Introduction
These Alabama Spicy Pimento Cheese Burgers grilled on the Arteflame are the ultimate Southern indulgence. The perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and a smoky sear makes them irresistible. Fire up your grill and enjoy this bold and flavorful burger!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood on top.
- Light the napkins and allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes until the grill is ready.
Step 2: Prepare the burger patties
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into four even patties, slightly larger than the buns.
Step 3: Sear the patties on the center grill grate
- Place the patties on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F.
- Sear each side for about 1 minute to lock in the juices.
Step 4: Finish cooking the patties on the flat cooktop
- Move the seared patties to the flat cooktop griddle.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 15°F below your desired doneness.
Step 5: Grill the jalapeños
- Place jalapeño slices on the flat cooktop.
- Grill until blistered, about 2 minutes per side.
Step 6: Grill the pimento cheese
- Spoon a dollop of pimento cheese onto the flat cooktop.
- Allow it to warm and slightly melt, about 1 minute.
Step 7: Toast the buns
- Spread butter on the hamburger buns.
- Place them on the cooktop to toast until golden brown.
Step 8: Assemble the burgers
- Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun.
- Add the grilled burger patty.
- Spoon the grilled pimento cheese over the patty.
- Top with blistered jalapeños and a tomato slice.
- Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Tips
- For extra smoky flavor, use hardwood like oak or hickory.
- Always remove the meat 15°F before your target temperature.
- Use high-quality pimento cheese for better melt and texture.
Variations
-
BBQ Pimento Burger: Add a drizzle of smoky Alabama BBQ sauce before serving.
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Bacon Pimento Burger: Top with crispy bacon strips for added crunch.
-
Blue Cheese Pimento Burger: Replace pimento cheese with blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist.
-
Mushroom Pimento Burger: Grill sliced mushrooms and add them on top for an umami boost.
-
Spicy Chipotle Burger: Mix adobo sauce with the beef and use pepper jack cheese instead of pimento.
Best Pairings
- Sweet potato fries
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Southern coleslaw
- Ice-cold sweet tea
- Cold craft lager beer
Conclusion
These Alabama Spicy Pimento Cheese Burgers grilled on the Arteflame are the ultimate Southern indulgence. The perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and a smoky sear makes them irresistible. Fire up your grill and enjoy this bold and flavorful burger!