Pimento Cheeseburgers

These pimento cheeseburgers are about to become your new obsession – imagine perfectly seasoned ground chuck patties getting cozy with creamy, tangy pimento cheese that melts into every delicious crevice.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: you’re basically taking two Southern comfort food classics and letting them have the most delicious love affair on a toasted bun.

That pimento cheese spread transforms from a simple topping into liquid gold as it warms and melts over the hot patties, creating this irresistible creamy coating that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for regular cheeseburgers.

We’re talking about burgers that cook up in just 20 minutes but taste like you’ve been perfecting the recipe for years – the kind that make your neighbors suddenly very interested in being friends.

The combination of the savory, slightly smoky pimento cheese with the juicy beef creates this incredible umami bomb that hits all the right flavor notes without any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Fair warning: once you make these, regular burgers are going to seem boring, and you’ll find yourself making excuses to fire up the cast iron skillet just so you can experience that melty pimento cheese magic again.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties

• 1 lb. ground chuck or favorite burger mix
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For Assembly

• ¾ cup pimento cheese spread (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 burger buns, toasted

Optional Toppings

• Fresh lettuce leaves
• Mayonnaise
• Sweet pickle relish
• Ripe tomato slices

Instructions

Prepare the Patties

1. 1 Divide the 1 pound ground chuck into 4 equal portions, gently shaping each into a patty about ¾-inch thick. The key here is to handle the meat as little as possible – overworking creates tough, dense burgers that nobody wants.
2. 2 Season both sides of each patty generously with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, pressing the seasoning lightly into the surface. Let the patties rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while you preheat your cooking surface.

Cook the Burgers

1. 3 Heat your cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately. This ensures you’ll get that beautiful sear that locks in all the juices.
2. 4 Cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes on the first side without pressing or moving them – resist the urge to smash them down, as this just squeezes out all those delicious juices you worked to keep in.

Add the Pimento Cheese

1. 5 Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium doneness, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. When the burgers are almost done, remove the pan from heat but leave the patties in the hot skillet.
2. 6 Top each patty with 3 tablespoons pimento cheese spread, distributing it evenly across the surface. Immediately cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 1 minute – this creates a steam chamber that gently warms the pimento cheese until it’s perfectly melty and spreadable.

Assemble and Serve

1. 7 Place each cheesy patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun, add your desired toppings like crisp lettuce, creamy mayo, tangy relish, or fresh tomato slices, then crown with the top bun and serve immediately while that pimento cheese is still gloriously gooey.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

• Cast iron skillet – provides even heat distribution and creates the perfect sear on your patties while retaining heat to melt the pimento cheese beautifully
• Instant-read thermometer – takes the guesswork out of doneness, ensuring your burgers reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) without overcooking
• Wide spatula – makes flipping those juicy patties a breeze without breaking them apart or losing precious juices
• Kitchen scale – helps you portion the ground chuck into perfectly equal 4-ounce patties for even cooking

Helpful Upgrades

• Non-stick pan – works well if you don’t have cast iron, though you won’t get quite the same sear
• Grill pan – adds attractive grill marks and allows fat to drain away from the patties
• Mixing bowls – useful for organizing your toppings and keeping everything within easy reach during assembly

Nice-to-Have Options

• Parchment paper – line your prep area for easy cleanup when shaping patties
• Aluminum foil – tent over the finished burgers to keep them warm if serving a crowd
• Storage containers – perfect for storing leftover pimento cheese spread in the refrigerator

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

• Replace regular burger buns with gluten-free buns or serve the patties over a bed of mixed greens for a burger salad
• Verify that your pimento cheese spread is gluten-free, as some commercial versions may contain thickeners with gluten
• Consider lettuce wraps using large butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, naturally gluten-free option

Dairy-Free Modifications

• Substitute the pimento cheese with a dairy-free cheese spread mixed with diced pimentos and a touch of hot sauce
• Use coconut milk-based cheese or cashew cheese as the base for a homemade dairy-free pimento spread
• Skip the cheese entirely and top with avocado slices and roasted red peppers for similar creamy richness

Flavor Variations

• Bacon Pimento Burgers – add 2-3 strips crispy bacon on top of the melted pimento cheese
• Spicy Kick – mix ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper into the pimento cheese or add sliced jalapeños
• Herb-Crusted – blend fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the ground chuck before forming patties
• BBQ Style – brush patties with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last minute of cooking

Turkey Alternative

• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, but add 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent drying out
• Season more aggressively as turkey is milder than beef

