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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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