Description
A delicious twist on the classic burger featuring juicy pineapple and crispy bacon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 fat ratio)
- 4 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce, divided (Sweet Baby Ray’s or similar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 slices smoked bacon, uncooked
- 4 fresh pineapple slices, ½ inch thick with core removed
- 4 brioche-style burger buns
- Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Don’t overwork the meat or the burgers will be tough.
- Divide the seasoned beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and shape into patties about 3½ inches in diameter and ½ inch thick.
- On a parchment-lined tray, lay 2 bacon slices in a criss-cross pattern (like an X). Place one burger patty in the center where the bacon crosses.
- Place a pineapple slice on top of the burger patty, then fold the bacon slices up and over, wrapping around the burger and pineapple. Secure with a toothpick through the center.
- Repeat the wrapping process with the remaining patties, pineapple slices, and bacon. Place all assembled burgers on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce over the bacon using a pastry brush.
- Return to oven and bake another 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F for well-done, or adjust timing for your preferred doneness.
- Remove burgers and let rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Meanwhile, toast the burger buns if desired.
- Carefully remove toothpicks and serve on toasted buns. Add lettuce, cheese, or other toppings as desired.
Notes
- The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to 160°F for food safety.
- You can substitute canned pineapple rings (packed in juice) if fresh isn’t available – just pat them dry first.
- Standard or center-cut bacon works best – thick-cut bacon doesn’t crisp up as well in this cooking time.
- Let burgers rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg