The jalapeno pimento cheese burger is juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make on a weeknight. A quick homemade Jalapeno Pimento Cheese spread brightens a perfectly grilled burger, so why settle for a plain cheeseburger when you can enjoy something this delicious with almost no extra effort?
This burger idea began on a night when all I wanted was a big, sloppy, juicy burger—but I also wanted it to be easy. That’s why there’s no bacon here: adding it would have made the process longer, and honestly the burger didn’t need it. The combination of a well-seasoned beef patty and the creamy, tangy pimento cheese with jalapeno made a keeper—simple, fast, and exactly what I was craving.
What is pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple: a spread or relish usually enjoyed on crackers, sandwiches, or as a dip. At its core it’s sharp cheddar mixed with mayonnaise, with diced pimentos folded in. The ingredients might sound odd together on paper, but the result is rich, tangy, and addictive—especially when you make it fresh at home.
Homemade pimento cheese has a brighter flavor and better texture than store-bought versions. Adding jalapeno gives it a fresh, green flavor and a mild kick without overpowering the cheddar and mayo base.
For the love of jalapeno
I use jalapeno primarily for its flavor rather than its heat. This recipe is written to be mild: I often add an entire large jalapeno, but the spread rarely becomes very spicy. Jalapenos vary in heat, so results will depend on the pepper. If you want more heat, add sliced jalapeno to the burger or a dash of hot sauce to the pimento cheese, but as written this version stays on the milder side.
Ingredients overview
This recipe splits into two parts: the Jalapeno Pimento Cheese spread and the burgers. Both are straightforward, and the spread can be made in advance so dinner comes together quickly.
Ingredients for Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese — sharp cheddar gives the spread the best flavor.
- Mayonnaise — use a creamy mayo you like.
- Diced pimentos — usually sold in small jars in the condiment aisle.
- Fresh jalapeno, finely diced — pickled jalapeno can be used if well-drained.
- Seasonings: garlic powder and a pinch of salt.
Ingredients for the burgers
- Ground chuck — perfect for juicy, well-flavored burgers.
- Seasonings: kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, and Montreal steak seasoning.
- Worcestershire sauce to boost savory depth.
- Burger buns and butter for toasting.
- Tomato — a thick slice of beefsteak or favorite variety.
- Green leaf lettuce — or any lettuce you prefer, or omit entirely.
How to make these burgers
1. Make the Jalapeno Pimento Cheese: Blend shredded cheddar and mayonnaise until smooth, then fold in drained pimentos, finely diced jalapeno, salt, and garlic powder. Refrigerate until ready to use; it can be made a day ahead.
2. Form the patties: Mix ground chuck with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Montreal seasoning, then shape into four even patties. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty so they cook flat.
3. Grill: Heat the grill to high. Grill the patties about 3 minutes per side for medium, or adjust time for desired doneness. While grilling, butter and toast the buns lightly, watching them closely to prevent burning.
4. Assemble: Place lettuce and tomato on the bottom bun, top with the grilled patty, and spoon a generous amount of Jalapeno Pimento Cheese over the burger. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Tips
- Toast buns only briefly—watch them closely so they don’t burn.
- When forming patties, flatten and add a center dimple to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Drain pimentos and any pickled jalapenos well; if the pimento cheese gets a bit watery, blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
More burger ideas
If you enjoy experimenting with burgers, try variations that include stuffed patties, different cheeses, or creative toppings. The basic method here—make a flavorful spread, season the beef well, and finish with a toasted bun—works for many delicious combinations.
For a great steak method and tips, you might also enjoy a simple grilled steak with a creamy horseradish-dijon sauce—great guidance for perfect grilling.
Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Burger
Equipment
- food processor (optional)
- grill or grill pan
Ingredients
For the burgers
- 1–1¼ to 1½ lbs ground chuck
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 1 tsp Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, for toasting buns
- 1 tomato, sliced
- green leaf lettuce (or preferred lettuce)
For the Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 oz diced pimentos, drained
- 1 fresh jalapeno, finely diced
- pinch kosher salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
For the Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
- Combine the shredded cheddar and mayonnaise in a food processor and blend until mostly smooth. Transfer to a bowl.
- Stir in drained pimentos, finely diced jalapeno, pinch of salt, and garlic powder. Refrigerate until ready to use.
For the burgers
- Heat grill to high.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chuck, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Montreal seasoning. Form into four patties and press a shallow dimple into the center of each.
- Grill patties about 3 minutes per side for medium, or until desired doneness.
- While the burgers cook, butter the buns and place them butter-side down on the grill to toast—watch closely, they toast quickly.
- Assemble burgers with lettuce and tomato on the bottom bun, top with the patty and a generous spoonful of Jalapeno Pimento Cheese, then finish with the top bun. Serve immediately.