Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers

During a road trip through South Carolina, I stopped at a small roadside diner known for its burgers. When I ordered, the waitress suggested I try their specialty: a burger topped with pimento cheese. Being from the North, I had never considered combining these two foods before, but that first bite was truly transformative. The way the creamy, slightly spicy pimento cheese melted over the hot beef patty created a flavor combination I couldn’t stop thinking about.

Southern Cheeseburger

Back home, I spent weeks perfecting my version, experimenting with different cheese blends and spice levels until I created the recipe I’m sharing today. Now whenever I serve these at cookouts, they’re always the first to disappear, with friends and family requesting “those incredible Southern burgers” time and again. This Pimento Cheese Burger isn’t just another cheeseburger variation; it’s a true flavor revelation that deserves a place in every burger lover’s recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Perfect cheese melt – Homemade pimento cheese creates a velvety topping that melts beautifully
• Regional specialty – Experience an authentic Southern burger tradition
• Flavor balance – The creamy, tangy pimento cheese perfectly complements the savory beef
• Customizable heat – Adjust the cayenne to your preferred spice level
• Juicy results – The proper beef blend ensures a moist, flavorful burger
• Impressive presentation – These restaurant-quality burgers will wow your guests

Ingredients

For the Pimento Cheese:

• Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese – Provides the rich, tangy base that melts perfectly over the hot burger
• Mayonnaise – Creates creamy texture and binds the cheese mixture together
• Diced pimentos – Add distinctive sweet pepper flavor and bright red color that defines this classic spread
• Cayenne pepper – Contributes just the right amount of heat to balance the richness of the cheese
• Smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the grilled burger taste

For the Burgers:

• Ground beef chuck (80% lean/20% fat) – Contains the ideal fat ratio for juicy, flavorful burgers that won’t dry out
• Salt – Enhances the natural beef flavor and helps form a delicious crust when cooking
• Ground black pepper – Adds classic spice that complements the beef without overwhelming it
• Hamburger buns – Provide the perfect vessel for enjoying your creation; brioche or potato buns work especially well
• Butter – Creates a golden, toasted bun that prevents sogginess and adds rich flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pimento Cheese:

1. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and ½ cup mayonnaise.
2. Fold in ¼ cup diced pimentos (drained), ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
3. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the burgers to allow flavors to meld.

Form the Burger Patties:

1. Place 1 pound ground beef chuck in a large bowl.
2. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
3. Using clean hands, gently combine the seasonings with the beef, being careful not to overwork the meat.
4. Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions.
5. Shape each portion into a patty about 1-inch thick.
6. Press your thumb gently into the center of each patty to create a slight indentation. (This prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle during cooking)

Cook the Burgers:

Stovetop Method:

1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet.
3. Place the cut sides of the hamburger buns in the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove the toasted buns and set aside.
5. Return the skillet to the heat and add another tablespoon of butter if needed.
6. Cook the burger patties for 3-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness (internal temperature of 160°F).

Grill Method:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
2. Toast the buttered buns on the outer edges of the grill for 1-2 minutes.
3. Place burger patties on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
4. Move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur.

Assemble the Burgers:

1. Place each cooked burger patty on a toasted bottom bun.
2. While the patties are still hot, top each with a generous spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the pimento cheese.
3. Allow the cheese to melt slightly from the heat of the burger, about 30 seconds.
4. Add any additional toppings if desired (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles).
5. Top with the remaining toasted bun half.
6. Serve immediately while hot.

Authentic Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers

Experience a true Southern specialty with these juicy beef burgers topped with creamy, tangy homemade pimento cheese. The perfect blend of flavors creates a burger that's miles beyond an ordinary cheeseburger!

5 from 7 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cheese Burgers, Pimento Cheese Burgers

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 708kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

Pimento Cheese Spread

• 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise plus 1 tablespoon
• 1 tablespoon diced pimentos
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Burger Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pounds ground beef chuck
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 teaspoons butter for buns

Instructions

Pimento Cheese Spread

• Place the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Cayenne pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Stir to combine. Set to the side while you make the burgers.

Burger Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, and pepper.
• Divide the beef into 4 portions.
• Shape each portion into a disk about 1 inch thick.
• Press a small indention into the middle of the patty. This will help keep your burgers from shrinking when cooking.
• Heat an iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add 1 teaspoon of butter to the pan and toast the cut side of the buns in the skillet. The average skillet will allow you to heat up 2 buns (2 tops and 2 bottoms), at one time.
• Repeat this process until all of the buns are toasted.
• Increase the heat to medium-high.
• Place the burger patties in the skillet.
• Cook the burgers for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side. The burgers will be ready to flip when you start to see the patty brown on the underside.
• Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes on the other side.

Building the burger

• Place the burger patties onto the bottom buns.
• Put two tablespoons of pimento cheese on each patty.
• Cover the burgers with the top buns.

Notes

If you have a grill and prefer grilled burgers, then cook the patties on the grill instead of in a skillet.

Nutrition

Calories: 708kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1174mg | Potassium: 465mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 435IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 304mg | Iron: 4.4mg

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Components:

• Pimento cheese – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
• Uncooked burger patties – Refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months
• Cooked burgers – Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Freezing:

• Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag
• Label with the date and use within 3 months
• Thaw frozen patties overnight in the refrigerator before cooking
• Pimento cheese does not freeze well due to its mayonnaise content

Reheating:

• Avoid overheating – Which can dry out the burger and cause the cheese to separate
• For best results – Reheat cooked burger patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through
• Add pimento cheese – Only after reheating the patty
• Microwave method – Heat patty for 30-45 seconds, add cheese, then heat for another 10 seconds

Burgers: Grill or Stove?

This recipe can be prepared on either the grill or the stovetop. For me, the decision often depends on the weather outside.

I’m fortunate to have a gas grill, which allows me to grill burgers for most of the year. You should prepare these burgers whichever method works best for you!

Love pimento cheese? Try these recipes!

• Baked Pimento Cheese
• Homemade Pimento Cheese

Favorite Burger Recipes

• Backyard Burger
• Culver’s Burgers
• Frisco Burger
• Garlic Butter Burger
• Juicy Lucy
• McDonalds Hamburgers
• The Whopper
• Turkey Burgers
• White Castle Burger

Check out more of my homemade burger recipes and the best copycat recipes right here on CopyKat!

Enjoy this Southern classic in your kitchen! These Pimento Cheese Burgers combine the best of two beloved foods, creating a juicy and flavorful burger experience with a special Southern twist. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking stovetop, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that will have everyone asking for seconds. The homemade pimento cheese makes all the difference, melting perfectly over the hot beef patty for an unforgettable meal.