Arkansas Burger with Pimento Cheese

Introduction

This Arkansas Burger with Pimento Cheese is packed with smoky grilled flavor, juicy beef patties, and a rich, tangy homemade pimento cheese that melts beautifully over the top. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill, this is the ultimate burger upgrade!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 slices crispy bacon
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 tomato slices
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced pimentos
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to build. After about 20 minutes, your grill is ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the pimento cheese

1. In a bowl, mix the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
2. Stir until well combined, then set aside.

Step 3: Form and season the burger patties

1. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape into patties.
2. Season both sides of the patties with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 4: Sear the patties on the center grill grate

1. Place the burger patties on the center grill grate of the Arteflame for a high-temperature sear.
2. Sear for about 2 minutes per side to lock in the juices.

Step 5: Move the patties to the flat cooktop

1. Transfer the seared patties to the surrounding flat cooktop to finish cooking to your desired doneness.
2. For medium-rare, bring the internal temperature to 130°F, then remove from the grill.

Step 6: Grill the buns and bacon

1. Spread butter on the brioche buns and place them on the outer edges of the flat cooktop until golden brown.
2. Crisp the bacon on the flat cooktop until fully cooked.

Step 7: Assemble the burgers

1. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom buns.
2. Add the grilled beef patty and a generous scoop of pimento cheese.
3. Top with crispy bacon and tomato slices.
4. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use high-quality firewood for a clean fire and the best flavor.
• To keep patties extra juicy, do not press them down while grilling.
• Pull the meat from the grill when it’s 15°F below the target temperature, as it will continue to cook.
• For a gourmet touch, add grilled onions or pickled jalapeños.

Variations

• Spicy Arkansas Burger: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce to the pimento cheese for extra heat.
• BBQ Arkansas Burger: Brush patties with barbecue sauce before searing.
• Mushroom Swiss Arkansas Burger: Swap pimento cheese for Swiss and add sautéed mushrooms.
• Southern Fried Burger: Top the burger with a crispy fried onion ring.
• Blue Cheese Bacon Burger: Replace pimento cheese with blue cheese crumbles.

Conclusion

This Arkansas Burger with Pimento Cheese is a must-try for any grilled burger lover. The smokiness from the Arteflame grill, combined with the tangy, creamy pimento cheese, creates an unforgettable bite. Fire up your grill and treat yourself to this masterpiece!

Best Pairings

• Sweet potato fries
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Southern coleslaw
• A cold IPA or sweet tea