Pimento Cheese Patty Melts With Bacon: A Southern Comfort Classic

I’ll never forget my first bite of pimento cheese. I was visiting my grandmother in Charleston, South Carolina, and she served it on toasted crackers before a Lowcountry boil. That creamy, tangy, slightly spicy spread was unlike anything I’d ever tasted. It was pure Southern comfort, and it instantly transported me to a place of warmth and happy memories. This patty melt takes that iconic flavor and elevates it to a whole new level. The combination of juicy beef, crispy bacon, and melted pimento cheese is simply irresistible.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon
• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons grated onions
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 lb sharp yellow cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 (4 ounce) jar chopped pimiento, drained
• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• Softened butter, for bread
• 8 slices white bread

Equipment Needed

• Broiler pan
• Large bowl
• Skillet
• Grater

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bacon on a broiler pan and bake until crispy, approximately 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! Once done, remove the bacon from the oven and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, prepare the beef patties. Season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper.
3. Add the 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons of grated onions to the seasoned ground beef. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a large patty. Ensure the patties are slightly thinner in the middle; this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up too much during cooking.
5. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef patties into the skillet.
6. Grill the patties, turning once, for about 8 minutes for medium-rare. If you prefer your patties more well-done, cook them for a longer period, adjusting the cooking time to your liking. Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
7. While the patties are cooking, prepare the pimento cheese spread. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 lb of grated sharp yellow cheddar cheese, 1 (4 ounce) jar of drained chopped pimiento, 1 (3 ounce) package of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 2 minced or grated garlic cloves.
8. Mix all the ingredients for the pimento cheese spread together until well combined, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Ensure there are no large lumps of cream cheese remaining for a smooth and creamy consistency.
9. Reheat the skillet over medium heat. While the skillet is heating, prepare the patty melts. Butter one side of each of the 8 slices of white bread with softened butter.
10. Place the buttered side of each slice of bread down on your work surface. Spread the unbuttered side of each slice generously with the pimento cheese mixture.
11. Top 4 of the bread slices with a burger patty each.
12. Divide the cooked bacon evenly, placing 2 pieces of bacon on top of each burger patty.
13. Place the remaining 4 slices of bread, pimento cheese side down, on top of the bacon.
14. Carefully place the assembled patty melts into the preheated skillet. Grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey, flipping once to ensure both sides are evenly cooked. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts completely. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika to the pimento cheese mixture.
• If you want to add some heat, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Make the pimento cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• To prevent the bread from getting soggy, make sure the bacon is well-drained after cooking.
• If you don’t have a skillet, you can also make these patty melts in a panini press.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based burger patty.
• Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding the patty melts to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these pimento cheese patty melts immediately while the cheese is melty and the bread is crispy. They are fantastic on their own or with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or French fries.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can make the bread soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	850 kcal	43%
Total Fat	55g	71%
Saturated Fat	28g	140%
Cholesterol	180mg	60%
Sodium	1400mg	58%
Total Carbohydrate	30g	10%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	6g	–
Protein	45g	90%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Pimento Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the pimento cheese mixture.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese in the pimento cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even smoked Gouda.
• Bread Options: Use sourdough, brioche, or rye bread instead of white bread for a different flavor profile.
• Bacon Substitute: If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can use ham or prosciutto instead.
• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a grilled portobello mushroom or a black bean burger.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the pimento cheese ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making the pimento cheese a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What kind of bread works best for patty melts?
A: White bread is classic, but sourdough, rye, or brioche are also great options. Choose a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting too soggy.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the pimento cheese?
A: While convenient, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor. If you have the time, grating your own cheese is highly recommended.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from burning while the cheese melts?
A: Keep the heat at medium and monitor the patty melts closely. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat or move the skillet to a cooler part of the stovetop.

Q: What if I don’t have a broiler pan for the bacon?
A: You can bake the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after baking.

Final Thoughts

This Pimento Cheese Patty Melt with Bacon is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy, tangy pimento cheese is truly irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations with friends and family. Pair it with a cold glass of sweet tea or your favorite craft beer for the ultimate comfort food experience. Happy cooking!