Alabama Spicy Pimento Cheese Burgers on the Arteflame

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

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes until the grill is ready.

Step 2: Prepare the burger patties

1. In a bowl, mix the ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into four even patties, slightly larger than the buns.

Step 3: Sear the patties on the center grill grate

1. Place the patties on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for about 1 minute to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Finish cooking the patties on the flat cooktop

1. Move the seared patties to the flat cooktop griddle.
2. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 15°F below your desired doneness.

Step 5: Grill the jalapeños

1. Place jalapeño slices on the flat cooktop.
2. Grill until blistered, about 2 minutes per side.

Step 6: Grill the pimento cheese

1. Spoon a dollop of pimento cheese onto the flat cooktop.
2. Allow it to warm and slightly melt, about 1 minute.

Step 7: Toast the buns

1. Spread butter on the hamburger buns.
2. Place them on the cooktop to toast until golden brown.

Step 8: Assemble the burgers

1. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun.
2. Add the grilled burger patty.
3. Spoon the grilled pimento cheese over the patty.
4. Top with blistered jalapeños and a tomato slice.
5. 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

1. BBQ Pimento Burger: Add a drizzle of smoky Alabama BBQ sauce before serving.
2. Bacon Pimento Burger: Top with crispy bacon strips for added crunch.
3. Blue Cheese Pimento Burger: Replace pimento cheese with blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist.
4. Mushroom Pimento Burger: Grill sliced mushrooms and add them on top for an umami boost.
5. Spicy Chipotle Burger: Mix adobo sauce with the beef and use pepper jack cheese instead of pimento.

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!

Best Pairings

• Sweet potato fries
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Southern coleslaw
• Ice-cold sweet tea
• Cold craft lager beer