Save Pin
Juicy pineapple and crispy beef bacon come together with a tender beef patty straight from the oven in this mouthwatering combo. There's a punchy hit of BBQ sauce and some crunchy lettuce that makes every bite super fresh and bold. It's the best pick for busy weekends or anytime you're after that classic grillhouse vibe but don't want to drag out the grill.
I whipped these up on movie night for my crew, and they totally vanished. Even my husband—huge beef bacon guy—and the pickiest eater joined in. Total win.
Tasty Ingredients
- Lettuce: brings crisp freshness Try crunchy romaine or iceberg, sliced up fine for max snap
- BBQ sauce: brings sweet smoky zing Use something with tang or make your own if you want to get fancy
- Burger buns: soft and sturdy, perfect for holding all the good stuff Brioche or anything fluffy works great
- Red onion: brings sharpness and crunch Grab a tight, glossy onion for best texture
- Pineapple slices: add juicy sweetness and a smoky char Pick firm, golden rounds—fresh or canned both work
- Black pepper: adds some background heat Freshly cracked gives the burger extra pop
- Garlic powder: brings a mellow, garlicky vibe Smell the jar—good ones will pack a punch
- Beef Bacon: crunchy, smoky, rich and thick-cut for bold bites
- Salt: simple but key for building that tasty crust Use kosher salt if you're fancy, otherwise whatever's handy
- Ground beef: juicy and binds together Like a blend with a little fat (ground chuck is great)
Easy Step-By-Step Guide
- Build the Burger:
- Pop open the buns, toast them if you want that extra crunch. Slather the bottoms with BBQ sauce, layer on crisp lettuce, then stack the patty, beef bacon, sweet pineapple, and some zingy red onion. Cap it all off with the top bun.
- Caramelize Pineapple:
- Scoot pineapple rings onto the paper with the baking patties during the last five minutes. Let them brown up and get warm. Those caramel bits add a whole new level of sweetness.
- Prep the Toppings:
- While the burgers bake, crisp up beef bacon in a pan on the stove. Get it super crunchy, then move it to some paper towels to drain. Save a drizzle of that tasty bacon fat on the side—it amps up flavor later.
- Shape and Bake Patties:
- Pat the beef into four thick rounds, about bun-size. Lay them out on parchment (so nothing sticks) and slide into a 375 oven for about 15 mins. They'll come out juicy with a nice brown color.
- Mix the Patty:
- Grab a bowl. Lightly combine beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don't overwork it or things get tough—just enough to bring the flavors together.
Save Pin
The first time I threw pineapple on a burger, I figured it was a silly idea. But after my little brother downed his first one, he just grinned. Now everyone demands them this way. It's the combo of smoky beef bacon and juicy pineapple that keeps folks coming back.
How To Store It
Stick your extra patties and beef bacon into a closed container in the fridge—they're good for about 3 days. Nuke 'em in the microwave or toss into a skillet when you're ready to eat. Keep your lettuce and pineapple separate so nothing gets soggy. Only build your burgers when you're ready to chow down or the buns will get mushy.
Swaps and Alternatives
Go with ground turkey or chicken if you want it lighter. You can double down on cheese—cheddar or pepper jack are gooey and tasty with that tang. Make your BBQ sauce as spicy or smoky as your crowd likes. If red onion's not your thing, pile on some crunchy pickles instead.
Save Pin
Serving Ideas
Crispy oven fries or a big green salad are awesome sides. Feeling a tropical mood? Grill up some corn and slap on chili lime butter. For parties, lay out all your toppings and let everyone stack their own monster burger.
Hawaiian Touch
Putting pineapple on burgers is a nod to how Hawaiians mix sweet and savory. This style pops up all over backyard BBQs in the islands. But here? You're baking it—so it's simple for weeknights. The BBQ sauce adds that campfire vibe to your table, no grill needed.
Common Questions
- → Can I pick either fresh or canned pineapple?
Yep, you can use whichever you like. Fresh pineapple has more bite, while canned is a bit sweeter.
- → What's the best way to keep burgers juicy in the oven?
Just mix the meat until combined and don't leave them in too long. This way, they'll stay tender and moist.
- → Can I swap in turkey instead of beef?
You definitely can! Ground turkey works well, just watch so it doesn't dry out—cook it a little less if needed.
- → When should BBQ sauce be added?
Brush BBQ sauce onto your buns right when you're putting everything together. That way, it soaks into the bread and keeps the patties juicy.
- → Is thick or thin bacon better for this?
Go with thick-cut bacon—it's less likely to get soggy and stays nice and crunchy.
- → Should I toast the buns first?
For sure! Toasted buns go a long way, keeping everything from getting soggy and adding a fun crunch.