Pizza Burger Recipe With Spam: Hawaiian Fusion in a Bun

This fusion dish brings together the best of both worlds—juicy burger patties and bold pizza flavors with a unique Hawaiian twist.

I developed this recipe to satisfy cravings for something hearty yet familiar, using Spam as the unexpected star ingredient. The combination of savory, salty Spam with classic pizza toppings creates a taste experience that’s hard to resist.

The patties are seasoned simply, allowing the Spam and melted cheese to shine. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the tender burger to the gooey, cheesy topping.

Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for casual dinners or fun gatherings. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients for Pizza Burger Recipe with Spam

A fusion of burger and pizza flavors with a Hawaiian twist using pantry staples and a few fun extras.

The ground beef is the foundation here—80/20 lean-to-fat ratio gives you juicy patties that hold together. Costco or Sam’s Club have great bulk options, but any grocery store works. The Spam is non-negotiable for that salty, savory kick (trust me on this). Look for Classic Spam in the canned meat aisle—it’s the most versatile for this blend.

No Spam? Diced ham or Canadian bacon can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be the same. Swap the mozzarella for provolone or cheddar if you prefer a sharper taste. The pineapple can be fresh or canned (drained well), but frozen works too—just thaw first. Skip the pepperoni? Add extra Spam or some diced bell peppers for color.

Patties can be shaped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Assemble the burgers just before serving to avoid soggy buns. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3-4 days—reheat in a skillet or microwave (the cheese gets a little rubbery, but it’s still tasty).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pizza Burger With Spam

This method delivers perfectly seasoned patties with a melty, flavorful topping combination every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the 0.5 whole yellow onion, finely diced, and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the 1 can Spam Classic, diced into small cubes, and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. This builds a savory, umami-rich foundation that will infuse every bite of your creation.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Beef Patties

In a bowl, gently mix the 1 lb ground beef with ½ tsp kosher salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly wider than the 4 whole hamburger buns—they’ll shrink during cooking.

Cook the patties in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Press down lightly with a spatula only once during cooking to maintain juiciness. Look for a deep brown crust on both sides.

Step 3: Assemble with Pizza-Inspired Toppings

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the cooked patties on a baking sheet. Spread each with 3 tbsp pizza sauce, dividing the 0.75 cup pizza sauce evenly. Top with 0.5 cup pepperoni slices, chopped, and 0.5 cup pineapple chunks, drained.

Sprinkle each burger with ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, using all 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Finish with a pinch each of 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp dried basil, crushed between your fingers to release their aroma.

Step 4: Melt and Toast to Perfection

Bake for 5-7 minutes until the shredded mozzarella cheese is fully melted and bubbling. The edges should be golden brown, and the pepperoni slices will crisp slightly at the top.

While the burgers bake, lightly toast the 4 whole hamburger buns in the same skillet used for the patties to soak up any remaining flavor. This ensures every component is warm and enhances the overall texture.

Perfect Pairings for This Dish

Beverage Pairings

An ice-cold Hawaiian Punch or Tropicana Pineapple Orange Juice complements the tropical flavors beautifully. The citrus notes cut through the richness of the cheese and Spam. For adults, a Wheeler’s Pineapple Rum cocktail adds a fun twist.

Side Dish Ideas

Serve with sweet potato fries dusted with paprika for a crispy contrast. Or try a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the meal. I love adding pickled jalapeños on the side for extra zing.

Dessert Options

A slice of pineapple upside-down cake keeps the Hawaiian theme going. Or go for vanilla ice cream with caramelized banana slices—the cool sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory burgers. 🍍

Extra Toppings

Set out small bowls of red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan, or chopped green onions for customization. I always keep Hot Honey on hand for a sweet-spicy drizzle.

Party Platter

Turn this into a sliders bar by miniaturizing the burgers. Offer Hawaiian rolls and an assortment of toppings like sautéed mushrooms or banana peppers. Guests will love building their own. 💛

Frequently Asked Questions