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

Each pimento cheeseburger provides approximately 520-580 calories per serving, with the majority coming from high-quality protein and healthy fats. The ground chuck delivers about 25-28 grams of complete protein, containing all essential amino acids your body needs for muscle maintenance and repair. The pimento cheese contributes additional protein along with calcium for bone health, while the moderate fat content helps with nutrient absorption and satiety.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Ground chuck provides iron for healthy blood oxygen transport and zinc for immune system support and wound healing. The B-vitamins in beef, particularly B12, support nervous system function and energy metabolism. Pimento cheese contains calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth, plus vitamin A from the pimento peppers, which supports eye health and immune function. The red pimentos also provide vitamin C and antioxidants that help fight inflammation.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains dairy and gluten (from the buns), making it unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease without modifications. The high protein content makes it excellent for active individuals or those following higher-protein eating patterns. Consider pairing with a side salad to increase fiber and vegetable intake, balancing the meal’s nutritional profile for optimal satisfaction and digestive health.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

• Ground chuck → Ground sirloin or 80/20 ground beef for similar fat content and flavor
• Pimento cheese spread → Sharp cheddar mixed with diced pimentos and a splash of mayo for homemade freshness
• Burger buns → Brioche buns for richness or whole wheat buns for added fiber
• Kosher salt → Sea salt or garlic salt for flavor variation

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

• Ground chuck → Ground beef (80/20 blend) which is often more affordable and works perfectly
• Store-bought pimento cheese → Homemade version using sharp cheddar, cream cheese, mayo, and jarred pimentos
• Artisan burger buns → Standard hamburger buns toasted with a little butter for extra flavor

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

• Pimento cheese → Sharp cheddar slices topped with diced roasted red peppers and a dollop of mayo
• Fresh ground black pepper → Pre-ground black pepper (use slightly less as it’s more potent)
• Burger buns → English muffins or thick slices of crusty bread for a different texture

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

• When using leaner ground beef, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the mixture to prevent dry burgers
• Store homemade pimento cheese in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Modifications:

• Replace burger buns with large portobello mushroom caps or lettuce wraps to eliminate 20-25g carbs per serving
• Use cauliflower buns or cloud bread for a low-carb alternative that still gives you that sandwich experience
• Serve over mixed greens as a burger salad, reducing total carbs to under 8g per serving

Portion & Timing Tips:

• Stick to 4-ounce patties to control protein portions while maintaining satiety
• Pair with non-starchy vegetables like grilled zucchini, roasted broccoli, or a side salad to add fiber and nutrients
• Total carbs per traditional burger: approximately 25-30g (mostly from the bun)
• Total carbs with lettuce wrap: approximately 5-8g

Smart Additions:

• Add sliced avocado for healthy fats that help slow glucose absorption
• Include extra fiber with lettuce, tomato, and pickle toppings
• Choose full-fat pimento cheese over reduced-fat versions to help with blood sugar stability

Total Carb Reduction: Eliminating the bun reduces carbs by approximately 20-25 grams per serving, making this a diabetes-friendly meal option.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A cold craft beer like an amber ale or lager complements the rich, creamy pimento cheese without overwhelming the beef’s flavor. For wine lovers, try a medium-bodied red wine such as Merlot or Zinfandel that can stand up to the bold flavors. Sweet tea or lemonade offers a classic Southern pairing that balances the savory richness. For non-alcoholic options, ginger beer or cola provide the perfect fizzy contrast to the creamy cheese.

Side Dish Recommendations

Crispy sweet potato fries offer a perfect textural contrast and slight sweetness that complements the tangy pimento cheese. Coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy element that cuts through the richness while adding fresh vegetables to the meal. Baked beans or mac and cheese create the ultimate comfort food experience, though save these for special occasions. Grilled corn on the cob or roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while keeping the Southern theme alive.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with pimento cheese dip and crackers as an appetizer to build on the theme, then serve the burgers with pickle spears and kettle chips for that classic diner experience. For dessert, peach cobbler or banana pudding continues the Southern comfort food journey. This combination works perfectly for backyard barbecues, game day gatherings, or casual family dinners when you want something special but not fussy.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Create a small indent in the center of each raw patty with your thumb – this prevents the burger from puffing up into a dome shape during cooking, ensuring even thickness for consistent doneness. Let your ground chuck come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking; cold meat hitting a hot pan can cause uneven cooking and tough texture. Always preheat your cast iron skillet until it’s smoking hot before adding the patties – this creates the perfect sear that locks in juices.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Never press down on cooking burgers with your spatula – this squeezes out all the flavorful juices you want to keep inside. If your pimento cheese isn’t melting properly, remove the pan from direct heat and cover with a lid to create gentle steam heat. Avoid flipping the burgers more than once; constant flipping prevents proper browning and can break apart the patties.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Formed raw patties can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months with parchment paper between each patty. Leftover cooked burgers keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in a covered skillet over low heat. The pimento cheese spread can be made up to one week ahead and actually improves in flavor as the ingredients meld together.

This recipe proves that sometimes the best dishes come from combining simple, quality ingredients in just the right way. Those perfectly seasoned patties paired with creamy, tangy pimento cheese create a burger experience that’s both comfortingly familiar and excitingly special. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining friends, these pimento cheeseburgers deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss – and that’s exactly the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.