Pin it
Sink your teeth into sweet pineapple, juicy beef, tangy teriyaki, and soft buns all in one bite. You’ll bring those island vibes straight to your backyard. The moment I first tossed pineapple on the grill, I was hooked. Now, summer burgers are always topped with pineapple at our house, and plain burgers just can’t compete.
I always thought Hawaiian rolls and pineapple had to be meant for burgers, and after trying it I was right! Everybody grabbed seconds so fast, I had to double the patties next time just to keep up.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Brown sugar: use light brown for easy melting and deep caramel flavor, just a sprinkle to help the pineapple char up sweet on the grill
- Ground beef ham: brings a savory twist and even more meaty texture, just make sure it’s not too salty or dried out
- Swiss cheese: thick slices add a gentle tang and gooey melt, use the freshest you find
- Minced garlic: delivers a deep umami kick, best when freshly minced
- Kona Coast Island Teriyaki (or homemade): gives you that sweet-salty island taste, go for a rich, thick sauce
- Additional teriyaki sauce: drizzle it on at the end for extra juiciness, just warm so it pours easily
- Black pepper: lends a sharp bite, grind it fresh for the boldest flavor
- Red onion: slices add crunch and tang, firm onions work best
- Sambal chili paste: toss in a little for warmth and depth, skip if you like it mild
- Salt: wakes up all the flavors, kosher or sea works best
- Fresh pineapple: opt for a golden and slightly soft one, peel and core it for juicy grilled rings
- Hawaiian sandwich rolls: these are soft and barely sweet, get the fluffiest ones
- Ground chuck: pick out eighty-twenty for juicy, classic beefiness
- Ginger paste: this adds a hint of warmth and zing, check the fridge case for the freshest tubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Build Your Burger:
- Toast your Hawaiian buns gently on the grill just til they’ve got some warmth. Layer on a cheesy patty, grilled pineapple, and those jammy onions. Splash with a bit more teriyaki, add that top bun, and dig in while it’s hot.
- Sizzle the Burgers:
- Fire up the grill to medium-high. Place the patties on, and as they start crisping on the bottom, slather with teriyaki sauce. Flip just once. Grill them to how you like and melt the Swiss over each near the end, closing the lid so it gets super gooey.
- Caramelize Onions:
- Slice red onions into rings. Spread on a grill tray and cook (medium heat) until they’re really soft and bronze. Give them at least ten minutes and flip a couple times to get an even char.
- Char the Pineapple:
- Slice the pineapple thick, dust both sides with brown sugar. Throw on the grill until you see marks and the edges are glowing golden. Pull off and set aside to rest.
- Mix & Shape Patties:
- Grab a big bowl and mix ground chuck, beef ham, garlic, ginger, salt, black pepper, teriyaki, and sambal with your hands. Don’t overdo it—just until it comes together. Shape into flat patties, pressing a little dip in the center to keep them from puffing up.
Pin it
I love watching folks stack up their burgers just how they like. Grilled pineapple is the part that always steals the show. The burst of sweetness instantly takes it from tasty to legendary at our table.
Storage Tips
When you’ve got leftovers, cool off the burger patties all the way, wrap tight, and pop in the fridge for up to three days. Onions and pineapple can hang out together in their own container. Always put your burgers together fresh—best taste and no soggy buns.
Ingredient Swaps
Can’t find beef ham? Just go with more ground chuck or basic ground beef. Skip Swiss? Try provolone or mozzarella for that same melt factor. Bottle teriyaki will do, but whipping your own gives you control over the sweet and salty levels.
How to Serve It
These burgers are awesome with potato chips or that classic Hawaiian mac salad on the side. They’re made for summer get-togethers and go great with a little extra teriyaki for dunking.
Pin it
Culture Spotlight
Think Hawaii’s food scene—tons of cultures blending together, so you get bright, bold flavors like sweet pineapple and punchy teriyaki sauce. Each burger bite is like a little taste of sunshine, Island-style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → If there's no ground beef ham, can I use regular beef?
For sure! Try ground chuck or anything similar. The ham's just for extra flavor, but regular beef works fine too.
- → Besides Swiss, what kind of cheese works here?
Monterey Jack and provolone both melt super well and taste great with the pineapple and teriyaki combo.
- → Is grilling required or can I cook inside?
Definitely don't need a grill. Grab a cast iron skillet or a grill pan for a nice crust and juicy burgers indoors.
- → How hot is sambal chili paste really?
It's got a nice kick, but it's easy to dial down. Just use a little or skip it if you want your burger mild.
- → Which sides are good with these burgers?
Try them with a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or even sweet potato fries—the flavors all mesh perfectly.