Pimento Cheese Burgers

Imagine a summertime backyard gathering where the sun is shining, laughter fills the air, and the smell of juicy burgers sizzling on the grill dances through the breeze. This is where comfort food meets culinary delight. Burgers topped with creamy, tangy pimento cheese create a mouthwatering experience that everyone craves. The combination of rich flavors and hearty textures makes this recipe an instant hit for family dinners and casual parties alike. Plus, with a quick prep time and the magic of simple ingredients, you can whip up these Pimento Cheese Burgers in no time, making them the perfect choice for busy weeknights. Once you’ve tasted these burgers, you’ll want to add them to your go-to recipe list.

Quick Answer

Pimento Cheese Burgers are a delicious twist on the classic burger, topped with a creamy pimento cheese spread. They’re perfect for any cookout or family gathering, offering comfort and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the beloved flavors of pimento cheese and juicy beef burgers in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. Each bite delivers a creamy, cheesy richness combined with the savory taste of grilled beef.

• Flavorful: The pimento cheese adds a tangy kick that enhances the burger experience.
• Textural contrast: The creamy cheese pairs perfectly with the juicy beef, creating a delightful mouthfeel.
• Quick and easy: Ideal for busy families, this recipe comes together quickly.
• Meal prep friendly: Make the cheese ahead and grill the burgers as needed.
• Family-friendly: Appeals to both kids and adults alike.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe stands out for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The creamy pimento cheese softens the richness of the beef, creating a balanced bite that is simply irresistible. The heartiness of the ground beef and the smooth, spicy flavor of the pimento provides a sensory treat that feels both comforting and indulgent. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to make, making it an accessible choice for anyone looking to elevate their burger game at home.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer or bowl – To combine the cheese and pimento mixture smoothly.
• Cast iron skillet or grill – For cooking the burgers evenly and adding a smoky flavor.
• Spatula – To flip the burgers without breaking them.
• Meat thermometer – To ensure burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Ingredients

shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich and tangy flavor to the pimento cheese spread.
cream cheese: Brings creaminess and helps bind the cheese mixture.
mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and adds a bit of tang.
pimento peppers: Provides a sweet and slightly spicy note, crucial to the flavor.
Old Bay seasoning: Adds a blend of spices that kick up the flavor profile.
Tabasco sauce: A dash of heat to balance the richness.
salt: Enhances overall flavor.
ground beef: The foundation of the burger, juicy and filling.
fresh black pepper: For seasoning the meat and enhancing its taste.
Pat of butter: Optional, for grilling the buns and adding richness.
sliced tomato: Freshness and juiciness added on top of the burger.
leaf lettuce: Adds a crisp texture and freshness.
sliced red onion: Provides a sharp bite that complements the cheese.

Ready to cook? Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Burgers

STEP 1. Prepare the pimento cheese spread. In a stand mixer or a bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, Old Bay Seasoning, and Tabasco. Blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

STEP 2. Shape the burger patties. In another bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, divide the burger meat into four equal-sized patties and press your finger into the center of each patty to create an indent.

STEP 3. Cook the burgers. Heat a grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. If using a cast iron skillet, add a pat of butter and let it melt. Grill or fry the burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping only once, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F for medium burgers.

STEP 4. Melt the cheese. Add big scoops of the pimento cheese to the top of the burgers and cover for the last two minutes of cooking time to allow the cheese to melt.

STEP 5. Prepare the buns. Meanwhile, butter the sandwich buns and grill them alongside the burgers for about a minute.

STEP 6. Assemble and serve. Serve burgers with slices of lettuce, red onion, tomato, and additional pimento cheese if desired.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances textures perfectly, with the creamy pimento cheese complementing the juicy beef patty. The mixture of flavors creates a flavorful punch, with the Old Bay seasoning and Tabasco sauce enhancing the overall taste. The grilling technique produces a delightful crust on the burger while keeping the center juicy, making for an enjoyable eating experience. The heat allows the cheese to become beautifully gooey, perfect for draping over the burger. Together, these elements create a memorable meal that’s simple yet satisfying.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overmix the beef. This will keep your patties tender.
• Use high-quality ingredients. Great cheese and beef enhance flavor significantly.
• Let the patties rest. After cooking, allow them to rest for a few minutes for juiciness.
• Experiment with toppings. Try avocado or spicy pickles for a flavor twist.
• Mix the pimento cheese ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Overcooking the burgers.
Why it happens: Not monitoring cooking time or temperature.
How to fix it: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 160°F.

