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
Scale
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.
