Hawaiian Pizza Burgers: A Tropical Twist on the Classic Burger
A playful fusion that elevates backyard barbecue with tropical flavors and melty cheese.
Hawaiian Pizza Burgers: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Burger Fusion
Burgers are an American classic, while Hawaiian pizza is known for its deliciously unusual blend of sweet pineapple and savory ham. What happens when you combine these two iconic dishes? You get Hawaiian Pizza Burgers—a bold, flavor-packed innovation that’s perfect for summer grilling, family cookouts, or anytime you want to surprise your taste buds with something truly special.
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Pizza Burgers
- Sweet & Savory Flavor: The star combination of juicy pineapple, smoky ham, and sharp cheddar cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Perfect for Grill Season: This recipe is made for outdoor grilling but works just as well on a stovetop grill pan.
- Customizable: Make it your own with different cheeses, buns, or lettuce types—or add a signature sauce.
- Fun to Eat: Kids and adults alike will be intrigued by the pineapple, and the presentation makes for a memorable meal.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Pizza Burgers
To bring together all the components of a Hawaiian pizza and burger in one showstopping bite, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 3 lb. | 80/20 blend for juicy burgers |
| Salt | 1 Tbsp. (total) | Divided use |
| Black pepper | 1 1/2 tsp. | For seasoning the beef |
| Roma tomatoes | 2 large | For fresh flavor and spread |
| Olive oil | 1 tsp. + more for grill | Brushes on grill, tomatoes, pineapple |
| Pineapple | 1 whole | Peeled, cored, cut into rings |
| Cheddar cheese | 6 slices | For maximum melt |
| Deli ham | 3 slices (thick, halved) | Gives the burger its pizza flair |
| Butter | As needed | For toasting the rolls |
| Kaiser rolls or burger buns | 6 | Split for assembling burgers |
| Red onion | 1/2, thinly sliced | Adds crunch and zing |
| Lettuce | As desired | Green leaf preferred, for topping |
| Potato chips | To serve | Optional, for a crispy side |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Hawaiian Pizza Burgers
- Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates for even cooking and to prevent sticking. - Season and Shape the Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with 2 teaspoons salt and all the black pepper. Gently mix and form into 6 equal patties, pressing each to about 3/4-inch thickness. Set aside. - Prep the Produce
Slice the Roma tomatoes in half lengthwise and toss them with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Peel, core, and cut the pineapple into 6 rings. - Grill the Pineapple and Tomatoes
Brush the grill again with a little oil. Grill the tomato halves and pineapple rings about 5–6 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the fruit/veggie softens. Remove and set aside. Chop the grilled tomatoes to create a chunky spread. - Grill the Burger Patties
Grill patties for about 4–5 minutes, undisturbed, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. - Top with Cheese and Ham
Place one slice cheddar cheese and one half-slice of ham on each patty. Close the grill lid or tent with foil, and cook for 2–3 additional minutes until cheese is melted and ham is warm. - Toast the Buns
Spread butter on the cut sides of the kaiser rolls or hamburger buns. Grill them, cut side down, 1–2 minutes until golden brown and toasty. - Spread the Tomato
Spread a layer of chopped grilled tomatoes on both the top and bottom of each roll. - Assemble the Burgers
- Place the patty with cheese and ham on the bottom bun.
- Add a grilled pineapple ring.
- Top with some sliced red onion and a leaf of lettuce.
- Cap with the top bun.
- Serve with Potato Chips
Plate with a side of your favorite potato chips for extra crunch and fun.
The Secret to a Perfect Hawaiian Pizza Burger
What transforms a good burger into a great one? Attention to detail:
- Sweetness from Pineapple: Grilling the pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars for a deeper, sweeter flavor—never skip this step.
- Cheese Melt: Use a thick slice of cheddar for full melt and coverage. Tent the grill or pan to help it melt fully while the ham warms.
- Rolls Matter: Kaiser rolls are sturdy and have a hearty bite, which is essential to hold all those toppings (and the juices).
- Chunky Tomato Spread: The grilled tomato chop adds juiciness and a subtly smoky, tangy note, reminiscent of pizza sauce but fresher.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Cheese: Try Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Ham: Substitute Canadian bacon or prosciutto if you prefer a saltier, more robust bite.
