The Ultimate Arkansas Burger Recipe: Grilled Pimento Cheese Perfection

Introduction

The Arkansas Burger is not your average cheeseburger; it is a Southern culinary icon that transforms a standard patty into a decadent experience. Unlike a slice of cold cheese melted at the last second, this recipe relies on the rich, creamy texture of homemade pimento cheese—often referred to as the "caviar of the South." When prepared on an Arteflame grill, the high-heat searing capability locks in the juices of the beef while the flat cooktop allows you to toast the buns to golden perfection simultaneously. The magic happens when that savory pimento mixture hits the hot patty, creating a cascading river of melted cheddar and cream cheese. Whether you are a grilling novice or a pitmaster, this dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors that define comfort food. Get ready to elevate your backyard barbecue with a burger that demands a napkin and a hearty appetite.

Ingredients

The Burger Patties

• 1 to 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
• Sea Salt (to taste)
• Coarse Black Pepper (to taste)
• Garlic Powder (to taste)
• 4 Brioche Buns

Homemade Pimento Cheese

• 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded hand-grated is best
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise (Duke's is traditional)
• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust for heat)
• 4 oz Jar Diced Pimentos, drained

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Light your Arteflame grill by building a fire in the center using paper napkins soaked in vegetable oil and stacking firewood over them.
2. Allow the grill to burn for about 20 minutes. You want the center grill grate to be extremely hot (over 600°F) for searing, while the outer flat cooktop settles into a medium-high heat range ideal for finishing the burgers and toasting buns.
3. Scrape the cooktop clean and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to season the surface before adding food.

Step 2: Mix the Pimento Cheese

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Whisk or stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
2. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
3. Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the drained diced pimentos. Mix gently until combined but still chunky for texture. Set this aside; it can be used at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Step 3: Form and Season the Patties

1. Divide your ground beef into four equal portions. Gently form them into patties that are slightly wider than your buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking.
2. Avoid overworking the meat to ensure the burger remains tender.
3. Generously season both sides of each patty with sea salt, coarse black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Sear and Grill the Burgers

1. Place the burger patties directly onto the center grill grate or the hottest part of the flat cooktop for an aggressive sear.
2. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side to develop a flavorful crust.
3. Once seared, move the patties to the cooler outer ring of the flat top cooktop to finish cooking to your desired internal temperature.

Step 5: Toast Buns and Melt Cheese

1. While the burgers are finishing, butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and place them on the flat cooktop until golden brown and crispy.
2. Just before removing the burgers from the grill, top each patty with a generous scoop of the homemade pimento cheese.
3. Cover with a basting dome for 30-60 seconds if needed to encourage the cheese to melt into a gooey sauce.

Step 6: Assembly

1. Place the cheese-topped patty onto the bottom toasted bun.
2. Add any optional toppings like pickles or extra mayo, though the pimento cheese usually provides enough flavor and moisture.
3. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while hot and messy.

Tips

Creating the perfect Arkansas Burger on an Arteflame requires attention to heat management and ingredient quality. First, always grate your own cheddar cheese rather than buying pre-shredded bags; pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting into that signature gooey sauce you want for this recipe. Secondly, utilize the different heat zones of the Arteflame cooktop. Sear the meat hard in the center for flavor, but move it to the outer edge when melting the pimento cheese so you don't separate the oils in the cheese mixture. Finally, don't skimp on the fat content of the beef. An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is essential because the dripping fat sizzles on the solid steel cooktop, essentially frying the burger in its own juices for maximum flavor. If your pimento cheese is too stiff, let it sit near the heat for a minute before topping the burger.

Variations

While the classic Arkansas Burger relies on the savory punch of pimento cheese, there are several ways to customize this recipe to suit different palates without losing its Southern soul. You can easily adjust the heat level or add texture to contrast with the creamy cheese. The Arteflame's flat top is perfect for cooking additional toppings alongside the patties. Experimenting with the cheese blend or the meat itself can yield fantastic results. Here are a few popular variations to try on your next cookout:

• The Spicy Arkansan: Add chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the pimento cheese mixture for an extra kick.
• Bacon-Crusted: Cook thick-cut bacon on the flat top and cross two slices over the pimento cheese.
• The "Patty Melt" Style: Serve on grilled Texas Toast instead of brioche buns, with caramelized onions mixed into the cheese.
• Smoked Gouda Twist: Substitute half the cheddar with smoked Gouda for a deeper, wood-fired flavor profile.
• Turkey or Bison: Swap the beef for ground turkey or bison for a leaner, yet still delicious, alternative.

Best pairings

The Arkansas Burger is a rich, heavy dish thanks to the pimento cheese, so it pairs best with sides and drinks that can cut through the creaminess or complement the smoky beef. Since you are already firing up the Arteflame, you should utilize the flat top to prepare your side dishes simultaneously. Avoid overly heavy sides like mac and cheese, as the burger itself provides plenty of dairy richness. Instead, look for crisp textures and acidic or bitter notes to cleanse the palate. Here are some ideal companions for your meal:

• Grill-Fried Potatoes: Slice potatoes thin and fry them in duck fat on the flat cooktop until crispy.
• Pickled Vegetables: A side of spicy pickles or pickled okra adds necessary acidity.
• Charred Asparagus: The bitterness of charred greens balances the savory cheese.
• Beverage: An icy cold Lager or a hoppy IPA works well to refresh the palate between bites.

Conclusion

The Arkansas Burger with pimento cheese is more than just a meal; it is a celebration of Southern flavors and outdoor cooking. By using the Arteflame grill, you elevate a simple recipe into a gourmet experience, achieving a restaurant-quality sear that stovetops simply cannot replicate. The combination of the juicy, smoky beef with the sharp, creamy tang of the pimento cheese creates a flavor profile that is both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with spicy variations, this burger is sure to become a staple in your grilling rotation. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy the messy, delicious satisfaction of a true Arkansas classic.