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Nothing says summer quite like firing up the grill for homemade Hawaiian burgers. These are the burgers that mark the official start of grilling at my house and every time I make them the tropical flavors put everyone right in a vacation mood. Juicy beef patties get topped with a creamy sweet heat sauce, gooey cheese, charred pineapple, and crisp veggies for a bite that tastes like sunshine.
I put these together on a whim for the first barbecue of spring and now they are always the first thing requested when we set up the grill again. Every single time someone new tries them they are blown away by how the pineapple and teriyaki make the burger unforgettable.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: brings creaminess to the sauce look for full-fat for best flavor
- Teriyaki sauce: adds tang sweet and umami richness choose one with natural ingredients if possible
- Honey: balances heat and brings a floral note try local for best flavor
- Cayenne pepper: gives a little kick use freshly ground if available for more aroma
- Canned pineapple rings: the star that adds juicy sweetness reach for pineapple canned in juice not syrup
- Large red bell pepper: adds mellow sweet crunch firm peppers with shiny skin are best
- Ground beef: forms the juicy base choose 80 20 for balance of flavor and tenderness
- Salt and pepper: heightens all the flavors use freshly cracked for best impact
- Provolone cheese: melts beautifully and brings mild tang go for slices cut at the deli
- Butter: makes those buns golden and flavorful use a good-quality butter for best results
- Onion rolls: pillowy and scented with onion go for bakery-fresh or homemade
- Red onion: sliced thin for a little bite and crunch look for deeply colored bulbs
- Green lettuce leaves: give cool freshness choose sturdy leaves like romaine for crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix mayonnaise teriyaki sauce honey and cayenne together in a small bowl until totally smooth. Set aside so flavors meld while you work.
- Grill the Pineapple and Peppers:
- Heat a grill or heavy pan over medium-high. Place pineapple rings and bell pepper rings right on the grates or surface. Grill just until deep char marks appear about two to three minutes each side. This caramelizes the sugars for maximum flavor.
- Shape and Season the Patties:
- In a large bowl gently combine the ground beef salt and pepper using a light touch to keep them tender. Form into four even patties making them a bit wider than your buns because they shrink as they cook.
- Grill the Burgers:
- Place patties on the grill or skillet over medium heat. Leave them alone to build a seared crust about four to five minutes. Flip gently. Drizzle with a splash of teriyaki sauce for extra punch and top with provolone cheese. Cover grill or tent skillet and let cook another four minutes so the cheese melts and burgers cook through.
- Toast the Rolls:
- Butter the cut sides of each onion roll. Set them butter-side down on a griddle or clean skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp. This step makes the burgers restaurant quality.
- Assemble the Hawaiian Burgers:
- Spread a little prepared sauce on both sides of each roll. Layer on a cheesy burger patty followed by two grilled pineapple rings bell pepper rings red onion slices and green lettuce. Press the top bun down gently. Serve right away with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
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The pineapple is my personal favorite part here because it reminds me so much of family vacations. My kids always help with arranging the toppings and love competing for the most perfectly grilled pineapple ring. Running out of pineapple is a real concern every single time.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers keep the components separate in airtight containers. The sauce stays good in the fridge for up to four days the grilled pineapple and peppers also hold up well for a couple days. Reheat burgers gently over low heat or microwave in short bursts to prevent them drying out. Wait to assemble until just before serving so the rolls stay crisp.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use brioche or potato rolls in place of onion rolls for a different texture. No provolone on hand mozzarella or Swiss will melt just as well. For a lighter version swap in ground chicken or turkey and low-fat mayo. Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned just grill a little longer until caramelized.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hawaiian burgers with sweet potato fries or tropical slaw. Add a scatter of extra grilled veggies or a bowl of simple fruit salad to keep the meal vibrant and refreshing. For a real crowd treat set out extra sauce so everyone can dip their burgers or drizzle on extra before every bite.
Cultural Touch
Hawaiian burgers are a fun American creation inspired by the flavors of Hawaii. Think of classic Hawaiian barbecues full of grilled chicken and smoky pineapple. This burger echoes those sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors for an island feel no matter your location.
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Every bite of these burgers feels like summer. Grill up a batch and you might never go back to ordinary cheeseburgers again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes Hawaiian burgers unique?
Sweet grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and fresh toppings bring a tropical flair to classic burgers.
- → Can I substitute the provolone cheese?
Yes, try mozzarella or Swiss for a mild, melting texture that complements the other flavors.
- → How do I get perfect grill marks on the pineapple?
Use medium-high heat and grill rings undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side for bold marks and caramelization.
- → What can I use instead of onion rolls?
Brioche buns, potato rolls or ciabatta are great alternatives for a sturdy, flavorful base.
- → Is the teriyaki sauce homemade or store-bought?
The sauce can be made from pantry staples but store-bought teriyaki also works well for convenience.