Smoked Pimento Cheese Burgers
Juicy smoked burgers meet melty homemade pimento cheese in this Southern-inspired twist on a backyard classic. Bold, cheesy, and perfect for grilling season.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoked + Grilled/Sautéed
- Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Pimento Cheese:
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Burger Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon pickle juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly:
6 brioche burger buns
Dill pickle chips
2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
Prep Smoker: Preheat smoker to 225–250°F with hickory or oak wood.
Form Patties: Divide beef into 6 portions (~1/3 lb each). Shape into 3/4-inch thick patties with a thumbprint indent. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Make Pimento Cheese: Combine cheddar, mayo, pimentos, Dijon, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. Mix until creamy with some texture. Chill 15–20 minutes.
Make Burger Sauce: Mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Smoke Burgers: Place patties on smoker grates. Smoke for 45–60 minutes or until internal temp reaches 125–130°F. Begin checking at 40 minutes.
Sear Burgers: Heat skillet or grill to 450–500°F. Sear patties 60–90 seconds per side until browned. Add 1/4 cup pimento cheese to each during the final 30 seconds to melt.
Toast Buns: Butter brioche buns and toast cut-side down until golden, about 2–3 minutes.
Assemble Burgers: Spread burger sauce on bottom bun, add pickle chips, top with the pimento cheese burger, and finish with top bun. Serve hot.
Notes
Make Ahead Tip: Pimento cheese and sauce can be made a day in advance.
Cheese Options: Swap in Pepper Jack or smoked gouda for a different twist.
Spice Level: Add more cayenne to the pimento cheese for extra heat.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/smoked-pimento-cheese-burgers/
