Pineapple Bacon Burger

Juicy grilled pineapple slices, crispy bacon, and perfectly seasoned beef patties come together in this mouthwatering creation that's sure to be a hit at your next barbecue. Fire up the grill and prepare for a taste sensation that's as bold as it is unforgettable!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
4 hamburger buns of your choice (or use Hawaiian rolls to make sliders)
1 pineapple, cored and sliced into rings
8 slices cooked bacon
Optional: lettuce, sliced red onion, spicy mayo, and other toppings if desired.

For the sweet sesame sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce if desired. Set this sauce aside.
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (or 12 if you are making sliders) and shape into patties. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
Place the burger patties and the pineapple slices on a grill over medium-high heat.
Grill burgers and pineapple for 4-5 minutes and flip.
Grill for 4-5 minutes more until internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. During the final 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush the burgers and the pineapple with the reserved sweet sesame sauce. (Brushing it on too early will cause the sugar to burn before the meat can cook through.)
Remove meat from grill and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. Meanwhile, if desired, lightly toast your burger buns.
To assemble burgers: Start with a bottom bun and place cooked meat patty, slice of grilled pineapple, 2 slices of bacon, and optional toppings onto the bun. Top with a top bun and serve.
Store any leftover teriyaki glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.