Cooking: BBQ Pineapple Flatbreads Layered with caramelized and pickled onions.

with Chef Robert Larios
Photography by Patricia M. Larios

When life gives you a craving for something bold, unapologetically delicious, and just a little unexpected, you craft BBQ Pineapple Flatbreads. Sweet and savory? Oh, they’re not just hanging out here; they’re having a wild, flavorful party on every inch of these flatbreads.

Imagine this: A blanket of tangy-sweet BBQ sauce sets the stage for pickled, caramelized onions that bring both sass and softness; roasted poblano peppers that pack just the right bite; and pineapple so juicy and charred it feels like it’s whispering tropical secrets. And the cheese? Please! Melty mozzarella and Monterey Jack combine forces for a spectacular cheese pull that could probably make any pizza jealous.

This is not a meal for the faint of heart, but your taste buds have been waiting for a moment like this. Time to dig in and light them up.

¡Buen provecho!


BBQ Pineapple Flatbreads Layered with caramelized and pickled onions.



Yields2 Servings

 1 red onion
 4 oz pineapple
 5 tsp red wine vinegar
 1 long green pepper
 4 oz fresh mozzarella (contains milk)
 2 flatbreads (contains sesame, wheat)
 4 tbsp BBQ sauce
 ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese (contains milk)
 Salt and pepper to taste
 Cooking oil
 Olive oil

1

Step 1:  Pickle the Onion

Get started by preparing the flavors that will elevate your flatbreads. Line a baking sheet with foil and place it on the top rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F and wash all your produce thoroughly. Halve the onion, peel it, and slice it thinly. Drain the pineapple over a small bowl, reserving its juice for later. To make the pickled onion, combine ¼ of the sliced onion, half the vinegar, and a pinch of salt in the bowl with the pineapple juice. Stir well and set it aside to soak up all those tangy flavors.

2

Step 2:  Cook the Onion

Bring a frying pan to life with a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the remaining sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally. Splash in a bit of water if the pan starts to dry out, to prevent sticking. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This is where their sweetness starts to shine.

3

Step 3:  Prepare Additional Ingredients

While the onion cooks, grab your green pepper and get chopping. Halve the pepper, remove the core, and slice it thinly into strips. Toss the strips into a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Next, dice the fresh mozzarella into small ½-inch cubes. With everything prepped and ready, you’re setting yourself up for smooth assembly.

4

Step 4:  Caramelize the Onion and Pineapple

Now it’s time to bring depth and sweetness to the dish. Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the pineapple to the softened onion. Stir everything together and cook until the pineapple takes on a lightly caramelized golden hue, about 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the remaining vinegar and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until both the onion and pineapple are jammy and irresistible. Turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5

Step 5: Assemble the Flatbreads

Grab your flatbreads and brush each one with a drizzle of oil for that perfect golden crust. Carefully pull the baking sheet from the oven and place the flatbreads on top. For maximum flavor, evenly spread the BBQ sauce over each bread. Then layer on the caramelized onion and pineapple mixture, the green pepper strips, Monterey Jack cheese, and the diced mozzarella. Every bite should be loaded with cheesy, tangy goodness!

6

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Slide your loaded flatbreads back into the top rack of the hot oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye as the cheese melts into gooey perfection and the edges of the bread crisp up to golden brown. (For 4 servings, rotate the baking sheets between the top and middle racks halfway through.) Once baked, transfer the flatbreads to a cutting board and finish them off with the pickled onion (draining it first, to taste). Slice into quarters, plate them up, and get ready to dazzle your taste buds!

Ingredients

 1 red onion
 4 oz pineapple
 5 tsp red wine vinegar
 1 long green pepper
 4 oz fresh mozzarella (contains milk)
 2 flatbreads (contains sesame, wheat)
 4 tbsp BBQ sauce
 ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese (contains milk)
 Salt and pepper to taste
 Cooking oil
 Olive oil
BBQ Pineapple Flatbreads Layered with caramelized and pickled onions.


Utensils:

  • Aluminum foil
  • Baking sheet
  • Strainer
  • Small bowl
  • Large pan


Cooking Tidbit:

When working with fresh pineapple, its sweetness shines brightest when slightly caramelized. To achieve that perfect balance of juicy and smoky, keep the pineapple moving in the pan and wait for it to develop a light golden-brown hue. This not only enhances its natural sugars but also adds a subtle, charred complexity that pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce.

As for your flatbreads, brush the edges with a drizzle of olive oil before baking to ensure they crisp up to perfection. This simple touch elevates the texture, giving you a delightful crunch with every bite.

Looking to up the protein game? Grilled chicken, crispy bacon or even sautéed shrimp make excellent add-ons to create a heartier dish!



Food Quote:

“Cooking isn’t just about nourishment; it’s like throwing a flavor-packed party where each ingredient has its moment to shine, and every bite leaves you wondering why you didn’t RSVP sooner.”

– Chef Robert Larios



Food Lover’s Dictionary

Pineapple: This tropical beauty received its appellation from the English because of its resemblance to the pine cone. The pineapple is native to Central and South America. Hawaii, now this fruits leading producer, didn’t see its first pineapple until the late 1700s. Though there are slight flavor variations depending on the variety, all ripe pineapple is exceedingly juicy and has a tangy sweet-tart flavor. 

Bibliography: Herbst, Sharon Tyler, and Ron Herbst. The New Food Lover’s Companion. 2nd ed., Sourcebooks, 1995.

Source: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/bbq-pineapple-flatbreads-620c20eaaf420111a021e19a
Accessed June 23, 2025



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