If you are craving a burger that’s bursting with bold, creamy flavors and a bit of southern charm, this Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned patties topped with rich, tangy pimento cheese that melts just right, giving each bite a velvety texture and a hint of a spicy kick. It’s the kind of burger that feels like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food, but with a sophisticated twist that will impress anyone gathered around your grill or kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and quality ingredients is the secret to making a Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe truly shine. Each element plays an important role, contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, juiciness, and mouthwatering color.
- 1 lb. ground chuck or favorite burger mix: Choose ground chuck for juicy, flavorful patties with just the right fat content.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the beef without overpowering it.
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness that complements the cheese.
- ¾ cup pimento cheese spread (homemade or store-bought): This spread is the star ingredient, providing creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of zing from the pimentos.
- 4 burger buns (toasted): Toasting the buns gives a perfect crunch that holds up against the juicy burger and creamy cheese.
- Lettuce, mayo, relish, tomatoes: Fresh toppings and condiments that add texture, brightness, and a balance to the rich cheese and beef.
How to Make Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Burger Patties
Start by dividing your ground chuck into four equal portions. Shape each into a patty slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage during cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can cook your patties on a grill, in a skillet, or on a griddle—whichever method you prefer. Cook the burgers to your desired doneness, keeping them juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Remove Burgers from Heat
Once your burgers are almost fully cooked, carefully remove them from the heat source. This is the perfect moment to prepare them for the next step that brings the Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe to life.
Step 3: Melt the Pimento Cheese on the Patties
Top each burger patty with about ¼ cup of the creamy pimento cheese spread. Immediately cover the pan with a lid to trap the heat and allow the cheese to melt gently. This should take about one minute, but keep an eye on it—the goal is to melt the cheese without overcooking the meat.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers and Serve
Place each cheesy patty onto the toasted burger buns. Add your preferred combination of lettuce, mayo, relish, and tomato slices to give your burger a refreshing crispness and a vibrant pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the melty, savory magic of this Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe!
How to Serve Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh and thoughtfully chosen garnishes can elevate your Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe from excellent to unforgettable. Crisp lettuce leaves provide a cool crunch, while juicy tomato slices add brightness. A slather of mayo lends creaminess that complements the pimento cheese perfectly, and a drizzle of tangy relish offers an invigorating contrast to the rich, melty topping.
Side Dishes
This burger deserves sides that can hold their own while highlighting the star flavors. Classic crispy fries or golden sweet potato wedges are perfect companions. For a veggie-packed twist, serve with a fresh coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad that will refresh the palate between every cheesy, juicy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe on artisan buns or slider rolls for a cute party platter. You can also turn it into a burger bowl by skipping the bun and piling your favorite greens underneath the cheesy patty for a low-carb treat. For added flair, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the melted pimento cheese—it adds an inviting splash of color and a herby lift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe extravaganza, wrap the patties and buns separately in airtight containers or plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess, so your next meal feels just as satisfying.
Freezing
To enjoy this delicious burger at a later date, freeze the uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. If you have extra pimento cheese, it freezes well in small portions. Buns are best stored fresh and sealed in the freezer for about a week to maintain their softness when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover patties gently in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid and adding a little pimento cheese near the end to re-melt. Toast buns separately for that fresh-out-of-the-toaster feeling. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact and maintain the juicy deliciousness you expect from a Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe.
FAQs
Can I make the pimento cheese spread from scratch?
Absolutely! Making homemade pimento cheese spread is simple and allows you to control the flavors. Combining sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and a touch of seasoning creates the perfect creamy spread to top your burgers.
What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
Ground chuck with about 15-20% fat content is ideal because it provides juiciness and rich flavor. Leaner blends can result in drier burgers, so stick to higher fat content for this Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe.
Can I grill the burgers instead of pan-cooking?
Yes, grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with pimento cheese. Just remember to add the pimento cheese after grilling and cover briefly to melt the cheese properly.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
You can create a delicious vegetarian version by using a black bean or veggie burger patty and topping it with the pimento cheese spread. This keeps the spirit of the recipe intact while accommodating different dietary preferences.
What drinks pair well with Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe?
Crisp, light beers like pilsners or lagers balance the richness perfectly, while a glass of iced tea or a zesty lemonade cuts through the creamy, cheesy flavors making every bite and sip delightful.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a burger that combines juicy beef and the indulgent creaminess of pimento cheese. This Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe has become a beloved go-to for those who appreciate comfort food with a little southern soul and a lot of heart. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so hard to go back to plain old cheeseburgers. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or stove, and prepare for a meal that’s truly unforgettable.
Print
Pimento Cheeseburgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pimento Cheeseburgers are a delightful twist on classic burgers, featuring juicy ground chuck patties topped with creamy, tangy pimento cheese spread. Perfectly toasted buns and fresh toppings like lettuce, mayo, relish, and tomatoes complete this flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 lb. ground chuck or favorite burger mix
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Toppings and Assembly
- ¾ cup pimento cheese spread (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 burger buns (toasted)
- Lettuce leaves
- Mayonnaise
- Relish
- Tomato slices
Instructions
- Prepare and Shape Patties: Divide the ground chuck evenly into 4 portions and shape each into a burger patty. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the meat’s flavor.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until they are almost done, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness, ensuring they reach your preferred level of doneness.
- Melt the Pimento Cheese: Remove the pan from heat when the burgers are nearly cooked through. Top each patty with ¼ cup of pimento cheese spread and cover the pan with a lid. Let it sit for about 1 minute or until the cheese is melted and warmed through.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each cheesy patty on a toasted burger bun. Add desired toppings such as lettuce, mayonnaise, relish, and tomato slices. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly toasted buns to add a slight crunch and better flavor contrast.
- You can substitute ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider grilling the patties instead of cooking on a skillet.
- Homemade pimento cheese can elevate the taste, but store-bought brands provide great convenience.
- Ensure the pan is covered when melting cheese to trap heat and melt it evenly without overcooking the burgers.
