Pineapple Bacon Burger
Juicy, smoky, sweet, and savory all in one bite—this Pineapple Bacon Burger is the ultimate summer indulgence. A flavorful beef patty seasoned with smoky barbecue sauce, topped with crispy bacon, and a juicy pineapple slice, all nestled in a soft, buttery brioche bun. This burger is everything you crave in one glorious package!
Introduction
This Pineapple Bacon Burger was born from my love for combining unexpected flavors. One evening, I was grilling burgers and decided to add a slice of pineapple for a sweet twist. I couldn’t stop there, so I threw on some smoky bacon and brushed on my favorite barbecue sauce. The result was nothing short of perfection. The combination of savory, smoky, sweet, and a touch of tang from the pineapple made this burger an instant family favorite. Now, it’s a regular at our cookouts, and I guarantee it will become a favorite in your home too. If you’re looking for more grilling tips and burger inspiration, check out Serious Eats’ guide to perfect burgers.
🟩 Why This Is So Good
- Smoky and juicy beef patty – The lean ground beef mixed with barbecue sauce gives the patty an incredible depth of flavor and a smoky undertone.
- Crispy, salty bacon – The bacon adds a satisfying crunch and saltiness that balances out the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Sweet, caramelized pineapple – Grilled pineapple brings a juicy sweetness and a touch of caramelization that elevates this burger to the next level.
- Soft, buttery brioche buns – These buns provide the perfect base, soaking up all the flavors while staying soft and rich.
I first made this burger on a lazy Saturday afternoon when we were grilling with friends. I had some leftover pineapple and bacon in the fridge and thought, why not put them together? The mix of flavors was so irresistible that everyone asked for the recipe before the evening was over. Now, it’s a regular go-to when we want something flavorful and a little bit different. For more burger inspiration, check out this guide from Serious Eats..
🟩 Getting Your Ingredients Right
- Lean ground beef – A 93%-7% fat ratio is perfect for a juicy burger that holds together without being too greasy.
- Barbecue sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s Original is my go-to for its perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness, but feel free to use your favorite smoky barbecue sauce.
- Bacon – Use good-quality smoked bacon for that deep, rich flavor. Thin-sliced bacon crisps up nicely, but thicker slices will give you a heartier bite.
- Pineapple – Fresh pineapple works best for grilling, as it caramelizes beautifully and gives a nice contrast to the rich burger. Make sure to remove the core before grilling.
- Buns – Brioche buns are the best choice here because they’re buttery and soft, making them perfect for holding all the delicious toppings without falling apart.
For a great barbecue sauce, I recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s Original, but any smoky variety will work.
🟩 Making It Step by Step
Prepare the Beef Patties
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
Cook the Bacon
2. Place the uncooked bacon slices on a baking sheet and brush them with 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce. Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and caramelized. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Grill the Pineapple
3. While the bacon is cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until they have nice grill marks and become slightly caramelized. Set aside.
Grill the Burgers
4. Place the beef patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium, or longer if you prefer them more well done. Avoid pressing the patties down, as this releases the juices and makes them dry.
Toast the Buns
5. Lightly butter the insides of the brioche buns and toast them on the grill until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. This will give them a crispy, buttery texture that holds up well to the juicy toppings.
Assemble the Burgers
6. Place the grilled patties on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Top each patty with a slice of grilled pineapple, two pieces of crispy bacon, and the top bun. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
🟩 Making Sure It Turns Out
- Don’t overwork the beef – Gently mix the ingredients into the beef to avoid tough patties.
- Watch the bacon – It can burn quickly, especially with the barbecue sauce on it. Make sure to flip it halfway through cooking.
- Grill the pineapple just right – You want the pineapple to have some caramelization without becoming mushy. Aim for grill marks and a little crisp on the edges.
- Check the beef temperature – For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
The first time I made this, I didn’t grill the pineapple enough, and it was too raw for my taste. Now I make sure to get those beautiful grill marks on both sides and that caramelized sweetness. It really makes the burger shine.
🟩 Perfect Serving Ideas
These Pineapple Bacon Burgers are perfect on their own, but I recommend serving them with some crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple side salad. A cold beer or a fruity cocktail, like a mojito or pineapple margarita, pairs beautifully with this burger for a summer vibe.
🟩 Making It Different
- Cheese lovers – Add a slice of melted cheddar or Swiss cheese on top of the patty for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy version – Add a few slices of jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy barbecue sauce to heat things up.
- Vegan version – Use a plant-based patty like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger and swap the bacon for crispy tempeh or vegan bacon for a tasty meat-free alternative.
🟩 Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftover patties, bacon, or pineapple, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat the beef patties on the grill or in a skillet, and the bacon can be reheated in the oven to retain its crispiness. For leftover pineapple, you can enjoy it cold in salads or smoothies.
🟩 Tips That Actually Help
- Grill in batches – If you’re making multiple burgers, grill the patties and pineapple in batches so you don’t overcrowd the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer – To get the perfect burger, use a meat thermometer to check the doneness.
- Don’t skip the toasting – Toasting the buns in butter gives them a rich, golden flavor that enhances the burger.
The first time I grilled these, I didn’t toast the buns enough, and they got soggy from the sauce. Now, I toast them perfectly golden to keep the texture just right.
Closing Paragraph
This Pineapple Bacon Burger is a total game-changer, with the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s quickly become a favorite in our house and a staple for summer cookouts. With its juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, and caramelized pineapple, this burger is everything you could want and more. I can’t wait for you to try it—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.
→ Can I use a different kind of pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is best for grilling, but if you only have canned, drain and pat it dry before grilling.
→ Can I make this burger without bacon?
Yes! You can skip the bacon for a lighter version or use turkey bacon for a healthier alternative.
→ How do I know when the burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
→ Can I add cheese to this burger?
Absolutely! A slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese would be delicious on top of the beef patty.
Pineapple Bacon Burger
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Pineapple Bacon Burger Recipe
Description
A smoky, juicy burger with crispy bacon, sweet grilled pineapple, and a rich barbecue sauce, all served on a buttery brioche bun—this Pineapple Bacon Burger is a must-try!
Ingredients
→ For the burger
1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7% fat ratio)
4 tablespoons bottled smoky style barbecue sauce, divided
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 slices smoked bacon, uncooked
4 slices fresh pineapple, ½ inch thick with core removed
4 bakery style burger buns, Brioche style
Instructions
- Mix beef, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
- Cook bacon, brushing with barbecue sauce halfway through.
- Grill pineapple until caramelized.
- Grill patties until desired doneness.
- Toast buns with butter until golden.
- Assemble with patty, grilled pineapple, and bacon.
Notes
For extra flavor, melt cheese on top of the patties.
If you like spice, add some jalapeños.
Make ahead and store patties, bacon, and pineapple separately for up to 2 days.
