Pineapple Bacon Burger BBQ

Pineapple bacon burgers combine juicy beef, tangy pineapple, and smoky bacon to create a tropical twist on a classic favorite. These burgers are oven baked so you can skip the grill and still enjoy crisp bacon and caramelized pineapple every time you crave something savory sweet. This recipe has become my answer for backyard cravings on rainy nights when no one wants to stand outside by the grill.

I whipped up these burgers one summer evening when I had leftover fresh pineapple and not much else in the fridge. Now my family requests them even in the dead of winter because nobody can resist that sweet bacon wrapped bite.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef 93 percent fat: keeps burgers juicy but not greasy always choose beef bright in color with a clean scent
• Smoky style barbecue sauce: adds layers of flavor look for a thick barbecue sauce with real smoke notes I love using Sweet Baby Rays
• Salt and black pepper: bring out all the meaty notes opt for freshly ground pepper and kosher salt for best taste
• Smoked bacon: delivers that crave worthy crunch and flavor choose medium thickness regular cut bacon so it gets crispy but wraps easily
• Fresh pineapple slices: brighten the burger with fruity tartness I always reach for ripe pineapple its shell golden and yielding slightly to the touch
• Bakery style burger buns: sturdy enough to hold all the toppings without getting soggy I grab brioche buns for their pillowy texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line a large rimmed sheet with foil and place an oven safe rack on top this keeps burgers lifted for superior browning and easy cleanup

Mix the Beef:

In a big bowl gently mix the ground beef with two tablespoons of barbecue sauce salt and pepper do not overwork the meat or the burgers will turn tough

Shape the Patties:

Divide the meat into four equal pieces shape each into a patty about three and a half inches wide and half an inch thick lay out all four so you can build easily

Wrap in Bacon and Top with Pineapple:

Lay two bacon slices in a crisscross X pattern on a tray set a beef patty in the center and crown it with a slice of pineapple fold the bacon up over everything securing with a toothpick through the center where the bacon crosses

Assemble and Arrange:

Transfer each bacon wrapped burger to the prepared baking rack finish wrapping all four patties in the same way with their pineapple and bacon

Oven Bake and Glaze:

Slide the baking tray into the hot oven bake for fifteen minutes then pull out and brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the top of the bacon finish baking for ten to fifteen more minutes until an instant read thermometer shows one hundred sixty degrees for safe doneness with no pink in the middle

Toast the Buns:

While the burgers bake toast the buns if you want them extra crisp and golden

Rest and Serve:

Let the burgers rest on the sheet for five minutes so juices can redistribute the bacon will set and stay crisp when serving stack onto buns with any extra toppings you like

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Pineapple is always the star here my kids insist on doubling up the pineapple rings for an even juicier bite that soaks up barbecue flavor. The combination of sweet sticky glaze with crisp bacon is now legendary at our family barbecues—no grill required.

Storage Tips

Once baked and cooled leftover burgers will keep in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat place in a warm oven for ten minutes until the bacon is sizzling again and the cheese if using is melty. Skip the microwave since it can turn the bacon rubbery and the buns soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

No fresh pineapple on hand canned pineapple rings work well just be sure to pat them dry before using so your burgers do not get watery. For a different barbecue note try honey barbecue or hickory brown sugar sauce. If you prefer turkey or chicken swap out the ground beef and adjust cook time to reach a safe temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Pile on leaf lettuce slices of tomato or a sharp cheddar cheese for a heartier burger. A thin layer of mayonnaise or extra barbecue sauce on the buns really ties everything together. Pair these burgers with crispy sweet potato fries or a cool coleslaw for a summer style meal any time.

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Cultural Context

Hawaiian inspired burgers like this shot to fame when sweet and savory flavor combos began appearing in American backyard grilling during the twentieth century. The magic lies in combining smoky salty bacon with the tropical zing of pineapple—a pairing everyone loves for both family gatherings and casual cookouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the burgers juicy in the oven?

Mixing barbecue sauce into the beef and not overworking the meat helps retain moisture. Wrapping with bacon and letting them rest after baking also keeps them juicy.

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple rings packed in juice work well. Just ensure they are patted dry before assembling to avoid excess moisture.

→ What type of bacon is best?

Standard or center cut smoked bacon crisps up best. Thick-cut bacon may not cook through or crisp properly in the given time.

→ How do I know when the burgers are cooked?

Use an instant read thermometer; burgers are well done at 160°F with clear juices. Adjust cooking time for medium doneness.

→ What toppings go well with these burgers?

Leaf lettuce, sliced onion, cheddar cheese, or mayonnaise complement the sweet and smoky flavors beautifully.