Pimento Cheese Burgers
Pimento cheese is a scrumptious, tangy, delightful spread that’s delicious as an appetizer…but even more amazing when used as a burger topping! This recipe can be customized as you like, but whatever you do…don’t be skimpy with the pimento cheese! Member’s Mark™ Garlic Powder and Minced Onion add just another touch of robust flavor to this burger recipe. Side note – this recipe makes more pimento cheese than you’ll need for the burgers, so keep reading to discover how to use the extra!
What is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread made by combining sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, and seasonings into a creamy, savory mixture.
What does it taste like?
- Sharp and cheesy from the cheddar
- Creamy and tangy from the mayonnaise
- Mildly sweet from the pimentos
- Sometimes has a slight kick if cayenne pepper or hot sauce is added
Despite their bright red color, pimentos are not spicy. They’re a variety of sweet cherry pepper that’s commonly sold roasted and diced in jars.
Common ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated is best)
- Diced pimentos
- Mayonnaise
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder and/or onion powder
- Optional: cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, or cream cheese
How it’s served
Pimento cheese is incredibly versatile. It’s delicious:
- Spread on crackers or toasted bread
- In a classic pimento cheese sandwich
- As a dip for pretzels, chips, or fresh vegetables
- Melted on burgers or grilled cheese sandwiches
- Stuffed into celery, mini peppers, or deviled eggs
- As a topping for baked potatoes
Toppings to Try
A pimento cheese burger is rich, creamy, and tangy, so the best toppings add crunch, smokiness, acidity, or a little heat to balance the flavors.
Classic Southern
- Pimento cheese
- Crisp leaf lettuce
- Sliced tomato
- Dill pickle chips
- Red onion
BBQ Burger
- Pimento cheese
- Crispy bacon
- Caramelized onions
- Tangy barbecue sauce
- Dill pickles
Spicy Burger
- Pimento cheese
- Pickled or fresh jalapeños
- Pepper jack cheese (optional)
- Chipotle mayo
- Crispy onions
Smokehouse Burger
- Pimento cheese
- Thick-cut bacon
- Onion rings
- Smoky barbecue sauce
- Pickles
Fried Green Tomato Burger
- Pimento cheese
- Fried green tomatoes
- Bacon
- Shredded lettuce
- Remoulade or spicy mayo
Mushroom Swiss-Inspired
- Pimento cheese
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Caramelized onions
- Garlic aioli
Sweet & Savory
- Pimento cheese
- Bacon jam
- Crispy bacon
- Arugula
- Pickled onions
Fresh Summer Burger
- Pimento cheese
- Thick tomato slices
- Avocado
- Arugula
- Pickled red onions
Crunch Lover’s Burger
- Pimento cheese
- Crispy fried onions
- Dill pickles
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Mustard
Great sauces
- BBQ sauce
- Chipotle mayo
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy mustard
- Hot honey (just a drizzle)
- Pepper jelly (a Southern favorite)
Best buns
- Brioche
- Potato buns
- Toasted sesame buns
- Pretzel buns
Side dishes that pair perfectly
- French fries or waffle fries
- Onion rings
- Sweet potato fries
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Potato salad
- Fried pickles
One of the most popular combinations is:
- 80/20 grilled beef burger
- Melted pimento cheese
- Crispy bacon
- Caramelized onions
- Dill pickles
- Toasted brioche bun
Pimento Cheese Burger
Ingredients
For the Pimento Cheese
- 8 oz Cream cheese softened
- 1¾ cup Sharp cheddar cheese finely grated
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1½ tbsp Chives chopped
- 4 oz Pimentos finely chopped
- ½ tsp Member's Mark™ Sea Salt
- Member's Mark™ Black Peppercorn Grinder to taste
For the Burgers
- 1 lb Ground chuck
- ½ tsp Member's Mark™ Sea Salt
- ¼ tsp Member's Mark™ Black Peppercorn Grinder
- ½ tsp Member's Mark™ Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Member's Mark™ Minced Onion
- 2 Buns
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high. In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the pimento cheese.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all burger ingredients (except for the ice cubes).
- Divide the burger mixture in half and form each half into a patty. Place patties on hot grill and cook 5-7 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness.
- Near the end of the cooking time, place a generous dollop of pimento cheese on top of each patty, close the grill lid, and let melt for another minute or so.
- Place pimento topped burgers on toasted buns layered with toppings of your choice! (Including more pimento cheese if you'd like!)
