Table of Contents

Pimento Cheese & Bacon Burger: A Southern Comfort Classic

The scent of grilling burgers always takes me back to summer evenings at my grandmother’s house in South Carolina. She had this incredible knack for making even the simplest meals feel special. While her burgers were already legendary, the first time she topped them with her homemade pimento cheese – oh, my! – it was a game-changer. The creamy, tangy pimento cheese cascading over a juicy patty, the smoky bacon adding a salty crunch… It was, and remains, the taste of pure Southern comfort. Now, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that captures that magic, so you can create your own unforgettable burger memories.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Pimento Cheese:

2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise (Hellman’s recommended)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt, to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
2 ounces sliced pimientos, drained

Burgers:

2 lbs ground round or 2 lbs ground chuck
Salt, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices onions (1/8-inch thick)

Assembly:

4 kaiser rolls, split and toasted
12 slices thick-sliced bacon, cooked
Green leaf lettuce
Tomatoes, sliced
Mayonnaise (Hellman’s) or Miracle Whip, for rolls

Equipment Needed

Grill
Food processor or blender
Wax paper or parchment paper

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
To prepare the pimento cheese, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a food processor. Process until smooth and creamy.
Season the pimento cheese mixture with salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
Add the drained sliced pimientos to the food processor. Pulse briefly to combine, leaving some small chunks of pimiento for texture. Be careful not to over-process, as you want to retain some visual appeal.
On a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper, divide the ground round or ground chuck into 8 equal portions, approximately 4 oz each.
Shape each portion into a 4-inch patty using a fork to gently press and flatten the meat. This technique helps to create a more even thickness and prevents the burgers from puffing up too much during grilling.
Season each patty generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s crucial for flavor.
Top 4 of the patties with a slice of onion. The onion will cook alongside the burger, adding a subtle sweetness and aroma.
Carefully cover each onion-topped patty with one of the remaining patties. Seal the edges tightly using a fork to crimp and press them together. This will help keep the burgers intact during grilling and prevent the pimento cheese from leaking out.
Season the top of each sealed burger again with salt and pepper.
Grill the burgers on the oiled grates for approximately 4 minutes per side. This will give them a nice sear and begin the cooking process.
Flip the burgers and continue to cook for another 2 minutes. This stage ensures they are almost cooked through before adding the pimento cheese.
Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the prepared pimento cheese onto each burger. Spread it evenly to cover the top surface.
Continue to grill for an additional 2 minutes, or until the pimento cheese is melted and slightly bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
While the burgers are grilling with the pimento cheese, lightly toast the split kaiser rolls.
Spread mayonnaise or Miracle Whip on both halves of the toasted kaiser rolls.
To assemble the burgers, place a patty topped with melted pimento cheese onto the bottom half of each kaiser roll.
Top each burger with 3 slices of cooked thick-sliced bacon, green leaf lettuce, and slices of tomato.
Finish with the top half of the kaiser roll and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese in your pimento cheese. Experiment with different cheddar varieties for unique flavor profiles.
If you prefer a smoother pimento cheese, use a blender instead of a food processor. However, be careful not to over-blend, as you want to retain some texture.
To prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill, make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled. You can use a grill brush and a high-heat cooking oil.
For a more intense smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the pimento cheese mixture.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the burgers in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop.
Make the pimento cheese a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Don’t overcrowd the grill. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Pimento Cheese & Bacon Burgers immediately for the best flavor and texture. The melted pimento cheese and crispy bacon are best enjoyed fresh off the grill.

Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave. The pimento cheese can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving. It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled burger, but you can freeze the cooked burger patty on its own.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1284.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	879 g	68%
Total Fat	97.7 g	150%
Saturated Fat	37.7 g	188%
Cholesterol	256.3 mg	85%
Sodium	1352.7 mg	56%
Total Carbohydrate	36.9 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g	7%
Sugars	3.1 g	N/A
Protein	61 g	122%

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Pimento Cheese: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the pimento cheese mixture for an extra kick.
Smoked Gouda: Substitute smoked gouda for the sharp cheddar cheese for a smoky, rich flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free burger buns for a gluten-free option.
Turkey Burgers: Substitute ground turkey for the ground round or chuck for a leaner burger.
Vegetarian: Use a plant-based burger patty for a vegetarian option.
Caramelized Onions: Instead of raw onion slices, top the burgers with caramelized onions for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
Pretzel Buns: Use pretzel buns instead of kaiser rolls for a slightly salty, chewy texture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the pimento cheese ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Making the pimento cheese a day or two in advance actually allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even tastier spread. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What’s the best way to cook the bacon for this recipe?
A: I prefer baking bacon in the oven for even cooking and less mess. Lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

Q: How do I prevent the burgers from drying out on the grill?
A: Avoid overcooking the burgers. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Ground beef is typically considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the pimento cheese?
A: While you can, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded.

Q: What sides go well with these burgers?
A: Classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob are all great choices. For something lighter, try a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Pimento Cheese & Bacon Burger recipe a try. It’s more than just a burger; it’s a taste of Southern comfort, a celebration of simple ingredients, and a journey back to those cherished summer evenings. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the variations and make it your own. And, please, share your feedback – I’d love to hear how it turned out! Pair this burger with a crisp, cold craft beer or a sweet tea for the ultimate Southern experience. Happy grilling!

Pimento Cheese & Bacon Burger Recipe