Pimento Cheese Smash Burger
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Recipe Intro From justinbcooks
This burger brings together two Southern staples, smash burgers and pimento cheese, for the ultimate cookout favorite. Inspired by the burger that won over the recipe creator’s wife in their college town, it’s a nostalgic nod to summer gatherings and family traditions. Serve it with crisp pickled jalapeños and a cold beer for the full experience.
- Recipe Card
Recipe Card
ingredients
Pimento Cheese Spread:
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pimento peppers
- 1 tablespoon hatch green chiles
ingredients
Pickled Jalapeños:
- 2 cups jalapeños, sliced into uniform rounds
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
ingredients
Smash Burgers:
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
ingredients
To Serve:
- Burger buns
- Sliced cheddar or American cheese (optional), for topping
- Additional toppings as desired
Method
Step 1
Make the Pimento Cheese: In a bowl, mix the cheddar, Monterey Jack, mayonnaise, pimento peppers, and hatch green chiles until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2
Pickle the Jalapeños: Pack jalapeño slices into a jar. In a saucepan, bring the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a simmer. Pour the hot brine over the jalapeños. Let sit for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Step 3
Divide beef into 3 ounce balls. Heat a griddle or skillet over high heat. Place each ball on the surface and smash flat with a spatula or press. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 1 minute, flip, cook 1 minute more, and top with cheese if using. Cook until cheese is melted.
Step 4
Assemble the Burgers: Toast buns. Spread a generous amount of pimento cheese on the bottom bun, add a burger patty, pickled jalapeños, and any extra toppings you like. Top with the other bun and serve hot.