The Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese Burger: A Taste of Dixie on a Bun
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary journey to the American South with the extraordinary Southern Pimento Cheese Burger. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a celebration of rich flavors, creamy textures, and an indulgence that defines comfort food. At its heart lies a perfectly grilled ground beef patty, elevated to legendary status by a generous crowning of homemade pimento cheese. This iconic Southern spread, a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, tangy mayonnaise, rich cream cheese, and diced pimentos, transforms a simple burger into a gourmet experience that is truly over the top.
Every bite of this Southern Pimento Cheese Burger is an explosion of savory goodness. The pimento cheese, with its incredibly creamy consistency, melts beautifully over the hot patty, oozing down the sides and blanketing the entire burger in a warm, cheesy embrace. It’s a messy, glorious affair that demands a stack of napkins and a readiness to fully immerse yourself in its decadent charm.
Crafting this masterpiece begins with a simple yet flavorful homemade beef patty. Using high-quality ground chuck, seasoned expertly with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, ensures a juicy and robust foundation. Once the patties are grilled to near perfection, they are generously topped with the glorious pimento cheese, allowing it to melt into a spectacular cascade of cheesy delight. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an event, a testament to the beloved flavors of the South.
The Heart of the South: What is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is often referred to as “the pâté of the South” or “Southern caviar,” and for good reason. This delectable spread is a staple in Southern cuisine, gracing everything from crackers at a picnic to elegant tea sandwiches. Its core ingredients are simple: sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos (small, red, sweet peppers). However, what makes it truly special is the harmonious blend of these ingredients, often enhanced with a touch of cream cheese for extra richness, and sometimes a hint of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a gentle kick. The combination creates a spread that is savory, slightly tangy, incredibly creamy, and utterly irresistible. For this burger, the pimento cheese is the undisputed star, providing a luxurious, melting blanket of flavor that transforms a classic into a culinary marvel.
Choosing the Perfect Ground Beef for Juicy Burgers
The foundation of any great burger is the patty, and selecting the right ground beef is paramount to achieving a flavorful and juicy result. For the Southern Pimento Cheese Burger, I wholeheartedly recommend using ground chuck with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The higher fat content is crucial because it renders during cooking, keeping the burger moist and succulent while imparting a rich, beefy flavor. An 85/15 lean ground beef is also an excellent choice, offering a slightly leaner option without sacrificing too much moisture or taste.
Using ground beef that is too lean, such as 90/10 or higher, will likely result in dry, tough, and less flavorful burgers. The fat is what carries much of the flavor and contributes to that satisfying texture we all crave in a good burger. When forming your patties, remember to handle the meat gently to avoid overworking it, which can also lead to a tough texture. A light touch ensures a tender, juicy burger every time.
Grilling to Perfection: Achieving the Ideal Burger and Melt
Cooking your burger patties correctly is key to a superior Pimento Cheese Burger experience. Whether you’re using an outdoor grill for that smoky char or a grill pan on your stovetop for convenience, the goal is a beautifully cooked patty with a perfect crust. Start by ensuring your grill or pan is adequately hot, which helps create a nice sear and prevents sticking. Cook the patties for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, adjusting according to your desired level of doneness.
The magic happens in the final moments of cooking. About a minute or two before the burgers reach their full cooking time, generously top each patty with approximately 1/4 cup of your homemade pimento cheese. This allows enough time for the cheese to melt into a glorious, gooey blanket, without burning or sliding off the patty. The radiant heat from the burger and grill will transform the pimento cheese into an irresistible, molten layer that enhances every aspect of the burger. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure food safety and achieve your preferred doneness: 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, 150-155°F for medium-well, and 160°F+ for well-done.
Assembling Your Southern Pimento Cheese Burger
Once your perfectly grilled, cheese-laden patty is ready, it’s time to assemble your Southern Pimento Cheese Burger masterpiece. A soft, toasted burger bun is essential to complement the rich flavors and creamy texture of the pimento cheese. Brioche buns, potato rolls, or classic sesame seed buns all work wonderfully, offering a slight sweetness and sturdy structure to hold all the deliciousness.
Keep the toppings simple to let the pimento cheese shine. A crisp leaf of red leaf lettuce on the bottom bun adds a refreshing crunch and helps contain some of the cheesy goodness. While the original recipe keeps it simple, feel free to add other classic burger toppings. Crispy bacon is an absolute game-changer, adding a salty, smoky counterpoint to the creamy cheese. Thinly sliced red onion or caramelized onions can provide a sharp bite or sweet depth, respectively. A juicy tomato slice, dill pickle chips, or even a dash of hot sauce can further customize your burger to your liking. Serve immediately and prepare for a wonderfully messy, utterly satisfying meal that truly captures the spirit of Southern hospitality.
Essential Tips for Pimento Cheese Burger Success
- Prepare Pimento Cheese in Advance: For optimal flavor development and convenience, make your pimento cheese up to 5 days before you plan to assemble the burgers. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive and delicious spread. Simply wrap it well with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed. Bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before topping the burgers for the best melting consistency.
- Customize the Spice Level: The recipe includes a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth. If you prefer a spicier burger, don’t hesitate to double the amount of cayenne. For a fresher, more intense heat, finely dice a small jalapeño or serrano pepper and mix it into the pimento cheese. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add depth without too much heat.
