Juicy Pineapple Bacon BBQ Burgers (Print version)
Smoky beef burgers layered with grilled pineapple, crisp bacon, barbecue sauce, and toasted buns.
# Ingredients:
For the burgers
01 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) ground beef, 80/20 preferred
02 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, plus more for brushing
06 -
1 tablespoon neutral oil, for grates and pineapple
For assembly
07 -
8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp
08 -
4 fresh pineapple rings, about 1/2 inch thick
09 -
4 brioche hamburger buns
10 -
1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
11 -
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, for the spread
12 -
4 lettuce leaves
13 -
4 thin slices red onion
14 -
4 slices cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Clean and lightly oil the grates so the patties and pineapple release cleanly.
02 -
In a bowl, gently mix beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce. Shape into 4 patties slightly wider than the buns and press a shallow divot into the center of each.
03 -
Cook the bacon in a skillet or on the grill until crisp. Transfer to paper towels and keep warm.
04 -
Brush pineapple rings lightly with oil. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and marked, then move to a plate.
05 -
Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce during the last minute. Cook ground beef to 160°F. Add cheese in the last minute if using.
06 -
Place buns cut side down on the grill for 30-60 seconds until lightly toasted. Stir mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce.
07 -
Spread the BBQ mayo on the buns. Layer lettuce, burger patty, grilled pineapple, bacon, red onion, and extra BBQ sauce. Cap with the top buns and serve hot.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately after grilling while the pineapple is warm and the bacon is crisp.
02 -
Use fresh pineapple for firmer rings, or canned rings that have been drained and patted dry.