Grilled Pimento Cheese Burgers with Bacon Pepper Jam

Pimento cheese burgers might be one of my favorite ways to make burger night feel a little more Southern without adding a bunch of extra work. You get a juicy grilled burger, creamy pimento cheese, smoky bacon pepper jam, and all your favorite toppings stacked on a toasted bun.

Pimento cheese has been showing up at Southern gatherings for generations, and for good reason. It adds creamy, tangy flavor that works with just about everything from crackers to sandwiches to burgers. Pair it with smoky bacon pepper jam and a juicy grilled burger, and you've got a combination that feels familiar while still bringing something a little different to the table.

If you want to make the topping from scratch, use my homemade pimento cheese for that perfect Southern flavor.

As a Southern dietitian, I love recipes like this because they focus on flavor first. A burger night can absolutely fit into a balanced lifestyle, especially when you build your plate with fresh toppings and pair it with produce-packed sides like strawberry salad, grilled corn, or a simple fruit salad. Good food and good nutrition don't have to compete with each other!

Looking for more summertime grilling recipes? Check out my honey mustard chicken tenders for a quick family favorite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for summer cookouts: Pimento cheese, bacon pepper jam, and juicy grilled beef make this a crowd-friendly burger for parties, tailgates, and backyard dinners.
• Southern and bold flavor: Creamy pimento cheese, savory beef, and sweet heat from the jam make every bite rich, tangy, smoky, and a little unexpected.
• Customize the toppings: Keep it classic with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, or add jalapeños, fried onions, bacon, or extra pepper jam.
• Great for parties: You can shape the patties ahead, prep the toppings, and let everyone build their own burger when it's time to eat.

Ingredients for Grilled Pimento Cheese Burgers

These burgers use simple cookout ingredients, but each one adds something important to the final bite!

• Ground beef: I usually use 90% lean ground beef for a leaner option that still works well with the creamy pimento cheese and bacon pepper jam on top.
• Pimento cheese: Pimento cheese adds creamy, tangy Southern flavor and softens just enough over the warm burger without turning into a regular slice of cheese. You can easily whip up a homemade version with sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayo, and pimentos!
• Bacon pepper jam: Bacon pepper spread gives these burgers that sweet, smoky, savory flavor that balances the richness of the pimento cheese.
• Burger buns: Brioche buns, potato buns, sesame buns, or classic hamburger buns all work well, especially when you toast them before serving.
• Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onion add fresh crunch for the perfect bite that balances the savory burger.
• Steak seasoning: Steak seasoning is my shortcut for adding easy flavor to burger patties without measuring out a bunch of individual spices.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions & Variations

One of my favorite things about these pimento cheeseburgers is how easy they are to customize based on what you have on hand or who you're feeding. 

• You can use store-bought pimento cheese spread when you need a shortcut, but choose a thicker version so it stays on top of the burger.
• I love using different homemade pimento cheese flavors for the best creamy texture because you can control the flavor, spice level, and sharpness of the cheese.
• Add crispy bacon to these pimento cheese burgers if you want an extra savory layer with a little crunch.
• Spoon on extra bacon pepper jelly if you like a sweeter, smokier burger with more bold Southern flavor.
• Add pickled jalapeños to your burger if you like a little extra heat and tang with the creamy pimento cheese.
• Sprinkle on fried onions for crunch if you want the feel of onion rings without making a full batch from scratch.
• You can use 80/20 ground beef if you prefer a richer, juicier burger with a little more fat.
• You can use turkey burgers in place of beef, but watch the temperature closely so the patties stay juicy.
• Turn this recipe into pimento cheese sliders by using small patties and slider buns for parties, tailgates, or appetizer-style cookouts.
• Serve these as lettuce-wrapped burgers if you want the same toppings without a bun, but keep a napkin close because the pimento cheese and jam can get messy.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Burgers Recipe

Grab your favorite burger toppings because these grilled burgers come together in just a few simple steps. 

Step 1: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F to 450°F, and clean the grates well so the burgers do not stick.

Step 2: Add the ground beef to a bowl and season with steak seasoning, then gently mix just until combined. Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties.

Step 3: Place the burger patties on the hot grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 4: During the last minute of grilling, spoon pimento cheese on top of each burger and close the grill lid briefly so the cheese softens. You can also place the buns cut-side down on the grill for 30 to 60 seconds, or until lightly toasted.

Step 5: Build each burger with your desired toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, and bacon pepper jam, then add the pimento cheese burger patty and top bun.

Step 6: Serve warm with extra bacon pepper jam, pickles, or your favorite cookout sides.

Tips For Best Grilled Pimento Cheese Hamburger

A few simple tips can help you make juicy burgers, keep the pimento cheese in place, and get the best flavor in every bite. 

• I usually use 90% lean ground beef for a leaner burger, but avoid overcooking it so the patties stay juicy.
• Try not to overmix the meat because too much handling can make the burgers tough instead of tender.
• Press a thumbprint in each patty before grilling so the burgers cook evenly and do not puff up in the center.
• Add the pimento cheese at the end so it softens over the hot burger without melting all over the grill grates.
• Place toasted buns under the burgers so they hold up better to the pimento cheese and bacon pepper jam.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the burgers reach 160°F, especially when cooking for a crowd.

Make-Ahead Tips for Cookouts

If you're making these pimento cheese burgers for a party, a little prep ahead of time makes serving much easier.

• Shape the burger patties ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.
• Keep the pimento cheese chilled until serving so it holds its texture and stays easy to spoon onto the burgers.
• Prepare the burger toppings in advance by slicing the tomatoes, onions, and pickles earlier in the day.
• Set up a build-your-own burger bar with buns, toppings, pimento cheese, and bacon pepper jam so guests can customize their burgers.

Storage

While these burgers with pimento cheese are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, leftovers can still make a delicious lunch the next day!

• Leftovers: Store the cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the burger components separate by storing the buns, toppings, pimento cheese, and bacon pepper jam in individual containers.
• Reheating: Reheat the burger patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add the pimento cheese after reheating so it softens over the warm burger without becoming oily.