Sweet & Spicy BBQ Bacon Hawaiian Turkey Burgers
Flavorful, juicy BBQ bacon turkey burgers with a Hawaiian-inspired twist from a slice of sweet grilled pineapple. Use your favorite BBQ sauce, add a kick of heat from pepper jack cheese, and grill or pan-fry these Hawaiian burgers for the ultimate summer dinner!
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 724cal
Ingredients
- Burgers
- 4 to 8 slices bacon, depending on how much you like bacon
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (or sub ground chicken)
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 fresh pineapple slices, ½ inch thick
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- Avocado oil, for frying
- Serving
- 4 whole grain or gluten-free hamburger buns
- Sliced red onions
- Extra bbq sauce
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Place the bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, put it into a cold oven, and then heat the oven to 425°F Allow the bacon to bake in the oven for 15 to 25 minutes, or until crispy to your liking. Remove it from the oven and transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Prepare the burgers: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, bbq sauce, onion, garlic, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper. Use clean hands to mix until well combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into ½-inch thick patties.
- Cook the burgers:TO GRILL: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the grates with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the patties to the hot grill and cook until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese onto each burger patty and allow it to melt.
- TO PAN-FRY: Warm 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully transfer the patties onto the pan. Sear until golden-brown crust and a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese onto each burger patty and allow it to melt.
- Grill the pineapple: While the burgers are cooking, grill the pineapple slices until browned, turning once; about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
- Assemble the burgers: Place the burgers on buns, top each burger with a strip or two of the cooked bacon, then top with grilled pineapple slices, drizzle with extra bbq sauce and top with a red onion slice. Makes 4 burgers.
Notes
You can also cook these burgers indoors by broiling them in the oven about 3 inches from the top; broil 5-7 minutes on each side.
Burgers can be frozen for up to 3 months; fully cook burgers, allow them to cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap then place in airtight containers or freezer friendly ziploc bags.
Nutrition
Serving: 1burger (with whole grain bun & toppings) | Calories: 724cal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 16g