South Carolina Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Introduction

These South Carolina-style pimento cheese-stuffed burgers bring bold, cheesy Southern charm straight to your backyard. Grilled exclusively on the Arteflame grill, this recipe combines seared beef, creamy homemade pimento cheese, and precise reverse searing for flavor-packed, juicy burgers with that iconic steakhouse crust. Arteflame's multi-zone heat lets you finish grilling sides alongside the burgers on the same cooktop—no oven or pans needed.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 brioche buns
• 2 tbsp butter, for toasting buns
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 tomato slices
• Optional: Pickles, red onion slices

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of your Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches over 1,000°F and the flat griddle is fully heated.

Step 2: Make the Pimento Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, mix cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimentos, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
2. Set aside while you prepare the patties.

Step 3: Form and Stuff the Burger Patties

1. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions.
2. Flatten each into a thin patty.
3. Add a heaping tablespoon of pimento cheese in the center of 4 patties.
4. Top with another patty, pressing edges to seal tightly around the filling.
5. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Sear the Burgers

1. Place the burgers directly onto the center grill grate over high heat (1,000°F zone).
2. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side to create a deep crust and lock in juices.

Step 5: Reverse Sear on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the burgers to the flat cooktop toward the outer edge.
2. Cook until internal temperature is 15°F below your desired doneness (e.g. 130°F for medium-rare).
3. Remove burgers and let them rest while carryover cooking brings them to final temp.

Step 6: Toast the Buns and Assemble

1. Add butter to the flat cooktop and place buns cut side down.
2. Toast until golden brown.
3. Layer lettuce, tomato, and any desired toppings onto the bottom bun.
4. Add the rested burger patty and top with the other half of the bun.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to precisely gauge internal temperature.
• Don’t overstuff burgers to prevent leakage.
• Press the edges well to seal cheese inside while grilling.
• Add wood chunks for a light smoky flavor.
• Always rest meat before serving to retain juices.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Burger: Add diced jalapeños to the pimento cheese for a spicy kick.
2. Bacon-Lover’s Stuffed Burger: Mix crumbled grilled bacon into the cheese filling for extra flavor.
3. Low Carb Version: Serve the patty wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
4. Caramelized Onion Burger: Grill onions on the flat cooktop and place on top of the patty for sweetness.
5. BBQ Pimento Burger: Drizzle barbecue sauce inside the burger before sealing for a tangy twist.

Conclusion

South Carolina pimento cheese-stuffed burgers are a grilled masterpiece when made on the Arteflame. The combination of a 1,000°F sear and a slow finish on the flat cooktop gives unbeatable texture and taste. The ease of cooking and cleanup makes this a go-to recipe for Southern flair and flavor straight from your backyard.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn with herb butter
• Sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw with vinegar dressing
• Classic dill pickles
• Peach sweet tea or a hoppy pale ale