Oh, you are going to LOVE this Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger! Seriously, it’s become a total go-to for me when I want something that’s just bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I made it – I was trying to use up some leftover pineapple after a luau, and I just threw it on the grill with a burger and some bacon. The sweet, caramelized pineapple paired with that smoky, savory bacon and a little kick from the sauce? Pure magic. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and savory that just hits all the right notes. This isn’t just any burger; it’s an experience, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger

Get ready for a burger that ticks all the boxes:

Super Quick: Ready in under an hour, perfect for weeknights.
Sweet & Savory Bliss: The pineapple and bacon combo is just irresistible.
Smoky Perfection: That special sauce adds a delicious depth.
Crowd Pleaser: Guaranteed to be a hit at any cookout or family dinner.
So Easy: Simple steps mean anyone can make this amazing burger.

Essential Ingredients for Your Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger

Alright, let’s talk about what makes this Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger so darn good. It’s all about using the right stuff! You’ll want about a pound of good ground beef – I usually go for an 80/20 blend for that perfect juicy burger. Then, grab yourself 4 slices of thick-cut bacon; the thicker, the better for that satisfying crunch. We need 4 fresh pineapple rings, about half an inch thick, for that sweet, caramelized goodness. For the magic sauce, it’s 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon of packed light brown sugar for a little extra caramelization, and the secret weapon: 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke. You can totally play with the liquid smoke – start with a little and add more if you like it super smoky! Oh, and don’t forget 4 quality brioche burger buns; they’re nice and soft and hold up well.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for the Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger

So, about that liquid smoke – it’s key for that deep smoky flavor without having to grill everything. If you don’t have it, you can skip it, but it really does make a difference! For the pineapple, fresh is definitely best here; canned rings can sometimes be a bit too soft. If you’re watching your sodium or want a lighter option, turkey bacon is a decent swap for the pork bacon. And for the buns, if you need gluten-free, there are some really great ones out there now that work beautifully. If you’re a cheese lover, a slice of cheddar or pepper jack melted on top during the last minute of cooking is *chef’s kiss*!

How to Prepare the Perfect Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger

Okay, let’s get down to business and make this Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger happen! It’s really not complicated, I promise. The key is just doing things in the right order and not rushing. First things first, we need to get our toppings ready while the burgers cook.

Preparing the Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger Toppings

Let’s start with the bacon. Lay those 4 slices in a cold skillet and cook them over medium heat. This way, the fat renders out nicely, and you get super crispy bacon without it burning. Once it’s cooked perfectly, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Now, for the pineapple! If you’re grilling, pop those rings on medium-high heat for a couple of minutes per side until they get those nice grill marks and are slightly caramelized. If you’re pan-frying, do the same thing in a lightly oiled skillet. Finally, let’s whip up that smoky sauce. Just mix your BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and liquid smoke in a little bowl until it’s all combined. Easy peasy!

Grilling or Pan-Frying the Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger

Now for the star of the show: the burger patties! Gently form your pound of ground beef into four equal patties. Don’t overwork the meat, or your burgers can get tough. Make a little indent in the center of each patty with your thumb – this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up too much in the middle. Get your grill or skillet nice and hot! Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you like them more well-done. During the last minute or two of cooking, brush those gorgeous patties liberally with your smoky sauce. Let them rest for a minute or two after they come off the heat.

Assembling Your Masterpiece Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger

Time to build this beauty! Toast your brioche buns lightly – it adds such a nice texture. Lay down some crisp lettuce leaves, then your juicy, sauce-covered patty. Pile on that crispy bacon and the caramelized pineapple. Add tomato and onion slices if you’re using them, and cheese if you decided to go that route. Top with the other half of the bun, and there you have it!

Tips for Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger Success

Want to make your Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger absolutely perfect? Here are a few little tricks I swear by. First, don’t you dare overcook that bacon! You want it crispy, but still a little pliable so it doesn’t shatter when you bite into it. Also, toasting your burger buns is a game-changer. It gives them a little structure and stops them from getting soggy from all those yummy toppings. And please, let those cooked burger patties rest for just a couple of minutes after they come off the heat. This lets the juices redistribute, making your burger way more moist and delicious. Trust me on these!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger

Got questions about making the best Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger? I’ve got answers!

Q: Can I make the smoky sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally mix up the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and liquid smoke mixture a day or two in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before you use it. It makes burger night even easier!

Q: What kind of ground beef is best for this burger?
For a really juicy burger, I always go for an 80/20 blend of ground beef. That means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat is what gives you that amazing flavor and keeps the burger from drying out. Anything leaner might end up a bit dry, so stick with that 80/20 if you can!

Q: How can I make this burger spicier?
If you like a little heat, there are a few ways to kick up this Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the smoky sauce, or even mix some finely chopped jalapeños into the ground beef before forming the patties. A dash of your favorite hot sauce in the sauce or on the finished burger works wonders too!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a heads-up, the nutritional details for this Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger are estimates. They can change depending on the specific brands you use, the exact thickness of your bacon or pineapple, and even how you cook everything. So, think of these numbers as a helpful guide rather than a strict rulebook!

Melted Smoky Bacon and Pineapple Burger

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A juicy burger topped with crispy bacon, sweet pineapple, and a smoky sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
4 slices bacon
1/2 cup pineapple rings
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
4 burger buns
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Onion slices
Cheese slices (optional)

Instructions

Cook bacon until crispy. Set aside.
Grill or pan-fry pineapple rings until slightly caramelized.
In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and liquid smoke.
Form ground beef into four patties.
Cook burger patties to your desired doneness.
During the last few minutes of cooking, brush patties with the smoky sauce.
Toast burger buns.
Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, cooked patties, bacon, and pineapple. Add cheese if desired.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, grill the pineapple.
Adjust the amount of liquid smoke to your preference.
You can add mayonnaise or mustard to your burger.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 600 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 1200 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Smoky Bacon Pineapple Burger, BBQ Burger, Grilled Burger, Sweet and Savory Burger