How to Make the Perfect Southern Pimento Cheese Burger
American Southern · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
A Southern-inspired burger piled high with creamy homemade pimento cheese that melts beautifully over a juicy smash patty. The tangy spread adds bold flavor and a velvety richness that sets this burger apart.
Why this recipe works
This Southern Pimento Cheese Burger recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 710 calories with 40g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz diced pimentos drained
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 whole potato burger buns toasted
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Pimento Cheese
Combine shredded sharp cheddar, drained diced pimentos, mayonnaise, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Stir until fully mixed and creamy. Do not use pre-shredded cheese as the coating prevents it from blending smoothly. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Portion the Beef
Divide the ground beef into four loose 6-ounce balls. Do not overwork or tightly pack the meat as this leads to a dense and tough patty instead of a juicy smash burger.
Step 3: Smash and Cook
Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot. Place a beef ball on the surface and immediately smash it flat with a heavy spatula using firm pressure. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes until edges are crispy and brown.
Step 4: Flip and Add Pimento Cheese
Flip the patty and immediately add a generous spoonful of pimento cheese on top. Cook for 90 more seconds. The residual heat will melt and soften the cheese into a luscious topping.
Step 5: Toast Buns and Assemble
Toast potato buns cut side down in the same skillet for 30 seconds. Place the pimento cheese patty on the bottom bun and serve immediately. Add pickles or sliced onion if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sharp cheddar → white cheddar or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile
- diced pimentos → roasted red peppers finely chopped
- potato buns → brioche buns or sesame seed buns
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that prevent the pimento cheese from coming together smoothly
- Not heating the skillet hot enough before smashing which prevents the signature crispy crust from forming
- Overworking the beef when forming balls which creates a dense and tough patty texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 710 calories, 40g protein, 36g carbs, 45g fat, 1g fiber.
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