Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burger

Ingredients:

For the pimento cheese:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the burger patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons prepared pimento cheese

For assembling the burger:

• 4 burger buns
• Crisp lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Optional: Mustard or mayo for spreading on buns

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pimento Cheese:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Set aside.
2. Form the Burger Patties:
   • Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions.
   • Take one portion and flatten it into a thin patty, making it slightly larger than the other patties.
   • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of prepared pimento cheese onto the center of the flattened patty.
   • Take another portion of ground beef and flatten it into a similar-sized patty. Place it on top of the cheese-covered patty, sealing the edges.
   • Repeat the process with the remaining portions of beef and pimento cheese, forming 4 stuffed burger patties in total.
3. Cook the Stuffed Burger Patties:
   • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season the stuffed burger patties with salt and pepper.
   • Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Ensure the cheese inside is melted and the patties are cooked thoroughly.
4. Toast the Burger Buns:
   • While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
   • Spread mustard or mayo (if using) on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
   • Place a crisp lettuce leaf on top of the spread to create a base for the burger.
   • Add a cooked stuffed burger patty on the lettuce.
   • Top with sliced tomatoes and red onions.
   • Place the top half of the bun over the toppings.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burgers immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is oozy and delicious.
   • These burgers pair well with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries.

Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of the Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burgers, filled with creamy pimento cheese for an extra flavor punch!