Tennessee Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Introduction

Bring some Southern comfort to your grill with these Tennessee Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Burgers. Juicy patties seared at over 1,000°F on the Arteflame grill’s center grate, then finished to perfection on the flat top, packed with creamy, tangy pimento cheese – this recipe is your new backyard favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor and juiciness)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup diced pimentos, drained
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Burger buns (brioche recommended)
• Butter (for grilling and bun toasting)
• Lettuce, tomato, pickles for topping (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the grill base.
3. Stack quality firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Let the fire build for about 20 minutes until the center grate is at searing temperature (1,000°F) and the outer flat top griddle is hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Pimento Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, mix cheddar cheese, cream cheese, diced pimentos, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of black pepper.
2. Combine until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Form the Burger Patties

1. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions.
2. Shape each portion into a thin patty.
3. Spoon about 2 tbsp of pimento cheese mixture into the center of 4 patties.
4. Top each filled patty with a second patty and seal the edges tightly to enclose the cheese.
5. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Sear and Grill the Burgers

1. Place stuffed patties on the center grill grate over high heat and sear for 2 minutes per side to lock in juices.
2. Move the patties to the hotter area of the flat top griddle to continue cooking to desired doneness (e.g., 135°F for medium-rare).
3. Remove the burgers from the grill when internal temperature is about 15°F below your target doneness to allow for carry-over cooking.

Step 5: Toast the Buns and Assemble

1. Butter the cut sides of the buns and place them face-down on the flat top griddle until golden and crispy.
2. Assemble the burgers with desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Tips

• Use room-temperature cheese mixtures so it melts evenly inside the burger.
• Sear first on the center grill grate to lock in juices, then finish on the flat top for perfect doneness.
• Always rest meat for 5–10 minutes after grilling before serving.
• Cook all your toppings, sides or even bacon on the cooler griddle zones simultaneously.
• Try compound butter on the griddle for toasting buns for a flavor boost.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Burger: Add chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Tennessee BBQ-Stuffed Burger: Mix in a spoonful of your favorite Tennessee BBQ sauce into the cheese blend for smoky sweetness.
3. Bacon Pimento Cheese Burger: Layer in crispy grilled bacon pieces inside the cheese filling for added crunch and savory flavor.
4. Pimento Blue Cheese Burger: Swap cheddar for crumbled blue cheese to add tangy depth to the filling.
5. Mushroom Swiss Pimento Burger: Add grilled mushrooms to your pimento mix and top the burger with a slice of Swiss cheese for an umami-packed experience.

Conclusion

These Tennessee Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Burgers bring grill-side magic to your backyard. Made entirely on the Arteflame grill, these burgers achieve the perfect balance of crispy sear and melty, cheesy interior. Whether you follow the classic recipe or try one of the mouthwatering variations, you’re in for a grill master’s delight.

Best pairings

• Sweet potato fries grilled on the flat top with a touch of cinnamon butter
• Charred corn on the cob with chili lime butter
• Grilled peach halves with honey for dessert
• Iced sweet tea or a cold Tennessee bourbon cocktail