- Toothpicks for securing
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Don't overwork the meat or the burgers will be tough.
- Divide the seasoned beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and shape into patties about 3½ inches in diameter and ½ inch thick.
- On a parchment-lined tray, lay 2 bacon slices in a criss-cross pattern (like an X). Place one burger patty in the center where the bacon crosses.
- Place a pineapple slice on top of the burger patty, then fold the bacon slices up and over, wrapping around the burger and pineapple. Secure with a toothpick through the center.
- Repeat the wrapping process with the remaining patties, pineapple slices, and bacon. Place all assembled burgers on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce over the bacon using a pastry brush.
- Return to oven and bake another 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F for well-done, or adjust timing for your preferred doneness.
- Remove burgers and let rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Meanwhile, toast the burger buns if desired.
- Carefully remove toothpicks and serve on toasted buns. Add lettuce, cheese, or other toppings as desired.