Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burgers (Tennessee Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the sizzle of a burger hitting a hot griddle on a warm Southern evening. But this isn't just any burger; this Tennessee Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burger is a savory surprise waiting to happen. Imagine a beautifully charred crust giving way to a juicy center that literally bursts with spicy, creamy pimento cheese. The addition of Jack Daniel’s to the beef adds a smoky, oaky depth that smells absolutely intoxicating as it cooks. It is the kind of meal that makes you want to roll up your sleeves, grab a cold drink, and dive in.

Southern Soul on a Bun

I love this recipe because it combines two iconic staples: whiskey and pimento cheese. It elevates the classic "Juicy Lucy" concept into something gourmet yet entirely unpretentious. The contrast between the crispy sear from the flat top and the molten, gooey center is addictive. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that sparks conversation the moment someone takes that first bite.

Mastering the Seal

• Keep it cold: Keep your beef mixture chilled until the very last second. Warm fat smears and makes the patties fall apart.
• Seal tight: Pinch those edges firmly. If there is a crack, that liquid gold cheese will leak out.
• Don't press: Resist the urge to press down with your spatula. You want to keep the whiskey juices and cheese inside, not on the fire.

Make it Yours

If you prefer to skip the alcohol, a splash of beef broth or Worcestershire sauce adds excellent moisture. For a milder filling, you can swap the pimento cheese for a thick slice of sharp cheddar or even mozzarella, though you will miss that signature Southern tang.

Ingredients

The Burger Base

• 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 chuck is recommended for the best flavor and moisture)
• 1/4 cup Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The Filling

• 1 cup Pimento Cheese (homemade or high-quality store-bought)

The Assembly

• 4 Brioche Buns
• Lettuce leaves (Butter lettuce or Romaine)
• Sliced Tomatoes
• Red Onion slices
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and the Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.
2. Gently mix with your hands until the whiskey is incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
3. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Form the Patties

1. Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions.
2. Flatten each portion into a thin patty, ensuring they are roughly the same size (about 1/4 inch thick).

Step 3: Stuff the Burgers

1. Place about 2 tablespoons of pimento cheese into the center of 4 of the patties.
2. Place the remaining 4 patties on top of the cheese-covered ones.
3. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom patties together tightly to seal the cheese inside. Ensure there are no cracks where the cheese could leak out during grilling.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your Arteflame grill or flat top griddle. You want a medium-high heat zone for the initial sear.
2. Lightly oil the cooktop surface to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

1. Place the stuffed burgers on the hot grill.
2. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side until a deep brown crust forms.
3. Carefully flip the burgers and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. Toast your brioche buns on the flat top during the last minute of cooking.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Place the cooked burger on the bottom bun.
2. Top with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
3. Add the top bun and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.

Tips

To ensure your Tennessee Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burgers come out flawless every time, the secret lies in the seal. When combining your beef patties around the cheese, pinch the edges tightly to prevent that liquid gold from escaping onto the flat top. If the cheese leaks, you lose the "Juicy Lucy" effect. Also, keep your meat cold until it hits the hot grill; this helps maintain the structure and ensures a better crust. If the fat gets too warm before cooking, the burgers can fall apart.

Don't press down on the burgers with a spatula while they cook. While the sound of the sizzle is satisfying, pressing down squeezes out the flavorful juices and the molten pimento filling. Finally, use 80/20 ground chuck. The fat content is crucial for keeping the meat moist while the whiskey cooks off, leaving behind only that rich, oaky flavor profile that pairs so beautifully with the sharp cheese.

Variations

While the classic Tennessee recipe with Jack Daniel's is a crowd-pleaser, don't be afraid to remix this Southern staple to suit your palate. The versatility of a stuffed burger allows for endless creativity on the griddle. Here are a few ways to switch things up without losing the soul of the dish:

• The Spicy Tennessean: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the pimento cheese mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Bacon-Crusted: Mix crumbled cooked bacon into the pimento cheese, or wrap the entire burger in bacon strips before grilling (cook slowly to crisp the bacon).
• Memphis Style: Top the finished burger with a spoonful of pulled pork and a drizzle of sweet BBQ sauce.
• The Morning After: Top the burger with a fried egg and serve it on a toasted biscuit instead of a bun.
• Beer Cheese Swap: Substitute the pimento cheese with a thick beer cheese spread for a pub-style flavor profile.

Best pairings

A burger this rich and flavorful deserves sides and drinks that can stand up to its bold profile. Since the burger features heavy savory notes from the beef and whiskey, plus creamy richness from the cheese, you want sides that offer texture and acidity. Crisp, sweet potato fries dusted with sea salt are an excellent choice, as their natural sweetness contrasts with the savory cheese. A tangy, vinegar-based coleslaw is also perfect for cutting through the richness of the meat.

For beverages, you cannot go wrong by leaning into the theme. A glass of Tennessee whiskey served neat or on the rocks is the natural companion. If you prefer cocktails, a lemon-forward Whiskey Sour balances the fat of the burger. For beer lovers, an Amber Ale or a smoky Porter will complement the char from the grill and the sharp notes of the pimento cheese without overpowering the dish.

Conclusion

Mastering the Tennessee Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burger is about more than just cooking meat; it is about celebrating the harmony of bold Southern flavors. By infusing the beef with whiskey and hiding a pocket of savory cheese inside, you create a surprise in every bite that transforms a standard backyard BBQ into a memorable culinary event. The Arteflame grill is the perfect tool for this recipe, providing the high heat needed for a crusty exterior while gently melting the interior to perfection.

We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your grilling repertoire. Whether it is game day, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, this burger delivers comfort and sophistication in equal measure. Fire up the grill, pour a glass of whiskey, and enjoy the delicious results of your labor.