Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a burger that’s bursting with rich Southern charm and creamy, cheesy goodness, you’re in for a treat with this Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe. This delightful combination brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties and a luscious homemade pimento cheese spread that melts just slightly on top. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels special yet surprisingly easy to pull off, making it a definite crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe relies on a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one enhances the dish with bold flavor, creamy texture, or fresh brightness, crafting a perfectly balanced burger experience.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 lbs, 80/20): The ideal fat ratio for juicy and flavorful patties that won’t dry out.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the beef’s natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and balanced spice.
- Burger buns (4): Soft but sturdy, the foundation for layering all your delicious ingredients.
- Lettuce and tomato slices (optional): Freshness and vibrant color that add crispness and acidity.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Gives the pimento cheese that classic tangy bite.
- Cream cheese, softened (1/2 cup): Creates a creamy, smooth texture for the pimento cheese.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps bind the spread.
- Diced pimentos (1/4 cup, drained): Brings a mild sweetness and beautiful red flecks to the cheese.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the savory depth.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Complements the garlic and adds a subtle sharpness.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Provides a gentle heat for those who like a little spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly balance your pimento cheese flavor.
How to Make Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pimento Cheese
Start by creating that signature pimento cheese spread, which is the heart and soul of this recipe. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayo, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it becomes creamy and perfectly melded. Pop it in the fridge to chill and let the flavors marry while you cook the burgers.
Step 2: Shape and Season the Patties
Next, divide your ground beef into four equal parts and gently shape them into patties that are slightly bigger than your buns, as they’ll shrink while cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning is crucial to let the beef’s natural flavor shine.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Heat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, aiming for your desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, spoon a generous dollop of your homemade pimento cheese onto each patty. Let it soften ever so slightly, creating a luscious layer of rich cheesy goodness that nearly melts into the beef.
Step 4: Toast Buns and Assemble
Lightly toast your burger buns until just golden to add a touch of crunch and prevent sogginess. Start assembling your burgers by placing the juicy patty with melting pimento cheese on the bun’s base. Add fresh lettuce and tomato slices if you like a burst of freshness. Cap it with the top bun, and get ready for a bite of pure Southern comfort.
How to Serve Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes simple is best, so let your burger shine with crisp leaf lettuce and ripe tomato slices that provide contrast to the creamy cheese and juicy beef. If you want to kick it up, add pickles or thinly sliced red onions for extra zest and crunch.
Side Dishes
Perfect pairings include classic fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh coleslaw that’s creamy and tangy. For a Southern twist, serve alongside baked beans or crispy fried okra to keep the flavors true to the recipe’s roots.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party or weeknight dinner, turn these into sliders by using mini buns and smaller patties. You could also serve the pimento cheese dolloped on the side as a dip or spread it on toasted bread to accompany the meal. This recipe is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover patties or pimento cheese, store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the cheese spread separate from the patties to maintain the best texture when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked burger patties for up to 2 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in freezer bags. The pimento cheese spread is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen, as freezing can affect its texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid overcooking the beef. Add a fresh spoonful of pimento cheese after warming to recapture that creamy, melty magic.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pimento cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely, store-bought pimento cheese can be a time-saver and still tasty, but homemade has that unbeatable freshness and full flavor that makes a noticeable difference.
What type of cheese is best for pimento cheese?
Sharp cheddar works best thanks to its robust flavor and meltability, giving the spread its signature tang and creamy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you choose gluten-free buns, this entire dish fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet without compromising flavor or enjoyment.
Can I make the pimento cheese ahead of time?
Definitely. The pimento cheese benefits from resting in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing all the flavors to fully develop and making meal prep even easier.
How do I get the perfect burger patty?
Choose ground beef with about 20% fat content, don’t overwork the meat when shaping, and season generously. This ensures juicy, flavorful patties every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe—they feel indulgent without being complicated, rustic yet refined. Once you try this perfect marriage of Southern-inspired pimento cheese and tender, juicy beef patties, it will easily become a new favorite to whip up for family nights, barbecues, or whenever you want a burger that stands out from the crowd. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor every creamy, cheesy, flavorful bite.
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Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These juicy burgers with creamy homemade pimento cheese combine the bold flavors of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and pimentos for a unique Southern-inspired twist on a classic American favorite. Perfect for grilling or stovetop, topped with fresh lettuce and tomato for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato slices (optional)
Pimento Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pimento Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for cooking the burgers evenly.
- Shape and Season Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal-sized portions. Shape each portion into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Cook the Burgers: Place the patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side, then flip. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the burgers reach your desired level of doneness.
- Add Pimento Cheese Topping: In the final minute of cooking, place a generous spoonful of the pimento cheese mixture on top of each patty. Allow it to soften slightly from the heat but not fully melt.
- Toast Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns either on the grill or in a toaster until lightly golden and crisp.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place the cooked burger patty with pimento cheese on the bottom bun. Add lettuce and tomato slices if desired. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Prepare the pimento cheese up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator to streamline mealtime.
- Store-bought pimento cheese can be used for convenience, but homemade offers superior flavor and freshness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the regular burger buns with gluten-free buns.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity for heat preference or omit for a milder cheese spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