Mistake: Making meat patties too thick.
Why it happens: Wanting a large burger can backfire on cooking time.
How to fix it: Keep the patties around 1 inch thick for better cooking.

Mistake: Skipping the indent in the patties.
Why it happens: Not realizing it helps the burger cook evenly.
How to fix it: Make sure to create an indent before cooking.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Pimento Cheese: Add jalapeños or more Tabasco for heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based burger with pimento cheese.
• BBQ Twist: Mix in some BBQ sauce into the ground beef.
• Cheesy Bottom Layer: Spread pimento cheese on the bottom bun for extra richness.
• Stuffed Burgers: Stuff the patties with pimento cheese before grilling for a melty center.

Nutrition Highlights

How to Serve Pimento Cheese Burgers

• Classic toppings: Lettuce, tomato, and red onion enhance freshness.
• Side dishes: Pair with crispy fries or a refreshing salad.
• Presentation: Serve on colorful plates with condiments to dip.
• Fun garnishes: Add pickles for an extra punch of flavor.

Best Occasions for This Recipe

• Weeknight dinners when time is tight.
• Family gatherings that call for comfort food.
• Casual cookouts and BBQs.
• Game day feasts to please a crowd.
• Potlucks where you want to impress without hassle.

Make Ahead & Storage

Can This Be Meal Prepped

Yes, you can prepare the pimento cheese in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week before grilling the burgers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked burger patties for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, or in a microwave for 30-second intervals until warmed through, ensuring not to dry them out.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

Transform leftover burgers into:

• Wraps: Add greens and some extra cheese for a tasty wrap.
• Bowls: Serve over rice with veggies and sauce.
• Sandwiches: Create a unique take on sandwiches using the patties.
• Lunch boxes: Make them a protein-packed meal for work or school.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with gouda, pepper jack, or any cheese you like!

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can substitute with a blend of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper.

How do I prevent my burgers from falling apart?
Avoid overmixing the beef and make sure to form the patties gently.

Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free buns or skip the bun entirely.

What should I do with leftover pimento cheese?
Use it as a dip, spread on crackers, or as a topping for grilled chicken or veggies.

Save This Recipe for Later

If you love this Pimento Cheese Burger recipe, consider saving it to your Pinterest board for future cooking inspiration!

Final Thoughts

These Pimento Cheese Burgers bring together all the flavors you love in a hearty, satisfying package. Perfect for any occasion, they combine ease and taste in one delicious bite. Try this recipe soon, save it for future gatherings, and explore more related recipes to elevate your outdoor grilling experience!

Pimento Cheese Burgers

These Pimento Cheese Burgers are a delicious twist on the classic burger, topped with a creamy pimento cheese spread, making them perfect for any cookout or family gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, BBQ

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pimento Cheese Spread

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Adds a rich and tangy flavor.
• 4 oz cream cheese Brings creaminess to the mixture.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise Enhances creaminess and adds tang.
• 1/2 cup pimento peppers Provides a sweet and spicy note.
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning Adds a blend of spices.
• 1 tsp Tabasco sauce Adds heat.
• to taste salt Enhances overall flavor.

For the Burgers

• 1 lb ground beef Foundation of the burger.
• 1 tsp fresh black pepper Enhances taste.
• 1 tbsp Pat of butter Optional for grilling the buns.
• 4 slices sliced tomato Adds freshness.
• 4 leaves leaf lettuce Adds crisp texture.
• 1 small sliced red onion Provides a sharp bite.
• 4 buns sandwich buns For assembling the burgers.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Prepare the pimento cheese spread by combining the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, Old Bay Seasoning, and Tabasco in a stand mixer or bowl. Blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
2. Shape the burger patties by gently combining the ground beef, Old Bay, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Divide the meat into four equal-sized patties and press a finger into the center of each patty to create an indent.

Cooking

1. Heat a grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a pat of butter and let it melt.
2. Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping only once, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
3. During the last two minutes of cooking, add big scoops of the pimento cheese on top of the burgers and cover to allow the cheese to melt.
4. Butter the sandwich buns and grill them for about a minute alongside the burgers.

Serving

1. Assemble the burgers by serving them with slices of lettuce, red onion, tomato, and additional pimento cheese if desired.

Notes

This recipe is meal prep friendly: you can prepare the pimento cheese in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze uncooked patties for up to three months.