If you’re someone who cherishes the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and juicy, flavorful beef, then this Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe is going to become your absolute favorite. This is not your everyday burger; it’s an elevated experience where the rich, tangy pimento cheese melts into the patty, giving every bite an exciting mix of sharp cheddar, smoky spices, and a touch of heat. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again for family dinners, weekend cookouts, or whenever you’re craving a seriously satisfying burger that stands out from the crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will set you on the path to burger bliss. Each one has a special role, adding depth, creaminess, and that signature pop of color and flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): The star in the creamy pimento cheese, providing bold flavor and the perfect melty texture.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds creaminess and helps bind the pimento cheese together smoothly.
- Cream cheese, softened (¼ cup): Contributes to a luscious, velvety texture in the cheese spread.
- Diced pimentos (½ cup, drained): These little red gems deliver a sweet contrast and vibrant color.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Infuses both the cheese and beef with subtle, savory warmth.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle oniony undertone to the pimento cheese.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Brings a smoky depth that gives both components a tasty kick.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Freshly ground for a touch of heat and complexity.
- Hot sauce (½ teaspoon, optional): To give your pimento cheese a lively, spicy nudge.
- Ground beef, 80/20 (1 ½ lbs): The juicy backbone of the burger, perfect for keeping things flavorful and moist.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors in your patties.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds umami and depth to the burger mix.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon, optional): Introduces a tangy brightness to balance the rich beef.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): For a golden, buttery sear on the buns or patties.
- Brioche or potato buns (4): Soft and slightly sweet, perfect to cradle your masterpiece.
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional): Fresh elements that bring crispness and contrast.
- Crispy bacon (optional but highly recommended): Adds a crunchy, smoky layer that takes these burgers over the top.
How to Make Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pimento Cheese
Start by combining shredded sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and hot sauce if you’re using it. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a creamy, well-incorporated spread that’s rich, tangy, and bursting with flavor. This pimento cheese is what will make your burgers truly special.
Step 2: Season and Shape the Patties
In a large bowl, add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard if desired. Gently mix everything together—don’t overwork the meat to maintain that juicy texture. Divide the mixture into four even portions and form them into patties slightly larger than your buns, making a small indentation in the center to keep them from puffing up during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high and melt the butter. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through to your liking. If you want to add bacon, cook it separately until crisp. In the last minute of cooking, you can pile the pimento cheese onto each patty to let it soften slightly or melt—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Assemble Your Burgers
Toast the brioche or potato buns lightly in the skillet or oven for a bit of crispness and warmth. Then, layer the bottom bun with lettuce, add the cheesy burger patty, top with tomato slices and pickles if you like, and add crispy bacon for that irresistible crunch. Finish with the top bun and get ready to dive in!
How to Serve Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and tangy pickles not only add beautiful color but also balance the rich, creamy pimento cheese and hearty beef patties. A few slices of crispy bacon are absolutely divine for a smoky texture contrast, elevating every mouthful.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like golden French fries, crispy onion rings, or a light coleslaw work perfectly alongside these burgers. The crunch and freshness of these sides complement the creamy, cheesy flavors and make your meal complete without overwhelming the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe stacked high on a wooden board with small ramekins of extra pimento cheese for dipping. You can also slice the burgers and offer sliders for a fun party twist. Adding a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika or chopped chives on top will make your presentation pop and entice everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though these burgers rarely stick around), store the patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pimento cheese spread chilled in a separate container to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked burger patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, keeping them fresh for up to 3 months. The pimento cheese spread doesn’t freeze well due to its texture so it’s best made fresh when serving.
Reheating
For reheating cooked patties, use a low oven or a skillet over medium heat to warm gently without drying out the beef. Toast the buns separately. Add fresh pimento cheese or re-spread slightly warmed cheese before serving to bring back that melty magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar in the pimento cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with pepper jack for a little spice or smoked gouda for a deeper smoky flavor. Just make sure you shred it finely so the texture stays creamy and easy to spread.
Is it necessary to use ground beef with 80/20 fat content?
Using 80/20 ground beef is ideal because the fat keeps the patties juicy and flavorful during cooking. Leaner beef can become dry, but you can add a little olive oil or bacon fat to compensate if you prefer a leaner option.
Can I make the pimento cheese ahead of time?
Yes, pimento cheese can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it chill for a few hours helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it onto your burgers.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To kick up the heat, increase the hot sauce in the pimento cheese or add finely chopped jalapeños. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the beef mixture or top the burger with spicy pickled jalapeños for an extra fiery twist.
What’s the best way to melt the pimento cheese on the burger?
During the final minute of cooking, place a dollop of pimento cheese onto each patty and cover the skillet with a lid or loosely tent foil. The trapped heat softens and slightly melts the cheese, creating that luscious, gooey layer we all crave.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into a burger that’s bursting with creamy, spicy pimento cheese. This Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe is a delightful way to take a classic to new heights—with layers of flavor and texture that will have you coming back for seconds every time. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet or grill, and treat yourself to a burger experience that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat!
Print
Burgers with Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These juicy burgers topped with a creamy, tangy pimento cheese spread bring a Southern-inspired twist to classic beef patties. Perfectly seasoned ground beef is seared to perfection and paired with a flavorful homemade pimento cheese, then sandwiched in soft brioche or potato buns with optional fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and crispy bacon for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Pimento Cheese Spread
- 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)
Burger Patties
- 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 Cooking & Serving
- 1 tablespoon butter (for searing)
- 4 brioche or potato buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
- Crispy bacon (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pimento Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional hot sauce. Mix well until creamy and fully blended. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while preparing the burgers.
- Season the Ground Beef: In a large bowl, mix ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard if using. Gently combine without overworking to keep the meat tender.
- Form Patties: Divide the seasoned meat into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick, slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add butter. Let it melt and coat the pan evenly.
- Sear the Burgers: Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or until desired doneness is reached. Avoid pressing down on the patties to retain juices. Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes.
- Toast the Buns: While resting the burgers, slice the brioche or potato buns and toast them in the same pan or in a toaster until golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of pimento cheese on the bottom bun, add the cooked burger patty, then top with optional crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful burgers.
- Allow pimento cheese to chill for at least 30 minutes if possible to develop richer flavor.
- For spicier pimento cheese, increase the hot sauce or add cayenne pepper.
- Butter the buns before toasting for extra richness and crispness.
- Letting burgers rest before serving helps redistribute juices for juicier results.
- Optional toppings like crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickles enhance texture and flavor.
