Save Juicy beef patties filled with creamy melted pimento cheese bring bold Southern charm to any backyard cookout. When you want comfort and flavor in one burger with a twist guests will rave about these beauties are always a hit.
I was first introduced to pimento cheese as picnic fare but stuffing it inside burgers took things to a whole new level at our family gatherings. Kids and adults both light up when they bite in and find that molten cheesy middle.
Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives bold tang the sharper the better for real flavor
- Cream cheese: Ensures the filling stays creamy and rich use it at room temperature so it blends smoothly
- Mayonnaise: Adds silkiness to the pimento cheese go for a full-fat version if you can for the best texture
- Jarred pimentos: Bring signature color and subtle sweetness always drain well and dice finely for easy mixing
- Garlic powder: Lifts everything with a little underlying savoriness always choose fresh fragrant powder
- Smoked paprika: Gives slight smokiness opt for the Spanish kind if possible
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but worth it for gentle heat use sparingly for a kid-friendly version
- Salt and black pepper: Boost all the flavors go easy since the cheeses and Worcestershire are salty too
- Ground beef: Offers juicy richness go with an 80:20 blend for plenty of flavor and tenderness
- Worcestershire sauce: Deepens umami flavor a little goes a long way
- Burger buns: Soft or sturdy your choice for holding generous fillings toasted for extra flavor
- Lettuce: Fresh and crisp butter lettuce or romaine are great
- Sliced tomato: Brings juiciness and color pick firm ripe ones
- Sliced red onion: Adds tang slice thinly for best texture
- Pickles: Totally optional but a great counterpoint to the rich cheese
Instructions
- Make the Pimento Cheese:
- In a medium bowl vigorously combine shredded sharp cheddar cream cheese mayonnaise pimentos garlic powder smoked paprika cayenne salt and black pepper Mix until you have a smooth creamy blend with no lumps Every spoonful should be rich and spreadable
- Prepare the Burger Patties:
- Place the ground beef in a large bowl Add Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper Gently mix to distribute the seasoning but avoid overworking which can toughen the meat Divide into eight equal portions and use your hands to flatten each into a thin round about four inches wide
- Fill and Seal the Burgers:
- Spoon a generous tablespoon of pimento cheese onto the center of four patties Spread slightly but keep it well away from the edges Place a second patty on top of each one Press the edges together firmly all around and gently reshape into a uniform thick burger Take the time to ensure no gaps remain or you risk cheese leakage on the grill
- Grill or Pan-Cook the Burgers:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high Brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking Place the stuffed patties on the grill Cook for six to seven minutes per side turning once Allow the burgers to get nice grill marks and watch for cheese starting to ooze from the sides A spatula will keep them intact
- Toast the Buns:
- Split the burger buns and place them cut side down on the grill for about one minute until golden and crisp Crisp buns help stand up to the juicy burgers
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Layer each bun base with lettuce a thick slice of tomato onion and pickles if desired Set the burger on top and cap with the top bun Serve hot and let everyone experience that gooey cheesy joy
Save The first time I served these at a family reunion they disappeared in minutes The sharp cheddar is what makes the filling pop I love watching the cheese stretch as someone takes their first bite
Storage Tips
Leftover patties can be cooled then wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to two days Reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet so the cheese stays melty Uncooked stuffed burgers freeze well place them between wax paper layers in a freezer-safe container for up to three months To thaw, leave overnight in the fridge then cook as directed Keep leftover pimento cheese tightly covered in the fridge and use within five days
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or ground chicken make lighter burgers with the same cheesy center Just be sure to use ground meat with some fat for juiciness For lactose-free or dairy-free diners look for lactose-free cream cheese or suitable plant-based cheese shreds The texture changes but you still get a creamy pocket Gluten-free buns make it easy for anyone to enjoy
Serving Suggestions
These burgers shine with classic summer sides like sweet potato fries crisp slaw or homemade potato chips Serve with a tangy barbecue sauce or spicy aioli if you want a kick For gatherings set up a topping bar with extra pickles sliced jalapenos or anything your crowd loves
Cultural and Historical Context
Pimento cheese is a longtime Southern picnic staple beloved for its rich creaminess and mild bite Turning it into a burger filling gives a Southern twist to the classic American burger Burgers bring people together for casual but memorable meals Pimento cheese recipes have been passed down for generations each with their own secret ingredient
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in roasted red peppers when pimentos are hard to find Try smoked cheddar for a deeper comfort in winter Pair with fresh summer tomatoes at their peak juiciness
A few helpful notes
For perfectly sealed edges press firmly all around to prevent the cheese from leaking out on the grill Letting the cheese mixture sit at room temperature helps it blend into the meat once cooked Do not overcook the patties or the cheese may squeeze out
Success Stories
Friends who claimed to dislike pimento cheese changed their tune after one bite of these Kids love the melty surprise at the center and want to help assemble the patties These burgers are now a staple for our Fourth of July grill-outs and always spark recipe requests
Freezer Meal Conversion
Form and stuff all the burgers ahead Place wax paper between patties and store in a freezer-safe bag or container When cravings hit just thaw and grill straight from the fridge You can also freeze extra pimento cheese for quick weeknight burgers
Save Serve piping hot and watch cheesy joy light up the table Try with summer sides and a crowd of happy eaters.
Recipe Questions
- → How do you keep the cheese from leaking out?
Firmly seal the edges of each patty after adding the filling to fully enclose the cheese and prevent leaks during grilling.
- → Can you prepare these burgers ahead of time?
Shape and fill the patties a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Grill when ready to serve for best results.
- → What kind of cheddar works best?
Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and excellent melting. Freshly shredded cheese ensures a smoother filling.
- → Can I use another type of meat?
Ground turkey or chicken makes a delicious alternative to beef, though the grilling time may decrease slightly.
- → What side dishes complement these burgers?
Classic options include sweet potato fries, coleslaw, grilled corn, or potato salad to round out a hearty meal.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten free?
Simply choose gluten-free buns to make the burgers suitable for gluten-free diets.