Burgers with Pimento Cheese

There’s a burger, and then there’s a burger with pimento cheese. And let me tell you, the latter is a game-changer. This is the kind of burger that’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. Imagine biting into a juicy, perfectly cooked burger, and as you sink your teeth in, the creamy, tangy pimento cheese bursts through, adding a whole new layer of flavor that’ll have you coming back for more. Trust me, this is the burger you didn’t know you needed but won’t be able to stop craving once you’ve had it.

This recipe is all about taking your classic burger and elevating it with the rich, creamy goodness of homemade pimento cheese. It’s easy, comforting, and totally drool-worthy—plus, it’s a fun way to give a Southern twist to a classic favorite. And the best part? It’s totally customizable. Whether you like it extra cheesy or with a little heat, you can tweak this to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love Burgers with Pimento Cheese

Flavor Explosion

The creamy pimento cheese melts beautifully over the hot, grilled burger, creating the most amazing, flavorful bite. It’s the perfect blend of savory, spicy, and rich, turning a regular burger into something extraordinary.

Simple but Fancy

This isn’t a complicated dish, but it has a certain elegance to it—thanks to the pimento cheese. It’s a simple burger, but with the addition of this southern classic, it feels a little more special.

Customizable

Want to spice things up? Add some jalapeños to your pimento cheese for a little extra kick. Prefer it milder? No problem. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Perfect for Grilling Season

Whether you’re cooking up dinner on a weeknight or grilling with friends on the weekend, these Burgers with Pimento Cheese are sure to steal the show. They’re always a hit!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouth-watering Burgers with Pimento Cheese:

Ground Beef

The juicy, flavorful base of your burger. You want a good mix of lean meat and fat for the perfect, tender burger.

Burger Buns

Soft, slightly toasted buns are key. Look for sturdy, yet soft buns to hold all the goodness together without falling apart.

Pimento Cheese

The star of the show. You can make your own or grab some store-bought if you’re in a rush. Either way, you’ll want to go for a rich, creamy cheese spread with pimentos for that signature Southern flavor.

Lettuce, Tomato, Onion

The classic toppings that add freshness and balance to your burger. Use whatever you love, whether it’s crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, or a thick slice of red onion.

Pickles (optional)

If you like a little tanginess, add some pickle slices to balance out the richness of the pimento cheese.

Seasonings

Don’t forget to season your beef patties! A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is all you need to enhance that savory flavor.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to cooking these Burgers with Pimento Cheese—here’s how to make them step by step:

1. Prepare the Pimento Cheese

Start by making the pimento cheese (if you’re not using store-bought). In a bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, diced pimentos, a bit of mayo, and your favorite seasonings (like garlic powder, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat). Mix everything until smooth and creamy, then set aside.

2. Form the Burger Patties

Take your ground beef and form it into burger patties. Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness, and make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.

3. Season the Patties

Generously season both sides of each patty with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it really makes the burger pop!

4. Grill or Pan-Fry the Patties

Now it’s time to cook your patties. You can either grill them over medium-high heat or cook them in a skillet with a little oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium, or longer if you prefer them more well-done.

5. Toast the Buns

While the burgers are cooking, toast your buns. You can do this on the grill or in a toaster. You just want them slightly golden and crispy.

6. Assemble the Burger

Once the burgers are cooked, it’s time to assemble. Place each patty on the bottom half of the toasted bun. Generously spoon a dollop of pimento cheese on top of the patty, and allow it to melt into the burger.

7. Add Toppings

Layer on your favorite burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Then, top with the other half of the toasted bun.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Burgers with Pimento Cheese immediately while the cheese is still gooey and melty. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides, whether that’s crispy fries, a side salad, or onion rings!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 burgers (based on standard portion sizes)

Calories per serving: 550-650 calories (varies depending on ingredients and toppings)

Nutrition Breakdown:

  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Calcium: 250mg
  • Iron: 4mg

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)

How to Serve Burgers with Pimento Cheese

Serve with Fries

You can never go wrong with classic fries. Whether you like them thin and crispy or thick and hearty, fries are the ultimate side dish for this burger.

Pair with a Cold Drink

A cold, refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer is perfect for washing down the richness of the burger and pimento cheese.

