Melted Maui Madness Burger
I love summer grilling, especially burgers, and I am completely addicted to this Melted Maui Madness Burger. The grilled pineapple “buns” make it unique, sweet and irresistible. Layered with melted Jarlsberg, crispy bacon, a charred red pepper ring and red onion, it is the burger I make when I want to surprise my guests. If you love my Best Homemade Turkey Burger or my Lobster Surf and Turf Burger, you have to try this one.
Moreover, it is lighter than a classic bun burger without sacrificing any flavor. The teriyaki and tomato paste season the beef from the inside out, while the caramelized pineapple brings a sweet, smoky contrast. Equally important, everything cooks right on the grill, so cleanup is a breeze.
In essence, this burger is a little island vacation on a plate. It is the star of any cookout, especially alongside the recipes from my Jarlsberg Burger Cookout.
What Is a Melted Maui Madness Burger?
It is a teriyaki-seasoned beef burger topped with Jarlsberg cheese, grilled red pepper, bacon, red onion, lettuce and tomato, served between two thick grilled pineapple rings instead of a bun. Sweet, savory and smoky all at once.
Melted Maui Madness Burger Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Ground Beef
An 80/20 blend keeps the burgers juicy on the grill. Mix gently so they stay tender.
Tomato Paste & Teriyaki
They add savory depth and a hint of sweetness to the beef.
Pineapple Rings
Thick rings caramelize on the grill and stand in for the bun, two per burger.
Jarlsberg Cheese
Mild and nutty, it melts beautifully over the hot patty.
Red Bell Pepper & Red Onion
Grilled pepper adds sweetness and color; raw red onion adds bite.
Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato
Optional bacon brings smoky crunch, and fresh lettuce and tomato keep every bite bright.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
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Cast Iron Skillet
Holds serious heat for a deep, even crust on every steak.
Enameled Dutch Oven
A heavy pot keeps the frying oil at a steady temperature for crisp frites.
Deep-Fry Thermometer
Clips to the pot so you hit 325°F and 375°F exactly for both fries.
Instant-Read Thermometer
Takes the guesswork out of medium-rare in seconds.
French Fry Cutter
Cuts potatoes into even sticks, so every frite cooks at the same rate.
Spider Strainer
Lifts the frites out of the hot oil quickly and safely.
Wire Cooling Racks
Drain the frites on a rack so they stay crisp instead of steaming.
Bamboo Cutting Boards
A sturdy board for cutting potatoes and resting and slicing the steak.
Steak Knives
Sharp steak knives make every slice at the table clean and easy.
Serving Platters
Serve steak frites family-style on a big white platter.
Little Sauce Bowls
Small bowls hold the aioli, béarnaise or chimichurri right on the plate.
Flaky Sea Salt
A pinch over the sliced steak and hot frites makes every bite pop.
How To Make a Melted Maui Madness Burger
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Season and shape the beef with tomato paste, teriyaki and salt into 4 patties.
- Grill the pineapple and peppers until caramelized and lightly charred.
- Grill the burgers 4 to 5 minutes per side to 160°F, adding the Jarlsberg in the last minute.
- Stack between two pineapple rings with the pepper, onion, bacon, lettuce and tomato.
Melted Maui Madness Burger
Equipment
- Skillet
- 9-inch pie dish
- Spatula
- Vegetable Dicer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 80/20
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- non-stick cooking spray
- 8 thick pineapple rings
- 4 red bell pepper rings
- 4 slices Jarlsberg cheese
- red onion thinly sliced
- 8 slices cooked bacon optional
- lettuce and sliced tomato for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Mix the burgers. In a medium bowl, gently mix the beef with the tomato paste, teriyaki sauce and salt. Form 4 equal patties.
- Grill the pineapple. Spray the grill grates with non-stick spray. Grill the pineapple rings 2 to 3 minutes per side, until caramelized. Set aside.
- Grill the peppers for 3 to 4 minutes, until lightly charred.
- Grill the burgers 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they reach 160°F. Top each with Jarlsberg during the last minute so it melts.
- Assemble. Use the pineapple rings in place of buns: one ring on the bottom, then the burger, pepper ring, red onion, bacon, lettuce and tomato, and a second ring on top.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
More island-inspired summer fun — another standout burger, a tropical sip, and a fresh entertaining idea.
The Best Jarlsberg Burger Cookout
A juicy, cheese-forward burger built for summer grilling.
Get the Recipe →
Leia Pineapple Cocktail
A tropical, pineapple-bright pour that nails the island mood.
Pour a Glass →
The Best Watermelon Board for Summer Entertaining
A fresh, no-cook board to round out your summer table.
Keep Reading →
Variations
Classic Bun
Prefer a bun? Use toasted brioche and add one grilled pineapple ring inside.
Turkey or Chicken
Swap in ground turkey or chicken and cook to 165°F.
Add Heat
Grill a few jalapeño slices or add sriracha mayo.
Teriyaki Glaze
Brush the patties with extra teriyaki during the last minute of grilling.
Swiss or Pepper Jack
If you cannot find Jarlsberg, Swiss or pepper jack is delicious.
Lettuce Wrap
Skip the pineapple buns and wrap in butter lettuce.
When I Love Serving a Melted Maui Madness Burger
Summer Cookouts
It is always the burger everyone asks about.
Luau Parties
It fits a tropical theme perfectly.
Fourth of July
A fun twist on the classic holiday burger.
Pool Days
Grill a batch and serve straight from the patio.
Game Day
Cut in half for easy, crowd-pleasing portions next to my Smoky Mesquite Grilled Cheese and Hot Ham & Provolone Sandwich.
Date Night on the Patio
Grill for two and pair with a cold drink.
What To Serve With a Melted Maui Madness Burger
Fries
The fries from my Classic Steak Frites are perfect.
BBQ Favorites
My Easy BBQ Pork Ribs and Grilled Pork Loin with Dijon Honey Mustard for a full cookout.
More Sandwiches
My Fried Catfish Sandwich and Gluten-Free Avocado BLT round out a sandwich spread.
Flatbreads
My BBQ Flatbread Pizza is a fun appetizer.
More Burgers
Set up a burger bar with my Georgia’s Brunch Burger.
A Steakhouse Touch
My Peppercorn Ribeye Steak for the meat lovers.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store cooked patties and grilled pineapple separately for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for 4 to 5 minutes.
Freezer
Freeze raw patties between parchment for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
Make Ahead
Shape the patties and slice the toppings a day ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes. Pat the rings very dry so they caramelize on the grill.
What temperature should burgers reach?
Ground beef should reach 160°F in the center.
Can I cook these on the stove?
Absolutely. Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
How do I keep the pineapple from sticking?
Clean and oil the grates well, and do not move the rings until they release.
How many burgers does this make?
Four burgers, with two pineapple rings each.
Final Thoughts
This burger is pure summer fun, and it never fails to make my guests smile. With this in mind, I hope it brings a little sunshine to your next cookout.
All things considered, sweet, smoky and savory is a combination that is hard to beat. If you make it, I would love to hear how you served it.
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
