If you’re craving a burger that effortlessly fuses sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in each juicy bite, look no further: this Hawaiian Burger Recipe is the tropical-inspired delight destined to become your new summer grilling favorite. Imagine flame-kissed beef patties, gooey cheese, caramelized pineapple, and a generous drizzle of teriyaki sauce—all nestled between pillowy soft buns. It’s an explosion of color and flavor that delivers pure backyard paradise, no plane ticket required. Whether you’re hosting a sunny cookout, spicing up your weeknight dinner, or simply treating yourself, this burger is a celebration of Hawaiian-inspired goodness, perfect for bringing friends and family together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Hawaiian Burger Recipe a true crowd-pleaser is the effortless harmony of a handful of simple, handpicked ingredients. Each one brings its own pop of flavor, texture, or vibrant color, guaranteeing that every bite is delicious and memorable.

Ground Beef (1 pound, 80/20): Offers the perfect blend of juiciness and flavor—the key to a succulent, satisfying patty.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the beef.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of gentle heat to balance the sweetness of the pineapple and teriyaki.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Pops in lovely garlicky depth without overpowering the burger.
Fresh or Canned Pineapple (4 slices): Grilled for a caramelized, smoky sweetness that is the soul of this tropical treat.
Swiss or Provolone Cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully atop the burger, adding creamy mildness to every bite.
Hamburger Buns (4): Soft, slightly sweet buns cradle the layers and soak up the flavors—try brioche for extra indulgence!
Teriyaki Sauce (1/4 cup): A sticky, tangy, and sweet accent that truly defines the Hawaiian Burger Recipe.
Lettuce Leaves (4): Add freshness and a crisp crunch that balances out the rich and juicy elements.
Red Onion (4 slices): Brings zing and color, along with subtle crunch.
Mayonnaise (4 tablespoons, optional): Slathered on the buns for smooth richness (totally up to your taste).
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray (1 tablespoon): Used to grill the pineapple to tempting golden perfection.

How to Make Hawaiian Burger Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

Start by adding your ground beef to a large bowl. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then toss everything together just enough to combine (overmixing can toughen the meat). Divide the mixture into four equal portions, shaping each into a patty about one inch thick. Don’t forget to press a small indent in the center of each patty—this little trick keeps them from puffing up as they cook.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Fire up your grill or grill pan, aiming for a medium-high heat. A hot grill is vital to getting that signature smoky sear and locking in all the juicy flavor. Allow your grill grates to heat fully before the patties go on.

Step 3: Grill the Patties

Lay the burger patties down on the grill and let them sizzle undisturbed for about four to five minutes per side (adjust depending on your preferred level of doneness). When you reach the final minute of cooking, crown each patty with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese and close the lid (if you have one). The cheese will melt magically over the meat, making every bite extra indulgent.

Step 4: Grill the Pineapple

While your burgers cook, gently brush your pineapple slices with olive oil or give them a quick spritz of cooking spray. Place the pineapple on the grill and let it sear for one to two minutes per side—just enough to develop beautiful char marks and encourage the sugars to caramelize.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble

Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill, if desired, for a golden, slightly crispy edge. Once the toasted magic is complete, assemble by spreading a layer of mayonnaise on the bottom bun, adding a lettuce leaf, then the cheesy burger patty. Drizzle generously with teriyaki sauce, top with grilled pineapple and red onion, and finish with the top bun. Your Hawaiian Burger Recipe is now ready to wow!

How to Serve Hawaiian Burger Recipe

Garnishes

This vibrant burger looks stunning just as it is, but a final flourish can make it even more inviting. Try a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds across the patty, a scattering of sliced scallions, or a quick squeeze of fresh lime over the top just before serving. Each of these little extras adds a pop of flavor and a touch of visual flair.

Side Dishes

The rich, sweet-savory taste of the Hawaiian Burger Recipe pairs gorgeously with a variety of sides. Classics like crispy seasoned fries, sweet potato wedges, or grilled corn on the cob are always winners. For a lighter touch, serve with a creamy coleslaw or a bright tropical fruit salad to keep things refreshingly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider slicing each burger in half and arranging them in a circle on a platter, interleaved with extra pineapple wheels for wow-factor. Or, skewer mini Hawaiian sliders with bamboo picks for party-ready bites. You can even use lettuce leaves instead of buns for a lighter, gluten-free version that still delivers all the flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cooked burger patties and grilled pineapple individually in foil or airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for easy reheating and assembling on demand. Keep the buns and fresh toppings separate to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

The beef patties (uncooked or cooked) freeze beautifully. Arrange them between layers of parchment and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling or reheating. For the best texture, freeze pineapple and cheese separately, if needed.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-grilled flavor, briefly warm patties and pineapple on a hot skillet or grill for about 2-3 minutes per side. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, covering to retain moisture, but skip adding lettuce and mayo until after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat for this Hawaiian Burger Recipe?

Absolutely! Turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based patty works perfectly with these tropical flavors. Just adjust your cooking time to match the protein and enjoy all the same sweet and savory goodness.

Does it matter if I use fresh or canned pineapple?

Both options yield delicious results. Fresh pineapple offers vibrant flavor and firmer texture, but canned (well-drained) is just as sweet and grills beautifully, making this Hawaiian Burger Recipe convenient year-round.

What’s the best way to keep the burgers juicy?

Use 80/20 ground beef for ideal fat-to-lean ratio, and handle the meat gently—don’t overmix! Pressing a small indent in each patty also ensures even cooking and maximum juiciness.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a grill?

Yes! A grill pan or even a regular skillet on medium-high heat can give you fantastic results. You might miss a bit of smoky flavor, but the sweet and tangy elements will shine through just the same.

What kind of buns work best for this Hawaiian Burger Recipe?

Brioche buns are a popular choice because they’re slightly sweet, soft, and hold up beautifully with all the juicy components. Classic hamburger buns or even whole wheat work well, too—pick what makes your taste buds happiest!

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a burger that’s bursting with adventure and sunshine, you owe it to yourself to give this Hawaiian Burger Recipe a try. It’s so easy, so fun, and so utterly packed with flavor that you’ll want to make it again and again. Fire up that grill and let a taste of the islands whisk you (and your guests) away!

Hawaiian Burger Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a taste of the tropics with this Hawaiian Burger recipe that combines sweet grilled pineapple, savory beef patties, and tangy teriyaki sauce for a delicious twist on a classic burger.

Ingredients

Scale

For the burger patties:

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Additional ingredients:

4 slices pineapple (fresh or canned)
4 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
4 hamburger buns
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
4 lettuce leaves
4 slices red onion
4 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Prepare the patties: Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 4 equal patties, pressing an indent in the center of each. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side.
Grill the pineapple: Brush pineapple slices with oil and grill for 1–2 minutes per side.
Assemble the burgers: Toast buns, then spread mayonnaise on them. Layer lettuce, burger patty, teriyaki sauce, grilled pineapple, and red onion. Serve immediately.