- Avoid Overcooking the Burgers: Overcooked burgers are dry and tough. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here. For a medium-cooked burger, aim for an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees F. For medium-rare, target 130-135 degrees F. Remove the burgers from the heat a few degrees before your target, as they will continue to cook slightly while resting. Avoid pressing down on the patties with your spatula during cooking, as this squeezes out precious juices and flavor.
- Form a Dimple in Patties: To prevent your burgers from puffing up into a dome shape during cooking, make a slight depression or dimple in the center of each patty before grilling. This ensures they cook flatter and more evenly.
- Toast Your Buns: Lightly toasting the burger buns adds texture, warmth, and creates a barrier that prevents the buns from becoming soggy from the juicy burger and melting pimento cheese.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Pimento Cheese
Should you find yourself with any leftover pimento cheese – a rare but delightful occurrence – don’t let it go to waste! This versatile spread can be repurposed in numerous delicious ways. Its creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy profile makes it a fantastic addition to many dishes:
- Classic Pimento Cheese Sandwiches: Spread it thickly between two slices of white bread for a quintessential Southern lunch. Grilling the sandwich elevates it to a gourmet grilled cheese experience.
- Dip for Snacks: Serve it as a dip with corn chips, Fritos, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or your favorite crackers. It’s always a crowd-pleaser for appetizers or game day.
- Pimento Cheese Pizza: Use it as a base sauce or dollop it onto a pizza for a rich, creamy, and unique topping.
- Pimento Cheese Omelet or Scrambled Eggs: Fold it into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a wonderfully cheesy and flavorful breakfast or brunch.
- Pimento Cheese Spirals: Roll it into puff pastry or crescent roll dough, slice, and bake for savory, cheesy pinwheels.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Use it to stuff bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños before baking for a savory side dish or appetizer.
- Top for Hot Dogs or Chili: A dollop of pimento cheese can transform a simple hot dog or a bowl of chili into something extraordinary.
- Biscuits and Pimento Cheese: Serve it alongside warm Southern biscuits for an indulgent breakfast or snack.
Great Southern Sides to Complement Your Burger
A Southern Pimento Cheese Burger calls for side dishes that are equally hearty and flavorful. Enhance your meal with these classic pairings:
- Buttermilk Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy, and creamy crunch of homemade buttermilk coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.
- Root Beer Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans, especially those with a unique flavor twist like root beer, are a staple at any Southern cookout and pair perfectly with burgers.
- The BEST Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob, grilled or boiled, is a quintessential summer side that complements almost any burger.
- Barbecue-Ranch Cornbread Salad: A hearty and flavorful salad featuring cornbread, beans, and a creamy dressing, offering diverse textures and tastes.
- Easy Macaroni Salad: A classic, creamy macaroni salad is a comforting and satisfying choice that balances the burger’s intensity.
- Southern Potato Salad: Rich, creamy, and often slightly sweet, Southern-style potato salad is a perfect partner for grilled meats.
- Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad: For a lighter, tangy option, this refreshing salad provides a welcome counterpoint to the richness of the burger.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly healthier and sweet alternative to regular fries, offering a delightful twist.
- Fried Okra: A true Southern delight, crispy fried okra adds an authentic touch to your meal.
Pimento Cheese Burger
By Christin Mahrlig
15
12
27
4 -5
Ingredients
- 6 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese,, softened
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimientos,, may not need whole jar, drained well
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1.25 pounds ground chuck
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- red leaf lettuce
- 4 burger buns,, toasted if desired
Instructions
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To make pimento cheese, combine shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, well-drained diced pimentos, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Mix together well using a wooden spoon until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and creamy. Note: While a 4-ounce jar of pimentos is specified, you may use about 3/4 of the jar, or the whole jar if you prefer a more pimento-heavy spread. Refrigerate the pimento cheese until it’s needed, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Gently work the Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper into the ground chuck. Take care not to overmix the meat, as this can lead to a tough burger. Divide the seasoned ground beef into 4 or 5 equal portions, depending on your preferred patty size. Shape each portion into a patty, and make a slight depression in the center of each patty with your thumb. This technique helps the burgers cook flatter and prevents them from bulging into a dome shape.
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Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the prepared burger patties on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Approximately one to two minutes before the burgers are fully cooked, top each patty with about 1/4 cup of the prepared pimento cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and become gloriously gooey over the hot burger.
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To serve your Southern Pimento Cheese Burger, place a fresh leaf of red leaf lettuce on the bottom half of a toasted burger bun. Carefully transfer a hot, cheese-topped burger patty onto the lettuce, then cover with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately and enjoy the irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and juicy experience!
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 26g |
Protein: 47g |
Fat: 65g |
Saturated Fat: 28g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 21g |
Trans Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 184mg |
Sodium: 1462mg |
Potassium: 579mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 5g |
Vitamin A: 1579IU |
Vitamin C: 30mg |
Calcium: 616mg |
Iron: 5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this?
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Originally posted June 7, 2014.
Conclusion: Experience the True Taste of Southern Comfort
The Southern Pimento Cheese Burger is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that embodies the warmth, richness, and unapologetic deliciousness of Southern cuisine. From the perfectly seasoned, juicy beef patty to the luxuriously melted, tangy pimento cheese, every element comes together to create a burger that is truly exceptional. Whether you’re a long-time fan of pimento cheese or discovering its magic for the first time, this burger promises a memorable culinary adventure. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to savor the ultimate taste of Southern comfort right in your own home. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, indulge, and enjoy the simple pleasure of truly good food.