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Pineapple Bacon Burgers bring together smoky bacon and juicy pineapple for a burger that hits every note sweet salty smoky and savory all in one bite My whole family looks forward to burger night thanks to these
My kids always ask for seconds and love helping build their own burgers This started as a summer experiment but quickly became a year-round dinner favorite in my house
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: ninety three percent lean makes the burger juicy without too much fat check for fresh bright red meat at the butcher counter
- Smoky barbecue sauce: adds zesty flavor and a touch of sweetness I recommend sticking with a classic brand like Sweet Baby Rays for best consistency
- Salt: brings out all the savory notes
- Black pepper: adds gentle heat and depth
- Smoked bacon: is key for that unmistakable flavor look for thick-cut slices with lots of marbling for better taste
- Fresh pineapple: brings bursts of juiciness and sweet tang aim for ripe fruit with a golden glow and sweet aroma plus remove the core for best texture
- Bakery style burger buns: support all the toppings and lock in juices a brioche bun adds buttery richness and holds together well
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix and Season the Beef:
- Gently combine ground beef barbecue sauce salt and pepper in a large bowl use clean hands and stop mixing as soon as it looks mostly blended to prevent dry burgers
- Shape the Patties:
- Make four equal patties about three and a half inches wide and half an inch thick try to keep them as even as possible so they all cook at the same pace
- Wrap with Bacon and Pineapple:
- Lay two slices of bacon in an X on your board Place a patty in the center and top with a pineapple slice Fold bacon ends over the top so they criss-cross Secure with a toothpick through the center to keep everything in place
- Bake the Burgers:
- Arrange wrapped burgers on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet Bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen minutes Remove and brush bacon with more barbecue sauce Return to the oven and cook ten to fifteen minutes more until burgers reach one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit for well-done Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy burgers
- Toast the Buns:
- While burgers finish cooking toast your buns for one to two minutes in the oven or on a skillet just until golden and slightly crisp
- Rest and Serve:
- Let burgers rest five minutes on the sheet pan before assembling so juices redistribute Place each burger on a bun and add lettuce or favorite toppings as you wish
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I have always loved the unique combo of pineapple and bacon they never fail to remind me of a summer barbecue we hosted by the lake where every guest wanted the recipe It is now the most-requested burger variety in our home
Storage Tips
Leftover burgers last up to three days in the fridge Keep them wrapped in foil or airtight containers To reheat bake at three fifty degrees for about ten minutes or pop in the microwave briefly I find the burgers stay juicier reheated in the oven
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey or chicken breast can stand in for ground beef if you want to lighten things up If you do not have brioche buns any hearty roll will work Canned pineapple rings are fine in a pinch though the fresh ones offer the brightest flavor
Serving Suggestions
Pile on your favorite toppings like lettuce tomato crispy onions or a fiery jalapeño slice I sometimes slather a bit of garlic aioli on the bun for extra punch Pair these burgers with sweet potato fries or a tangy slaw for a balanced meal
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Cultural Context
The love for combining fruit and smoke is old school Hawaiian pizza started it all but pineapple bacon burgers bring that flavor into summer cookout territory Burgers like this show how classic American cookout food can blend unexpected global flavors
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you keep burgers juicy while baking?
Avoid overmixing the beef, and make sure to rest the burgers after baking to keep juices locked in.
- → Can pineapple be substituted or left out?
If you prefer, you can omit pineapple or swap it with grilled peaches for a different sweet note.
- → What barbecue sauce works best?
Any smoky barbecue sauce enhances flavor, but Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice for a rich, tangy glaze.
- → How do you know when the burgers are done?
Check for an internal temperature of 160°F for well-done, or reduce time for medium doneness.
- → What buns are recommended?
Brioche buns are ideal for their buttery softness and slight sweetness, complementing the burger’s flavors.
- → Any topping suggestions?
Add leaf lettuce, cheese, or grilled onions to personalize your burger, or enjoy it as is for pure flavor.