This Hawaiian Pizza Burger is a fun spin on the classic pizza dish.
Guess what we’re doing today? We’re creating the ultimate mash-up between two fast-food favorites: Hawaiian pizzas and burgers.
Yep! That’s right. It’s pizza. But… it’s also a burger. WHOA. It’s a little unexpected, but it really hits the spot if you’re craving something bold, juicy, and loaded with flavor. It’s basically like a backyard BBQ and a pizza party had a baby, and honestly, who wouldn’t want that?
This is going to be the dish that wows everyone at your next cookout. With just a few bites, your guests are going to be obsessed with this recipe, and we think you will be, too. Not only do these burgers bring the flavor in spades with sweet, caramelized pineapple, salty ham, and zippy tomato sauce, but they’re a breeze to make and easy to modify for a number of different dietary needs. No matter whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this is one of those recipes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe). Let’s fire up the grill.
Are Hawaiian Pizza Burgers Healthy?
Now, we sit firmly in the camp that burgers are usually a “sometimes” food. That said, when the craving for a burger strikes, this sure beats fast food. Lean ground beef and bison provide protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium, while oats are a source of heart-healthy fiber that keeps you full. You’ll want to watch out for sodium levels in the ham and jarred pizza sauce, though, as this can start to add up quickly.
What’s The Deal With Hawaiian Pizza?
Love it or hate it, Hawaiian pizza is incredibly popular. Wondering how that flavor combination came to be? It turns out that Hawaiian pizza wasn’t even invented in Hawaii. It’s thought that Hawaiian pizza was first created in Ontario, Canada, in the 1960s. Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos was reportedly inspired by the sweet-and-sour flavors of Chinese cuisine. He decided to try combining pineapple with ham and bacon on a pizza—and a global culinary debate was born. Regardless of your feelings on the flavors, you can’t deny that Hawaiian pizza has a loyal fan base. And I like to think these burgers can convert even the skeptics.
How To Make Ahead And Store
You can form the patties ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked patties in a single layer, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Hawaiian pizza burgers with a side of Keto French Fries or Zucchini Fries for a healthy take on a fast-food meal—minus all the artificial ingredients! They’d also pair well with a heaping helping of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.
Recipe
Ingredients
For the Burger:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground bison or lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1/2 cup rolled old-fashioned oats (gluten-free if needed)
Toppings:
- 6-12 pineapple rings depending how much pineapple flavor you want
- 12 ounces cooked ham slices (6 slices, 2 ounces each)
- 3 ounces reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 6 whole-wheat hamburger buns or gluten-free
Instructions
To Make the Burger:
- Mix together the bison, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oats in a large bowl. Mix well to make sure the oats are well distributed. Let the meat sit while you prep the toppings.
- Heat your grill to high heat and grill the pineapple rings until they have that "grilled" look, about 2-3 minutes a side. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Now, do the same with the ham as the pineapple. Again, cover to keep warm.
- Turn the heat down to medium and cook the burgers, until desired doneness. I did mine 5 minutes per side and placed the cheese on in the final 2 minutes after flipping. Transfer to a plate to cover and keep warm.
- Turn the heat up to high and place the buns face-side down on the grill until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
To Assemble:
- Spread as much pizza sauce on each side of the buns as you like. Then top with 1 slice of ham, 1 burger patty, and then 2 slices of grilled pineapple.
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