The Island Boy Bacon & Cheeseburger Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork. Divide into 4 even portions (about 6 oz each). Form into patties about 3/4 inch thick and make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb (this helps them cook evenly).

Rest patties

Cover patties and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the glaze and heat your grill or skillet. This firms them up for better searing.

Prepare glaze

In a small bowl combine pineapple jam (or drained crushed pineapple), brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.

Cook and glaze bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet or cook in the skillet. After 6–7 minutes in the oven (or once fat renders in skillet), brush one side of each bacon strip with a thin layer of the pineapple glaze. Flip the bacon and brush the other side. Continue roasting or pan-cooking for another 4–6 minutes until bacon is caramelized and slightly crisp but still pliable. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel lined plate.

Preheat and oil

Preheat a grill or heavy skillet (cast iron recommended) to medium-high heat. Brush grates or skillet with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Sear and cook

Place patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes without moving to develop a good crust. Flip and cook another 3 minutes for medium (adjust to 2–5 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness). During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of sharp cheddar and cover (use a lid or foil) to melt the cheese.

Prepare spicy lime mayo

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime zest. Taste and adjust — add more Sriracha for heat, more lime zest for brightness.

Toast buns

Spread the softened butter on cut sides of brioche buns. Toast cut-side down on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the spicy lime mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

Place a couple of butter lettuce leaves on the mayo, then set the cheesy burger patty on top.

Lay two glazed bacon strips across each patty (break to fit if needed).

Top the bacon with a few slices of ripe mango, a slice of tomato, and a few thin red onion rings. Add pickled jalapeños and cilantro if using.

Spread a little mayo on the top bun and cap the burger. Press gently, serve immediately.

Serve the Island Boy Bacon & Cheeseburger hot with fries, plantain chips, or a crisp slaw. Provide extra lime wedges on the side if desired.