Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Get ready to take your taste buds on a vacation to the islands with a burger that’s anything but ordinary. Today, we’re crafting the Hawaiian Spam Bacon Burger! This isn’t your average burger; it’s a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, combining crispy Spam, smoky bacon, juicy pineapple, and a drizzle of irresistible teriyaki sauce. It’s a bold and incredibly satisfying burger that brings a taste of paradise right to your plate!
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it embraces the fun and unique flavors of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. Spam gets a bad rap sometimes, but when it’s cooked crispy and paired with these vibrant ingredients, it’s truly a revelation! The salty Spam and bacon provide an amazing savory base, which is perfectly balanced by the sweet, tangy grilled pineapple and the savory glaze of teriyaki sauce. It’s a fantastic conversation starter, an unexpected delight, and a burger that’s packed with incredible layers of flavor. If you’re looking for other easy, crowd-pleasing dishes that bring unique flavors, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or a party-ready Beer Cheese Dip that disappears in minutes are always big hits!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious Hawaiian Spam Bacon Burgers:
- 1 can (12 oz) of Spam, sliced into 4 equal pieces
- 4 slices of bacon
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 pineapple rings (canned, drained, or fresh)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- Lettuce (crisp varieties like Romaine or iceberg)
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Teriyaki sauce (your favorite brand)
- Mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Spam: While Spam is central to the “Hawaiian Spam Burger,” if you’re not a fan, you could substitute it with a traditional beef burger patty or even a grilled chicken breast, but you’d lose some of the unique flavor.
- Bacon: Any type of bacon will work. Cook it extra crispy for a great textural contrast.
- Pineapple Rings: Canned pineapple rings (well-drained) are convenient. Fresh pineapple rings, grilled until slightly caramelized, are even better!
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss melts beautifully and has a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. Provolone or even a mild cheddar would also work.
- Buns: Brioche or potato buns are excellent choices for their softness and slight sweetness, which pair well with the Hawaiian flavors.
- Teriyaki Sauce: A good quality, slightly thick teriyaki sauce works best for drizzling. You can make your own if you prefer.
- Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise is fine, but a Japanese mayonnaise (like Kewpie) would add an extra layer of richness.
- Garnish: Feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a tiny bit of fresh cilantro for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Steps for the Recipe
- Cook the Spam: Heat a skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium heat. Place the sliced Spam in the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the 4 slices of bacon until they are perfectly crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Toast the Buns and Pineapple (Optional but Recommended): Lightly toast the hamburger buns in the skillet, cut-side down, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. If using fresh pineapple, or if you want extra flavor, lightly grill the pineapple rings in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until they have nice grill marks and are slightly caramelized.
- Assemble the Burgers: Now for the exciting part – assembling your Hawaiian Spam Bacon Burger!
- Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the mayonnaise.
- Layer with fresh lettuce, slices of tomato, and thin slices of red onion.
- Next, add a grilled pineapple ring.
- Place a crispy Spam slice on top of the pineapple.
- Add a slice of crispy bacon (you can break it in half to fit).
- Drizzle generously with teriyaki sauce.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top and Serve: Place the top bun on the burger. For extra stability, you can secure it with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make the other burgers. Serve your Hawaiian Spam Bacon Burgers hot and enjoy the unique, delicious flavors of Hawaii in every single bite!
Tips for Success
- Crispy Spam and Bacon: Don’t undercook the Spam or bacon! Their crispiness is key to the texture of this burger.
- Grill Pineapple: Grilling the pineapple not only adds beautiful grill marks but also enhances its sweetness and adds a smoky char that complements the savory meats.
- Warm Buns: Toasting the buns is essential. It provides a sturdy base and a pleasant crunch against the moist fillings.
- Balance Sweet and Savory: Adjust the amount of teriyaki sauce to your preference, as it brings the main sweetness.
- Layering: Build the burger carefully so it’s stable and easy to eat.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Hawaiian Spam Bacon Burger is a hearty and flavorful meal all on its own. For sides, consider something light to balance the richness, such as a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or some crispy sweet potato fries. For a refreshing drink to complete your Hawaiian feast, my Blueberry Lemonade would be a fantastic choice. This burger is also perfect for a casual backyard BBQ or a themed party!
Storage and Leftover Tips
This burger is definitely best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the Spam and bacon are crispy and the pineapple is juicy. Assembled burgers do not store well due to the moist ingredients. However, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time: cooked Spam and bacon can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated gently. It’s always best to toast buns and assemble fresh just before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the creative and delicious approach to this Hawaiian Spam Bacon Burger, you’ll find plenty more fantastic ideas on Chef Maniac!
- For another easy and cheesy crowd-pleaser for a party, check out these Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
- And if you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying party dip that always disappears, my Crockpot Nacho Dip is a must-try!
Final Thoughts
The Hawaiian Spam Bacon Burger is a testament to culinary creativity and the joy of unexpected flavor combinations. It’s a fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying burger that brings a unique taste of the islands to your table. Get ready to experience a burger that’s anything but ordinary!
I hope you give this unique Hawaiian burger a try! What are your favorite unconventional burger toppings? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Aloha and happy cooking!
Leave a Reply