Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you love burgers and are looking for a fun twist on a classic, then you’re in for a real Southwestern-inspired delight with these **Pimento Cheese Burger Sliders**! This recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it combines two of my ultimate favorites: juicy burgers and creamy, tangy pimento cheese. I first had pimento cheese at a picnic in the South, and ever since, I’ve been hooked! There’s just something about that rich flavor that adds a whole new dimension to your average burger.
Plus, sliders are perfect for gatherings or game day — they’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and everyone can dunk them into all kinds of mouthwatering sauces or toppings. So, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself on a lazy Saturday, these sliders never disappoint. Let’s dive in!
What’s in Pimento Cheese Burger Sliders?
Ground Beef: A good quality ground beef (I recommend 80/20) keeps them juicy. The higher fat content means more flavor, and trust me, you’ll want that!
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning essentials. Always taste as you go!
Slider Buns: I love using fresh slider buns—soft, fluffy, and perfect for holding all the goodness. Pick your favorite, but avoid anything too crusty.
Shredded Lettuce: This adds a nice crunch and freshness to balance out the rich flavors. I like to use iceberg for its crispy texture.
Diced Tomatoes: Completely optional, but they add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. They can really elevate the sliders!
Pimento Cheese: Now, here’s the star of the show! This cheesy, tangy goodness is made with:
– Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A full-bodied flavor that stands up beautifully in the mix.
– Cream Cheese: This gives it that creamy texture we all know and love.
– Diced Pimentos: These sweet and tangy little guys are what make this cheese spread special.
– Mayonnaise: Adds a nice richness and ties everything together.
– Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Just a hint of these spices elevates the flavor without overpowering the cheese.
– Diced Jalapeños: If you like it spicy, sprinkle these in for an extra kick!
Is Pimento Cheese Burger Sliders Good for You?
Now let’s peek into the health benefits!
Ground Beef: It’s a fantastic source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, but remember to enjoy in moderation since it’s higher in cholesterol and fat (especially if you go with an 80/20 mix).
Pimento Cheese: Made with cheese and cream cheese, this dip certainly has its creamy charm, but it’s also a delightful way to get calcium. Balance it with lighter toppings like lettuce and tomatoes!
That said, if you’re mindful of fat and calories, you can easily lighten things up by using ground turkey or chicken and opting for lighter cream cheese versions.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 slider buns
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese
– For Pimento Cheese:
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup diced pimentos (jarred)
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: diced jalapeños for heat
These ingredients can serve about 4 people, depending on how hungry your crowd is!
How to Make Pimento Cheese Burger Sliders?
1. **Prepare Pimento Cheese**: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. Trust me, you’ll want to keep taste-testing. Adjust seasoning to your liking and set it aside.
2. **Form the Burgers**: In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into slider patties. Make them a bit wider than the buns since they’ll shrink during cooking – we’re not trying to play hide and seek here!
3. **Cook the Patties**: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook those delightful slider patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are perfectly cooked to medium doneness—or longer if you like them well done. If you’re feeling fancy, place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt it down gorgeously.
4. **Assemble the Sliders**: On each slider bun, place a layer of shredded lettuce and a cooked burger patty. Don’t be shy with the pimento cheese, slather it on! Top with diced tomatoes if desired, and finally, place the top bun on each slider.
5. **Serve**: For easy handling, secure each slider with a toothpick if that tickles your fancy. Serve them hot, and watch them disappear like magic!
A Few Helpful Tips
Now that you know how to make these sliders, here are some of my favorite variations and serving suggestions:
– **Make it a Party Platter:** If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a slider bar with extra toppings: think crispy bacon, avocado slices, or even fried onions for some crunch!
– **Vegetarian Option:** Swap the beef with black bean patties or portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian-friendly version.
– **Storage:** Leftover pimento cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to a week! Spread it on crackers for a delicious midnight snack!
I can hardly wait for you to whip these up! I promise once you take a bite of these Pimento Cheese Burger Sliders, you’ll feel like you’ve just been transported to a sunny backyard BBQ. Try them out, and let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking!
