This burger starts with a perfectly seasoned patty, gets slathered with melty homemade pimento cheese, and is tucked into a soft bun with all the fixings you love. It’s rich, indulgent, a little Southern, and totally over-the-top in the best way.
Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy + cheesy + spicy = flavor overload
- Homemade pimento cheese is WAY better than store-bought
- Grill, stovetop, or cast iron friendly
- Customizable with beef, turkey, or plant-based patties
- A total showstopper for burger night or cookouts
Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per burger: ~580 (depends on patty and toppings)
Ingredients
For the Pimento Cheese:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos (from a jar, drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb halal ground beef, turkey, or plant-based patty
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (if pan-searing)
- 4 burger buns (brioche, potato, or your favorite)
- Optional toppings:
- Lettuce or arugula
- Sliced pickles
- Tomato slices
- Crispy onions or caramelized onions
- Jalapeños for extra heat
How to Make Pimento Cheese Burgers
1. Make the Pimento Cheese
- In a medium bowl, mix together:
- Shredded cheddar
- Cream cheese
- Mayo
- Diced pimentos
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
- Optional: hot sauce or cayenne
- Stir until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to use.
2. Shape the Patties
- In a bowl, season your ground meat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Form into 4 equal patties, about ¾-inch thick.
- Press a thumbprint in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
3. Cook the Burgers
Grill:
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill patties 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Stovetop:
- Heat a cast iron or skillet over medium-high. Add oil and sear burgers 4–5 minutes per side.
For turkey or chicken, cook to 165°F internal temp. For beef, 160°F is ideal.
4. Top with Pimento Cheese
- In the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, add a generous scoop of pimento cheese to each patty.
- Cover with a lid or foil to let it melt slightly.
5. Toast the Buns
- Lightly toast burger buns on the grill or in a skillet with butter for 1–2 minutes.
6. Assemble the Burgers
- Place lettuce, pickles, or tomato on the bottom bun (optional).
- Add your pimento cheese-smothered patty.
- Top with crispy onions or jalapeños if using.
- Cap with the top bun and serve hot!
What to Serve With It
- Sweet potato fries or waffle fries
- Garlic parmesan roasted potatoes
- Crispy slaw or cucumber salad
- Grilled corn with lime butter
- Sparkling lemonade or sweet iced tea
Variations
- Spicy version: Use pepper jack + jalapeños in the pimento cheese
- Turkey burger twist: Use lean halal turkey + smoky paprika seasoning
- Southern-style: Add crispy fried green tomatoes
- Slider version: Make mini patties and serve on Hawaiian rolls
- Low-carb: Skip the bun and serve in a lettuce wrap or over salad
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Pimento cheese: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Burger patties: Can be formed 1 day ahead and refrigerated (covered)
- Reheat: Warm burgers in a skillet or microwave (remove any greens first!)
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pimento cheese?
Yes, but homemade tastes fresher and lets you control the spice and texture.
Is this halal?
Yes—just use halal-certified meat and cheese. You’re all set!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Try a dairy-free cheese spread and mayo, but the texture may vary.
Can I grill these ahead?
Grill and refrigerate the patties, then reheat and add pimento cheese when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pimento Cheese Burger is juicy, creamy, slightly spicy, and ridiculously delicious. It’s the kind of burger that makes everyone pause mid-bite and go “What is this magic?” Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or making a treat-yourself dinner, this burger’s a guaranteed win.
