Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe
Get ready to meet your new cookout obsession: Burgers with Pimento Cheese! This Southern-inspired twist on a classic burger delivers big, bold flavor in every bite, thanks to a luscious homemade pimento cheese topping that melts into the juicy beef patty. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy, tangy, and savory, all tucked inside a pillowy brioche bun with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and a pop of red onion. Whether you’re grilling outside or pan-frying indoors, this recipe is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Burgers with Pimento Cheese is how every ingredient has a delicious role to play. These simple, accessible staples come together to create layers of texture and flavor that truly set this burger apart.
- Ground Beef (80/20 blend): The fat content keeps the patties juicy and full of flavor.
- Salt: Just the right amount to amplify the natural beefy taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to every bite.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash brings out umami richness in the meat.
- Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery buns that perfectly cradle all the fillings.
- Lettuce Leaves: Adds crunch and a pop of color.
- Tomato Slices: Juicy and fresh, they balance the creamy cheese.
- Red Onion (thinly sliced): Provides a sharp bite and vibrant hue.
- Oil (for grilling or pan-frying): Prevents sticking and helps achieve a delicious crust.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the pimento cheese, bringing bold flavor and gooey texture.
- Mayonnaise: Makes the pimento cheese extra creamy and spreadable.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Adds a luxurious tanginess and smoothness.
- Diced Pimentos (drained): Their sweet, mild flavor and bright color are signature to pimento cheese.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of savoriness that lingers in the background.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavors in the cheese spread.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): For perfect seasoning in the cheese mixture.
How to Make Burgers with Pimento Cheese
Step 1: Mix and Form the Patties
Start by gently combining your ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Be careful not to overwork the meat—just enough to bring everything together. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties, pressing a slight indent into the center of each. This little trick helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.
Step 2: Cook the Burgers
Heat oil in a skillet or fire up the grill to medium-high. Once hot, add your patties and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. The outside should develop a mouthwatering crust while the inside stays juicy. Resist the urge to press down on the burgers—you want to keep all those flavorful juices inside!
Step 3: Make the Pimento Cheese
While the burgers sizzle, it’s time to whip up the show-stopping pimento cheese. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. The blend should be thick yet easily spreadable, with pops of red from the pimentos dotting the mix.
Step 4: Toast the Brioche Buns
Don’t skip toasting your brioche buns! A light toasting brings out their buttery sweetness and gives them just enough structure to hold up to the juicy burger and melty cheese. You can do this on the grill or in a dry skillet for about a minute, just until the insides are golden.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers with Pimento Cheese
Now for the fun part: building your masterpiece. Place a crisp lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a hot burger patty. Generously spoon your homemade pimento cheese over the patty, letting it melt just a bit from the burger’s heat. Top with a slice of tomato and a few rings of red onion. Cap it off with the top bun, grab some napkins, and dig in while they’re still warm!
How to Serve Burgers with Pimento Cheese
Garnishes
Garnishing these burgers is all about freshness and contrast. Try adding a few snipped chives, some tangy pickles, or a dash of hot sauce right on top of the pimento cheese for a flavor boost. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can really make those flavors pop.
Side Dishes
Burgers with Pimento Cheese deserve sides that are just as tempting. Classic choices like crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crunchy coleslaw are always a hit. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad or some grilled vegetables for a vibrant, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really wow your guests, serve Burgers with Pimento Cheese slider-style on mini brioche rolls at your next gathering. Or go big and stack the patties double-decker style for the ultimate indulgence! For a Southern twist, serve with a side of fried green tomatoes or a dollop of spicy remoulade on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover burgers or pimento cheese, you’re in luck—they’re both easy to store. Place burger patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep any extra pimento cheese in a separate covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days; it’s fantastic as a spread on crackers or sandwiches.
Freezing
Burgers with Pimento Cheese can be partially made ahead for busy weeks. Freeze uncooked patties between sheets of parchment paper in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. The pimento cheese isn’t ideal for freezing due to the dairy, but you can always make a fresh batch the day you plan to serve.
Reheating
To reheat the burger patties, warm them in a skillet over medium heat, covered, until heated through. You can also microwave them in 30-second bursts, but the skillet method keeps the exterior crispier. Let the pimento cheese come to room temperature for easy spreading, or microwave it for just a few seconds to soften.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional and provides that signature tang, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a smoky gouda for a unique twist. Just make sure to shred the cheese yourself for the best texture.
What kind of ground beef is best for Burgers with Pimento Cheese?
An 80/20 blend (80 percent lean, 20 percent fat) is ideal for juicy, flavorful burgers. Leaner beef will be drier, while more fat can cause too much shrinkage or flare-ups on the grill.
Can I make the pimento cheese ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, letting the pimento cheese chill for a few hours in the fridge only improves the flavor as everything melds together. Just give it a quick stir before using, and you’re good to go.
What’s the best way to toast brioche buns?
The easiest way is to place them cut-side down on a hot, dry skillet or grill for about a minute, just until golden and lightly crisped. This helps them hold up to the juicy burger and oozy cheese without getting soggy.
Can I make these burgers on the stovetop instead of a grill?
Absolutely! Burgers with Pimento Cheese are delicious whether cooked on a grill or in a cast-iron skillet. Just make sure your pan is nice and hot to achieve a beautiful sear and that irresistible crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a burger that’s anything but ordinary, Burgers with Pimento Cheese are the answer. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavors both familiar and new, and guaranteed to leave everyone raving. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself (and your favorite people) to this irresistible Southern classic soon!
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Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Burgers with Pimento Cheese combine juicy, seasoned beef patties with a rich, creamy southern-style pimento cheese topping. Served on toasted brioche buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion, this recipe offers a gourmet twist on a classic American favorite ideal for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Burger
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon oil for grilling or pan-frying
Pimento Cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos (drained)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef patties: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until just combined to avoid overworking the meat. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, pressing a slight indent in the center of each to prevent the burgers from puffing up while cooking.
- Cook the patties: Heat the oil in a skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until they reach your preferred level of doneness, flipping carefully to maintain their shape and juiciness.
- Make the pimento cheese: While the patties cook, prepare the pimento cheese by combining shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and fully blended.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast the brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown to add texture and flavor to your burger assembly.
- Assemble the burgers: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a fresh lettuce leaf, top with the cooked beef patty, add a generous spoonful of pimento cheese, followed by a slice of tomato and some thin red onion slices. Cover with the top bun and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Pimento cheese can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making meal prep easier.
- For a spicier variation, try using spicy pimentos or adding a dash of hot sauce to the pimento cheese mixture.
- Use brioche buns for a rich, buttery flavor; other buns can be substituted depending on preference.
- Pressing an indent in the patties helps them cook evenly and keeps them from puffing up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
