Southern Pimento Cheese Burger by Harold Cohen – Ultimate Burger

The aroma of sizzling bacon always brings me back to summer evenings at my grandmother’s house in South Carolina. She had a knack for making simple meals feel like feasts, and her pimento cheese was legendary. While she usually served it with crackers, I remember one time she daringly piled it onto a burger alongside crispy bacon and crushed potato chips – a surprisingly addictive combination. This recipe by Harold Cohen takes that memory and elevates it to a whole new level, a symphony of Southern flavors that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 hamburgers
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE

• 1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 ounces diced pimentos, drained (from jar)
• 1 tablespoon bread and butter pickle juice
• 1/2 tablespoon horseradish sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

HONEY SLAW

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 1/4 cups cabbage, shredded

PATTIES

• 8 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
• 1 1/4 lbs ground chuck
• 1/4 lb cured and smoked country ham, finely chopped (or chopped in a food processor)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 4 potato hamburger buns, split
• 1/2 cup potato chips, crushed (preferably plain flavor, kettle-cooked)

Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• 12-inch nonstick grill pan
• Paper towels
• Large bowl
• Oven
• Baking rack
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Make the Pimento Cheese: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, mayonnaise, cream cheese, diced pimentos, bread and butter pickle juice, horseradish sauce, and yellow mustard. Mix until everything is well combined. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Honey Slaw: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, and shredded cabbage. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the Bacon: Heat a 12-inch nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes, flipping once during cooking. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. Carefully pour off almost all of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving only a very thin layer.

4. Prepare the Patties: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is specifically for toasting the buns later.

5. In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, finely chopped country ham, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. It’s crucial to handle the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, which can lead to tough burgers. Gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined.

6. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into patties that fit the potato hamburger buns. To ensure even cooking, make a shallow indentation in the middle of the top of each patty. This prevents the patties from bulging in the center during cooking.

7. Cook the Hamburgers: Using the same grill pan as before, cook the hamburger patties over medium-high heat for 3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to medium-rare. Remember that carry-over cooking will continue to raise the internal temperature slightly after you remove them from the heat.

8. Toast the Buns and Warm the Plates: While the burgers are cooking, place the split potato buns on a rack in the preheated oven. Bake them for 3 to 5 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, or until lightly toasted. At the same time, place the plates that the burgers will be served on in the oven to warm them. Warming the plates helps keep the burgers hot longer.

9. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the prepared Pimento Cheese on the cut sides of both the top and bottom buns.

10. On each bun bottom (on top of the Pimento Cheese), place a thin layer of Honey Slaw.

11. Top the Honey Slaw with a cooked burger patty, 2 slices of crispy bacon, and crushed potato chips. The potato chips add a fantastic salty crunch that complements the richness of the pimento cheese and bacon.

12. Add the bun tops to complete the burgers.

13. Final Bake: Place the completed hamburgers on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for just 1 minute to melt the cheese and meld the flavors together.

14. Serve: Serve the burgers immediately on warm plates.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an even more intense pimento cheese flavor, let the prepared pimento cheese sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

• If you don’t have a grill pan, you can cook the bacon and burgers in a skillet or on an outdoor grill.

• To prevent the buns from getting soggy, toast them just before assembling the burgers.

• If you prefer your burgers cooked to a different doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers reach your desired internal temperature.

• Don’t overcrowd the grill pan when cooking the bacon. Cook the bacon in batches if necessary to ensure that it crisps up evenly.

• Toasting the buns cut-side-up under a broiler for a minute can also work in a pinch. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers immediately for the best flavor and texture. The combination of warm, melty pimento cheese, crispy bacon, crunchy potato chips, and juicy burger is simply irresistible.

If you have any leftover pimento cheese, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. The honey slaw is best consumed fresh, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assembled burgers are best enjoyed fresh, but cooked burger patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before assembling. It is not recommended to freeze the assembled burgers, as the texture of the pimento cheese and slaw may deteriorate.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	906 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	610 g	67%
Total Fat	67.8 g	104%
Saturated Fat	25.8 g	129%
Cholesterol	187.1 mg	62%
Sodium	1490.8 mg	62%
Total Carbohydrate	24.8 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	2.1 g	8%
Sugars	7.3 g	29%
Protein	49.1 g	98%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Pimento Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the pimento cheese for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese in the pimento cheese. Smoked Gouda or pepper jack would be delicious additions.
• Coleslaw Variation: Substitute the honey slaw with a vinegar-based coleslaw for a tangier flavor.
• Bun Alternatives: Use pretzel buns or brioche buns instead of potato buns.
• Bacon Substitute: If you’re not a fan of bacon, try using crispy fried prosciutto or pancetta instead.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground chuck patty with a grilled portobello mushroom cap or a veggie burger.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

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

Q: What if I don’t have bread and butter pickle juice?
A: You can substitute it with a tablespoon of regular pickle juice or a splash of white vinegar.

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.

Q: Can I bake the burgers instead of grilling them?
A: Yes, you can bake the burgers in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness.

Q: What kind of potato chips are best for this recipe?
A: Plain, kettle-cooked potato chips are ideal, but feel free to use your favorite flavor. Just be mindful of how the flavor will complement the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Pimento Cheese Burger is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Southern comfort food. The combination of creamy pimento cheese, crispy bacon, crunchy potato chips, and juicy burger is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your friends and family. Feel free to experiment with variations and make it your own. And don’t forget to let me know what you think! Pair it with sweet potato fries and an ice-cold sweet tea for the ultimate Southern experience.