Pimento cheese is a delicious spread/dip made with sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayo, and diced pimentos. It is completely versatile as it is served as a dish by itself or as a condiment on other foods.
It can be enjoyed as a spread on crackers, a dip with vegetables, or as a spread on your favorite cheeseburger. It is especially popular in the Southern United States, where it can be found at many special gatherings and family potlucks.
Here are some of the things that make pimento cheese a go-to item when creating your cheeseburgers:
- In regards to flavors, sweet pimentos, creamy mayonnaise (more than likely, Duke’s if you are in the South), and freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese creates a delicious and memorable sandwich spread.
- Pimento cheese has a creamy texture with a slightly chunky bite to it. The combination of shredded cheese and mayo creates a spread that's easy to spread and eat.
- It is is incredibly versatile as it can be shared as a dip or as a sandwich spread. It can be enjoyed on crackers, as a dip for vegetables or pretzels, or as a condiment on cheeseburgers or your favorite sandwich.
Elevate your cheeseburger with Pimento Cheese
If you enjoy rich, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors all in a soft and creamy package, then putting pimento cheese on a cheeseburger will be the right choice for your. It's a "next level" addition. It is an extremely popular condiment in the Southern United States. In some places, pimento cheese on a burger is so popular, it's often simply called a "PC burger."
Why is Pimento Cheese the Perfect Condiment for a Burger
Rich in Flavor - Pimento cheese is typically made with sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, diced pimentos (sweet red peppers), and frequently a touch of hot sauce. This combination creates a bold and complex flavor profile. You get tanginess from the cheddar and mayo, a subtle sweetness from the pimentos, and a slight kick from the hot sauce and other spices that you may include.
Creamy Texture - By mixing the shredded cheddar cheese with mayonnaise, you get a creamy and easy-to-melt toppipng. When added to a warm burger patty, the pimento cheese starts to melt, creating a luscious and creamy topping that gracefully flows across the burger. The creamy texture of pimento cheese combines well and contrasts beautifully with any crispy/crunchy toppings you may add like lettuce, onions, or pickles.
Southern Charm - Pimento cheese is a Southern classic with deep roots in Southern cuisine. Adding it to a burger adds that "regional authenticity" and a unique twist that sets it apart from a standard American or cheddar cheese burger .
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Ingredients for Pimento Cheese
- 2 cups (8 oz/225 g)freshly-grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (2.8oz/80 g) mayonnaise
- 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento - drained
- 1/2 (0.05oz / 2g) teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ (0.05oz / 2g) teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s is a good option)
- 1/4 tsp (1g) MSG
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (0.05oz / 2g) paprika
- salt to taste
Optional ingredients
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tbsp finely diced yellow onion
- Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika
- Substitute Crystal Louisiana's Pure Hot Sauce for Frank’s Hot Sauce
Directions for making Pimento Cheese
Place ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
Mix until thoroughly combined.
Season to taste with salt.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to come together.
Add a nice and hefty dollop to your burger patty as it comes off the grill.
Enjoy!
