In this easy burger recipe, homemade turkey patties are served on sweet Hawaiian hamburger buns and finished with a pineapple‑jalapeño‑onion relish and melted pepper jack cheese.
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Grilling season is the perfect time to switch up classic burgers with lighter, bright flavors. These Hawaiian turkey burgers pair lean ground turkey with tropical pineapple, spicy jalapeño, and caramelized onions for a balance of sweet, savory, and heat. They’re served on soft Hawaiian hamburger buns and topped with pepper jack for a melty finish. This recipe is simple, family‑friendly, and ideal for backyard cookouts.
The highlight is the Pineapple‑Onion‑Jalapeño Relish: onions caramelized until golden, fresh pineapple that browns slightly and concentrates its sweetness, and diced jalapeño to add a bright heat. Spread a spoonful of this relish over the cooked turkey patty for a pop of flavor with every bite.
These burgers are especially delicious served on soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian style buns. Toast the buns briefly on the grill or in a skillet to add texture and help them hold up to the juicy patty and relish.
Hawaiian Turkey Burgers Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh jalapeño, diced (adjust to taste)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup green onion, minced
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 Hawaiian-style sweet hamburger buns
Hawaiian Turkey Burgers Instructions
- In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, pineapple, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring often, for 10–12 minutes or until the onions and pineapple are caramelized and golden. Remove from heat and set the relish aside.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat, or brush the oil on a preheated grill.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sesame oil, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and minced green onion. Mix gently—avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
- Form the mixture into four even patties.
- Cook the patties on the hot skillet or grill for about 7–9 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through. If using a grill, resist pressing on the patties so they stay juicy.
- About two minutes before the burgers are done, top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese to melt.
- Lightly toast the Hawaiian buns on the grill or in a skillet. Place each cooked patty on a bun and spoon a generous amount of the pineapple‑onion‑jalapeño relish over the cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot. These burgers pair well with a crisp green salad, grilled corn, or sweet potato fries.
A little sweet, a little spicy, and perfectly balanced—these Hawaiian turkey burgers make a refreshing change from beef burgers and are a great way to add fresh fruit to your grilling menu.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- Adjust the jalapeño amount or remove seeds to control the heat level.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of brown sugar to the relish as it caramelizes.
- Substitute Monterey Jack or a milder cheese if preferred.
- To make smaller sliders, form the mixture into more, smaller patties and reduce cooking time.
- Leftover relish keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated briefly before serving.
Recipe Details
Servings: 4 burgers
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Facts (per burger)
- Calories: 498 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg
- Sodium: 717 mg
- Potassium: 555 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Vitamin C: 31.1 mg
- Calcium: 306 mg
- Iron: 2.9 mg
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special, these Hawaiian turkey burgers are easy to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of caramelized pineapple, savory turkey, and melty pepper jack is memorable and satisfying—give this recipe a try the next time you fire up the grill.