Tulo

Cheeseburger in Paradise Recipe

A thick beef cheeseburger topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, a caramelized grilled pineapple ring, and lettuce, stacked on a toasted brioche bun.
Photo by Enric Cruz López on Pexels

Grilling the pineapple ring alongside the patties caramelizes its sugars and burns off excess juice, so the burger gets a sweet-smoky char instead of a soggy, watery topping, and a smash-then-rest technique keeps the beef juicy under all that stacked topping.

Prep
20 min
Cook
20 min
Total
40 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

Servings4
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 8 slices bacon slices
  • 4 rings pineapple rings, fresh or canned in juice
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese slices
  • 4 buns brioche burger buns
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 4 leaves lettuce leaves
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, sliced thin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Nutrition per serving

Calories
949
Protein
53g
Carbs
43g
Fat
62g

Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.

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Instructions

  1. 1Cook the bacon in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes, then drain on paper towels and set aside.
  2. 2Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into loose, lightly packed patties about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns; press a shallow dimple in the center of each so they cook flat instead of puffing into a dome.
  3. 3Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper right before cooking.
  4. 4Heat a grill or heavy skillet to medium-high. Place the patties and pineapple rings on the hot surface at the same time.
  5. 5Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium, flipping once the first side has a deep brown crust. Cook the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks form and the edges start to caramelize.
  6. 6During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar and cover loosely to melt.
  7. 7Toast the cut sides of the buns on the grill or in a dry skillet until golden, about 1 minute.
  8. 8Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun, then layer lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
  9. 9Add the cheese-topped patty, then top with two bacon strips and a grilled pineapple ring. Close with the top bun and serve immediately.
How to Use a Meat Thermometer

Tips & variations

  • Use canned pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup; the syrup burns and turns bitter faster than the fruit's natural sugars.
  • For extra Jimmy Buffett flair, add a few slices of avocado or a spoonful of mango salsa in place of the tomato.
  • If working on a griddle instead of an open grill, smash the patties slightly thinner (about 1/2 inch) so they develop a deep crust in the shorter cook time a griddle allows.
  • A splash of Worcestershire sauce mixed into the beef before shaping adds savory depth without needing extra seasoning.

Storage & reheating

Store cooked patties separately from buns and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through, then rebuild the burger with fresh lettuce and tomato.

Tips from the Tulo kitchen

  • Letting the patties sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before grilling helps them cook more evenly instead of scorching outside while staying cold in the middle.
  • Pressing down on the patties with a spatula while grilling squeezes out juices and leads to a dry burger; let the crust develop untouched instead.

FAQ

What makes a cheeseburger a 'cheeseburger in paradise' style burger?

It's a tropical-leaning cheeseburger built around grilled pineapple, bacon, and melted cheddar, a combination popularized by the Jimmy Buffett song and the restaurant chain named after it.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes. Drain canned rings packed in juice well and pat them dry before grilling so they char instead of steam.

What temperature should the burger patties reach?

For food safety, ground beef patties should reach 160°F (71°C) internally; check with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the side of the patty.

Can this be made without a grill?

Yes. A cast iron skillet or griddle works well for both the patties and the pineapple rings; just cook them in batches if the pan isn't large enough to hold everything at once.

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