Add a Side Salad

If you’re looking for something a little lighter to balance out the indulgence, serve your burger with a side of mixed greens or a simple cucumber salad.

Pickle Chips

For an added crunch and tang, serve your burger with a side of pickle chips. The saltiness is the perfect complement to the creamy cheese.

Additional Tips

Use Good Quality Beef

Since the burger is the star of this dish, be sure to use good-quality ground beef. A mix with 80% lean and 20% fat will give you a juicy burger without being too greasy.

Make Your Own Pimento Cheese

Making your own pimento cheese at home is easy and tastes so much better than store-bought. Plus, you can customize it to your liking by adjusting the amount of pimentos or adding hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Experiment with Toppings

Want to take it up a notch? Try adding bacon, fried onions, or avocado to your burger. These extra toppings will take your flavor game to a whole new level.

Grill Indoors

If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can easily use a grill pan or skillet to cook the burgers. Just be sure to keep the heat at medium-high to get that nice sear.

Make the Patties Ahead of Time

If you’re prepping for a crowd or just want to save time, you can make the burger patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This helps the patties hold together better while cooking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for these burgers?

A1: Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe! Just be sure to add some seasoning to keep it flavorful, as turkey can be a little leaner and less flavorful than beef.

Q2: Can I make the pimento cheese ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the pimento cheese up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I use store-bought pimento cheese?

A3: Of course! If you’re short on time, store-bought pimento cheese works just fine. Just be sure to get a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

Q4: How can I make these burgers spicier?

A4: If you like heat, add diced jalapeños to the pimento cheese or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the patties before cooking.

Q5: What kind of cheese should I use for pimento cheese?

A5: Sharp cheddar is the most popular choice for pimento cheese, but you can mix it up with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or cream cheese for a creamier texture.

Q6: Can I freeze these burgers?

A6: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked patties and cook them later. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag.

Q7: How do I avoid dry burgers?

A7: Don’t overcook your burgers! Aim for medium to medium-rare for the juiciest results, and let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking.

Q8: Can I make this burger vegetarian?

A8: Yes! You can swap out the beef patty for a veggie burger, black bean patty, or even a portobello mushroom cap for a delicious vegetarian option.

Q9: What can I use if I don’t have burger buns?

A9: If you don’t have burger buns, try using toasted English muffins, sandwich bread, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Q10: Can I add other condiments to the burger?

A10: Definitely! Add ketchup, mustard, or mayo, or get creative with a BBQ sauce or sriracha for an extra flavor boost.

Conclusion

These Burgers with Pimento Cheese are sure to be a hit at your next cookout, family dinner, or casual weeknight meal. With the rich, creamy pimento cheese melting over a perfectly grilled burger, this is comfort food at its finest. Enjoy!

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Burgers with Pimento Cheese


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Juicy, flavorful burgers topped with creamy, tangy pimento cheese—Southern comfort meets classic backyard grilling! Perfect for summer cookouts and family dinners. Add crispy bacon for an extra treat.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pimento Cheese:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup diced pimentos (drained)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)

For the Burgers:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juicier burgers)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for searing)

For Serving:

  • 4 brioche or potato buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
  • Crispy bacon (optional, but highly recommended!)

Instructions

  1. Make the Pimento Cheese:
    In a medium bowl, mix together cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and hot sauce. Stir until well combined and creamy. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Prepare the Burgers:
    In a large bowl, mix ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until just combined. Form into 4 equal-sized patties, making a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing up while cooking.
  3. Cook the Burgers:
    Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add butter. Cook burgers for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium) or until desired doneness. During the last 1-2 minutes, spoon a generous amount of pimento cheese onto each patty and cover the pan or grill with a lid to let it melt slightly.
  4. Assemble & Serve:
    Toast buns lightly if desired. Place the pimento cheese-topped burger on the bun and add lettuce, tomato, pickles, or crispy bacon. Serve immediately with fries, chips, or a side of coleslaw!

Notes

  • You can make the pimento cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
  • For a spicier version, add more hot sauce to the pimento cheese or sprinkle some chili flakes over the burger.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger with bun
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 980
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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