Can we talk about these burgers for a minute? Each one is a half pound of beef, seasoned to perfection, smothered with my favorite creamy pimento cheese, and then topped with spicy, tangy fried jalapeno peppers. Hello, perfection.
My kids were out of state visiting the grandparents a couple weeks ago so I whipped these burgers up for me and the husband. Usually I stretch a pound of ground beef out over four burgers. Two bigger ones for the boys and two smaller ones for the girls. This time? Nope. Two big mama burgers. I wasn’t foolin’ around.
I think I created a monster though, because my husband is no longer down with his normal sized burgers. He wants half pounders for life. Can’t say I blame him either.
The pimento cheese that I used to top these was homemade and I strongly suggest you use homemade yourself. The kind you can buy at the grocery store (at least the kind in the stores around here) is not so good. It’s highly processed, weird, neon orange cheese with little red specks floating throughout. My pimento cheese recipe is super creamy, but still made with real cheese and lots of pimentos scattered throughout. You can swap out the monterey jack cheese for pepper jack to give things an extra kick.
I fried up the jalapenos in a super simple batter. Please don’t skip out on these. They’re so good and add the perfect tangy crunch to the burgers. If you’re a wimp, use tamed jalapenos (that’s what I did!) or just fry some pickles instead. Either way, you need something crunchy and fried to top all that creamy cheese. Why? Because I said so.
You also want to butter your buns and grill them. Just trust me on that. My husband insists that he likes cold buns straight from the package and I insist that he is insane, because no. Buttered and grilled buns are where it’s at.
Give these a try the next time you fire up your grill! They’ll be a new summer favorite, for sure!
Pimento Cheeseburger with Fried Jalapenos
Ingredients
For the burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
For the fried jalapenos:
- 1/2 cup jarred pickled sliced jalapenos
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon juice from jar of jalapenos
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- oil for frying
For topping the burgers:
- 1/2 cup pimento cheese
- mayonnaise
Instructions
- To make the burgers, use your fingers to gently knead the Worcestershire sauce and the seasonings into the ground beef.
- Lightly pat into two large patties. Use your thumb to make an indention in the center of each patty. This will help your burgers keep their shape while cooking.
- Cook on a hot grill for 5 minutes per side or until nearly cooked to the temperature you prefer. About 2 minutes before burgers will be done, top each burger with 1/4 cup of pimento cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is beginning to melt and the burgers are done to your liking. Remove from grill and set aside.
- While burgers are cooking, make the fried jalapenos. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, jalapeno juice, and salt.
- Stir in the jalapeno slices to coat.
- Fry the battered jalapenos in 2 inches of hot oil until golden brown, flipping halfway through, about 1 minute per side. Drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- Top each bun with a tablespoon of the butter and grill for 1 minute per side or until lightly toasted.
- Spread mayo on the bottom of each bun. Top with a burger and fried jalapeno slices. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Gail Patterson says
Bless your heart, as good as this type burger is, that’s the ugliest pimento cheese I’ve ever seen!? Great recipe though! You’re right about store bought pimento cheese, there’s only one worth buying, which is Palmetto Pimento Cheese, made in Pawley’s Island, SC.
Joanne says
I am so adapting this idea into a veggie burger. No, it won’t be the SAME…but I’m hoping the pimiento and fried jalapenos will make up for any differences. 😛
Sarah says
How many servings is this?
Karly says
@Sarah,
As written, the recipe makes two burgers. You can make them as small as you’d like though.
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
My goodness those look amazing!!!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
Bring on the buttery grilled buns…I’m with you on that!!! That huge burger is insane, but in a totally awesome kind of way!!!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
I *heart* fried jalepenos and pepper jack cheese on my burgers. Thanks so much for the recipe! It’s like Red Robin, but better! 🙂
Lindsay Ann @ Lindsay Ann Bakes says
I just love when you sneak a savory recipe in my rss reader! That cheese spicy layer of goodness looks amazzzzing! Never had this flavor combo but am def gonna try it this weekend!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I am not sure this would be the burger for me, but I know a lot of people
who would be thrilled with this.
Becca from ItsYummi! says
Ohmigerd, Karly…. I’m DYING! I need this in my face, like immediately!
Ashton says
ohmygosh. Karly! You are INSANE!!! But in such a good way. Holy cow— these look so incredible. I’m obviously going to need to stuff this in my face sometime this summer. Or, like, today.
danielle says
Oh my goodness and yes, please! These sound amazing, I love the addition of the fried jalapenos.
Stacy says
You just combined my three favorite things – burgers, jalapeños & pimento cheese! Holy smokes this sounds delicious! Love all of your recipes – you are a girl after my own heart! ????
Tara @ Rovin' Rambler says
…would adding bacon be overkill? Seriously, though, these look so yummy!
Karly says
@Tara @ Rovin’ Rambler,
Bacon could never be overkill!
Chloe @ foodlikecake says
These seriously sound like the best burgers ever!