I mentioned in our Cilantro Lime Crispy Rice recipe that I am a fan of Beat Bobby Flay on the Food Network. Our house has benefited from another ingredient often featured on this show - Crushed Calabrian Chili Peppers. It sounds spicy, but it’s not…it’s actually a perfect ingredient for so many recipes and it makes the Pimento Cheese Spread explode with flavor on this bacon burger.
Why You’ll Love This - That One Thing
The Pimento Cheese Spread that we use on top of the burger is obviously amazing when combined with the crisp of the bacon and succulence of the burger. It is also incredibly versatile and can be used in pastas or even plain as a dip. This cheese spread began in our home as a dip with crackers for myself and Stephanie, and with tortilla chips for the kids. No matter how you use it, make sure you make it and don’t walk too far away from the bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need - Quick Snapshot
Here are the ingredients you will need (see quantities below):
- Hellman’s Mayonnaise - The foundation of the cheese spread
- Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese - The first of the three-cheese blend
- Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded) - I love this cheese so much
- Asiago Cheese (Shredded) - Likely will need to buy a block and grate it
- Crushed Calabrian Chili Peppers - The key to the cheese spread!
- Diced Pimentos - A lovely underrated ingredient
- Garlic Powder - Just a little bit
- Pepper - Just enough to taste
- 2 Pounds of Ground Beef - We bought 8 pre-made ¼ pound patties
- 8 Hamburger Buns - One for each burger
- 16 Slices of Bacon - Never ever forget the bacon (we love the ease of pre-cooked)
The Process
I’ve made this Pimento Cheese Spread so many times I don’t even have to measure the ingredients anymore. You can feel free to take liberties on more or less of the ingredients you like the best. For example, if you like a little more kick, add more Crushed Calabrian Chili Peppers.
Mix all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
Don’t forget to make sure you add the diced pimentos!
Grill up those burgers to your desired doneness.
Once you have your bacon and bun ready, you can build your Pimento Cheese Bacon Burger.
Did You Know
What the heck is a pimento?
Ah, the delightful pimentos! These little red wonders are like tiny bursts of joy in the culinary world. Picture this: a vibrant red pepper, plump and juicy, stuffed with a blend of cheese and spices. That's right, we're talking about the pimento pepper! It's like the life of the party in pepper form.
Now, pimentos aren't your ordinary peppers. They bring a certain zest and flair to any dish they grace. They're like the sassy sidekick that steals the show. Whether they're diced, sliced, or stuffed, pimentos add a pop of color and a burst of flavor that can make even the simplest meal feel like a celebration.
Speaking of celebrations, pimentos are the secret ingredient that turns an ordinary sandwich into a sandwich fit for a king. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy burger, only to discover a hidden treasure of pimento cheese inside (or in our case, a pimento cheese spread!). It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth that leaves you wanting more. Pimentos have the power to transform an everyday meal into a party on your taste buds.
But wait, there's more! Pimentos don't just shine in savory dishes; they have a flair for the sweet side too. Ever had a pimento-stuffed olive in your martini? It's a game-changer! The combination of the briny olive and the sweet pimento creates a harmonious balance that takes your cocktail experience to a whole new level. Pimentos know how to bring the fun to any occasion, even in liquid form.
And let's not forget the power of pimentos to jazz up a humble dip. Mix them with some cream cheese, spices, and maybe a touch of hot sauce, and you've got yourself a crowd-pleasing dip that will have your friends begging for the recipe. Pimentos have this magical ability to turn ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. It's like they sprinkle a pinch of enchantment wherever they go.
Simply put, pimentos are the life of the party. They bring color, flavor, and a touch of whimsy to any dish they grace. They're like the culinary equivalent of confetti – they make everything a little more fun and festive. So, the next time you're in need of a flavor boost or want to add some pizzazz to your cooking, don't forget to invite the pimentos. They'll bring the party, and you won't be able to resist joining in the fun. Cheers to the pimento pepper, the ultimate flavor superhero!
