Description: This Pineapple Bacon Burger recipe brings a tropical twist to a classic favorite. Juicy beef patties are topped with sweet grilled pineapple, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a generous drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled between toasted burger buns. Baking the burgers in the oven makes this recipe easy, convenient, and perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crispy
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese for melting)
- 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame seed buns recommended)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened (for toasting buns)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with salt and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent the burgers from puffing up in the oven.
Step 3: Place the beef patties on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This initial bake will partially cook the burgers and render some of the fat.
Step 4: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully top each burger patty with a slice of cheddar cheese, a slice of cooked bacon, and a pineapple ring. Brush each burger generously with BBQ sauce, ensuring the pineapple and bacon are well coated.
Step 5: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the bacon is slightly crispier, and the pineapple is heated through.
Step 6: While the burgers are finishing in the oven, prepare the burger buns. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of each bun. Toast the buns in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crispy, or place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for the last 2-3 minutes of the burger baking time.
Step 7: Once the burgers are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two.
Step 8: Assemble the burgers. Place a burger patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, if desired. Top with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Pineapple Bacon Burger recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory beef, smoky bacon, sweet pineapple, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Oven-Baked Convenience: Baking the burgers in the oven eliminates the need for grilling, making this recipe perfect for any weather or when you’re short on time.
- Easy Cleanup: Baking the burgers on a lined baking sheet minimizes mess and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: This recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences. Use your favorite cheese, BBQ sauce, or add other toppings like lettuce, tomato, or onion.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These burgers are a guaranteed hit with family and friends. They’re perfect for backyard barbecues, game day gatherings, or a casual weeknight dinner.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.
- Pair with a fresh salad, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
- Offer a variety of condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and extra BBQ sauce.
- Serve with a refreshing beverage, such as iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite beer.
Tips:
- For the juiciest burgers, use ground beef with an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat).
- Do not overmix the ground beef, as this can result in tough burgers.
- Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up in the oven.
- If using canned pineapple rings, drain them well before adding them to the burgers.
- Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor.
- Toast the burger buns for added flavor and texture.
- If you prefer grilled burgers, you can grill the patties over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Add the cheese, bacon, and pineapple during the last minute of grilling.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750 per burger
- Protein: Approximately 40-45 grams per burger
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per burger
Conclusion
The Pineapple Bacon Burger (Oven BBQ) is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a gourmet burger at home. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is irresistible, and the oven-baked method makes this recipe easy to prepare and clean up. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, these burgers are sure to satisfy your cravings. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this tropical twist on a classic favorite!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, absolutely! Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can substitute it with your favorite melting cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
- What if I don’t have fresh pineapple? Canned pineapple rings work perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly to remove excess juice before adding them to the burgers. You can also use frozen pineapple chunks that have been thawed and patted dry.
- Can I make these burgers ahead of time? You can prepare the burger patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to cook the burgers just before serving to ensure they are juicy and the cheese is melted.
- Can I grill these burgers instead of baking them? Yes, you can definitely grill these burgers. Grill the patties over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Add the cheese, bacon, and pineapple during the last minute of grilling.
- What can I serve with these burgers besides fries and salad? There are many other delicious sides you can serve with these burgers. Consider options like grilled corn on the cob, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, or a refreshing fruit salad. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo.
