Imagine taking your favorite grilled burger and whisking it away on a tropical vacation — that’s what you get with this Hawaiian Burger Recipe! This juicy sandwich layers a tender beef patty glazed with teriyaki, sweet caramelized pineapple, creamy mayo, melted cheese, and crisp produce, all snuggled into a perfectly toasted bun. One bite transports you straight to island paradise, making it perfect for summer cookouts or whenever you crave a little sunshine on your plate. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a backyard gathering, this burger always steals the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hawaiian Burger Recipe is in its joyful simplicity: every ingredient has a starring role in bringing together savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, along with contrasting textures and vibrant color.

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20): The balance of fat to lean makes each burger patty juicy, rich, and full of flavor.
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce: Infuses the meat with a classic, sweet-savory island touch that is crave-worthy.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the beef and deepens the savory base of the burger.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and brightness, rounding out the seasonings.
4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned): Brings a pop of juicy sweetness and golden color to contrast the beef.
4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully atop the hot patty, adding a layer of creamy decadence.
4 hamburger buns (toasted): Provides the soft and sturdy foundation that holds all the flavors together.
4 lettuce leaves: Lends fresh crunch and a refreshing layer beneath the patty.
4 slices red onion: A punchy, sharp bite that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and teriyaki.
4 tablespoons mayonnaise: Creamy and cooling, it ties all elements of the burger together.
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional): Adds a salty, umami kick if you love extra depth in your burger.
1 tablespoon butter (for grilling pineapple): Helps the pineapple rings caramelize to golden perfection with a buttery finish.

How to Make Hawaiian Burger Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties

Start by gently combining the ground beef with teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork just until everything is blended — overmixing can make your burgers tough. Divide the mixture into four equal portions, then shape each one into a flat, round patty just a bit wider than your buns. This ensures they’ll fit perfectly once cooked.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill or Skillet

Fire up your grill or preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. This will help you get that sought-after caramelized crust and smoky flavor. Give it a few minutes to really get hot before you start cooking.

Step 3: Grill the Burger Patties

Place your patties onto the grilling surface, leaving a little space between each one. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes per side (doneness is your call!), only flipping once for the juiciest results. During the last minute, lay a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese on each patty, close the grill lid or tent with foil, and let it melt into oozy goodness.

Step 4: Caramelize the Pineapple

While the burgers cook, melt butter in a skillet or directly on the grill grate. Carefully add the pineapple rings and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until those golden grill lines appear and the sweetness intensifies. It’s a simple extra step, but absolutely worth it for the signature Hawaiian Burger Recipe flair!

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Slice your buns and place them, cut side down, on the hot grill or a dry skillet. Toast for a minute or two until lightly crisp and golden — this gives you a sturdy base and a little extra flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

Spread a generous swipe of mayonnaise on the bottom bun. Top with a crisp leaf of lettuce. Add your cheesy burger patty, then crown it with a caramelized pineapple ring and a thick slice of red onion. If you want to amp up that umami, drizzle on just a touch of soy sauce. Complete your Hawaiian Burger Recipe masterpiece with the top bun and serve immediately!

How to Serve Hawaiian Burger Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dusting of sesame seeds over the top adds color and a fresh, finishing touch. Some folks love a handful of microgreens or a slice of ripe avocado for contemporary flair — let your creativity run wild! The point is, the right garnish elevates your Hawaiian Burger Recipe from simply delicious to truly unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Serve your burger alongside crispy sweet potato fries, truffle potato chips, or a bright tropical slaw for the ultimate island meal. For a picnic-style spread, grilled corn or a tangy fruit salad pairs beautifully, complimenting the sweet and savory notes of the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, set up a make-your-own Hawaiian Burger Recipe bar with all the fixings and let everyone build their dream burger. Mini slider versions are a huge hit at parties, while stacking the burgers tall on skewers with extra pineapple and veggies looks dramatic (and delicious). For a beachy feel, wrap each burger in parchment and tie with kitchen twine for easy, mess-free eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have extras, keep the cooked patties and grilled pineapple in separate airtight containers in the fridge. For best results, store buns, veggies, and condiments separately to preserve their freshness. Everything should be enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for the best quality.

Freezing

Burger patties (either raw or fully cooked) freeze beautifully! Just wrap each in plastic wrap, pop them into a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s best to grill the pineapple fresh, but if needed, you can freeze the cooked rings as well for a few weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the patties gently in a covered skillet over low heat, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Grilled pineapple can go back on the skillet for a quick warm-up. Assemble fresh and enjoy that just-grilled flavor anytime.

FAQs

Can I make the Hawaiian Burger Recipe with chicken or turkey?

Absolutely! Swap in ground chicken or turkey for a lighter twist. You may want to add an extra splash of teriyaki sauce since poultry is leaner, and handle the patties gently, as they can be a bit more delicate.

What makes this burger “Hawaiian”?

The magical combination of juicy grilled pineapple and teriyaki-glazed beef channels classic Hawaiian barbecue flavors, giving you that balance of sweet, savory, and tropical with every bite.

Is there a vegetarian way to enjoy the Hawaiian Burger Recipe?

You bet! Use a grilled portobello mushroom cap or your favorite plant-based burger in place of beef. Don’t skip the teriyaki marinade and pineapple — that’s where the island vibe shines!

What cheese works best besides provolone or Swiss?

Try Monterey Jack for a melty, mild option, or even pepper jack if you like a little heat. Mozzarella is smooth and creamy, but cheddar is a fine (if nontraditional) choice too.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

For sure! Simmer equal parts soy sauce and pineapple juice with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a touch of garlic until thickened. Homemade sauce gives you total control over sweetness and sodium.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about gathering around the table with a plateful of these juicy, flavor-packed burgers, and I hope this Hawaiian Burger Recipe brings that tropical joy to your kitchen, too. Whether you’re a grilling pro or just looking to shake up burger night, give this recipe a try — I have a feeling it’ll become a new favorite!

Hawaiian Burger Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this Hawaiian Burger recipe. Juicy beef patties infused with teriyaki sauce, topped with grilled pineapple, and Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between toasted buns. This burger is a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Burger Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients

4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
4 hamburger buns (toasted)
4 lettuce leaves
4 slices red onion
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon butter (for grilling pineapple)

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Instructions

Preheat grill or skillet: Heat over medium-high heat.
Mix ground beef: Combine with teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Form patties: Shape into 4 equal patties.
Grill patties: Cook for 4–5 minutes per side.
Add cheese: Top patties with cheese during last minute of cooking.
Grill pineapple: Sear pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side.
Assemble burgers: Spread mayonnaise on bun, layer with lettuce, patty, grilled pineapple, onion, and optional soy sauce.
Serve: Top with bun and enjoy!