- Vegetarian: Use a hearty plant-based burger and skip the ham for a vegetarian-friendly spin.
- Buns: Swap kaiser rolls for brioche or ciabatta for a softer or chewier texture.
- Add a Sauce: A light brush of teriyaki sauce beneath the cheese can add depth, or use a honey-mayo glaze for extra sweetness.
Expert Tips for Hawaiian Pizza Burger Success
- Don’t Overwork the Beef: Gentle mixing results in tender burgers.
- Let Burger Rest: Allow cooked patties to rest for a minute before assembling, locking in juices.
- Layer Order: Put the cheese and ham on the patty while still on the grill for optimal melting.
- Press the Bun: A gentle press at the end keeps all the layers together and makes for easier, less messy eating.
- Serve Extra Sauce: If you whip up a special sauce (teriyaki mayo, spicy honey-mustard), serve it on the side for dipping.
How Hawaiian Pizza Burgers Differ from Other Tropical Burgers
| Burger Type | Key Ingredients | Main Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Pizza Burger | Pineapple, ham, cheddar, grilled tomato, lettuce, onion | Sweet, salty, cheesy, fresh |
| Classic Hawaiian Burger | Pineapple, teriyaki sauce, lettuce, provolone, grilled bell pepper | Sweet, savory, mildly spicy, tropical |
| Pepperoni Pizza Burger | Pepperoni, mozzarella, marinara, Italian seasoning | Herby, tangy, zesty, meaty |
What others are reading
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Potato chips (as in the recipe) are a great choice for crunch. Grilled corn or sweet potato fries also work well.
- Fresh Drinks: A citrusy lemonade, pineapple iced tea, or an iced pilsner complement the tropical notes.
- Extra Pineapple: If you’re a big pineapple fan, grill extra rings for snacking or as a side salad component.
FAQs: Hawaiian Pizza Burgers
Are these burgers really sweet?
Only mildly—the pineapple provides a sweet-tart accent, balanced by savory beef, salty ham, and sharp cheddar. If you prefer less sweetness, use smaller pineapple rings or dry them slightly after grilling.
What’s the best beef to use?
An 80/20 ground beef blend yields the juiciest patties. Leaner blends work, but may benefit from a touch of olive oil or sauce for moisture.
Can I make these indoors?
Yes. Use a stovetop grill pan or heavy skillet. Grill the pineapple and toast the buns in the same pan if space allows. If grilling tomatoes is tricky, roast them at 400°F for 10–15 minutes.
Can I prepare anything ahead of time?
The pineapple and tomatoes can be grilled a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated. Patties can be formed and chilled until ready to cook.
Can I freeze leftover Hawaiian Pizza Burgers?
Cooked patties, ham, and cheese can be wrapped and frozen up to 2 months. Grilled pineapple and tomato may change in texture with freezing, so it’s best to prepare those fresh.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Burger)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750-800 | 36g | 45g | 45g |
*Nutrition will vary depending on bun size, cheese variety, and toppings.*
Making It a Party: Burger Bar Tips
- Set up a station with burger patties, ham, cheese, grilled pineapple, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion—let guests build their perfect stack.
- Offer a range of buns: classic, brioche, gluten-free, or lettuce wraps.
- Include zesty sauces (teriyaki mayo, sriracha ketchup, pineapple salsa) for a condiment upgrade.
- Provide extra napkins—a juicy burger like this means messy, happy eaters!
More Tropical-Inspired Burger Ideas
- Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger: Swap ham and cheddar for teriyaki-glazed beef, provolone, grilled bell pepper, and a spicy mayo.
- Pineapple Salsa Burger: Top burgers with a fresh salsa of pineapple, red pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime.
- Maui Veggie Burger: Use a black bean patty, grilled pineapple, and a honey-lime slaw for a lighter take.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Pizza Burgers are proof that a little creativity can turn a classic into a showstopper. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or treating your family to a vacation-inspired meal at home, this sweet and savory burger is guaranteed to excite your palate and add a festive twist to your table. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and get ready to experience burger night in a whole new way!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a85472/hawaiian-burger/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32338773/hawaiian-pizza-burgers-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g40104401/burger-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11758/pepperoni-pizza-burgers/
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