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Hawaiian BBQ Pineapple Cheeseburger

A juicy beef burger glazed with tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheese, grilled pineapple, and optional smoked ham—this tropical-inspired creation delivers sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in each bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for assembly)
  • 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 4 slices cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese
  • 4 burger buns (brioche or standard)
  • Optional: 4 slices smoked ham or Canadian bacon
  • Butter or oil, for toasting buns
  • Optional garnishes: lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, pickles

Instructions

  1. Form ground beef into 4 patties slightly wider than the buns. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Brush pineapple rings lightly with oil and grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until caramelized. Set aside.
  3. Grill patties over medium-high heat, brushing with BBQ sauce. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, basting again near the end.
  4. In the final minute of cooking, place a cheese slice and optional ham on each patty. Cover grill or pan briefly to melt cheese.
  5. Butter or oil the buns and toast cut sides on the grill or skillet until golden.
  6. Assemble burgers: Spread BBQ sauce on bottom bun, add the patty with cheese and ham, top with a grilled pineapple ring, and desired garnishes. Add top bun.
  7. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for best flavor; pat canned slices dry before grilling.
  • Pre-shape and chill patties up to a day ahead for convenience.
  • To make sliders, use smaller patties and buns and reduce cook time slightly.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free buns and BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian burger, pineapple burger, BBQ cheeseburger, tropical burger, grilled pineapple burger