The Pimento Cheeseburger from Alamo Drafthouse features a juicy beef patty topped with creamy pimento cheese, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomato, all nestled inside a toasted brioche bun for a savory and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Grill or stovetop skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula (for spreading cheese)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or oven (for toasting buns)
- Plate (for assembly/serving)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 leaves lettuce
- 1 large tomato
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Butter (for toasting buns, optional)
Using fresh ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 ensures juicy and flavorful patties essential for this recipe. The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature to blend smoothly with sharp cheddar and diced pimentos, creating the signature creamy pimento cheese spread. Toasting brioche buns with a bit of butter enhances their rich flavor and provides a slight crispness that complements the tender burger. Slicing ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce leaves adds freshness and texture, balancing the richness of the cheese and beef. Your homemade Pimento Cheeseburger from the Alamo Drafthouse copycat menu promises a savory and satisfying bite with every layer.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or stovetop skillet.
- Shape ground beef into 4 patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Grill or skillet-cook patties to desired doneness.
- While burgers cook, mix cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl to make pimento cheese.
- Slice tomato.
- Wash and dry lettuce leaves.
- Cut brioche buns in half.
- Butter buns (optional) and toast on grill, toaster, or oven until golden.
- Spread pimento cheese on hot burger patties.
- Place lettuce and tomato slices on bottom buns.
- Add burger patty with pimento cheese on top of vegetables.
- Top with remaining bun halves.
- Serve immediately on a plate.
Substitution
The Pimento Cheeseburger from Alamo Drafthouse copycat menu offers a rich blend of sharp cheddar and creamy pimento cheese that can be easily customized with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a milder or spicier flavor. If fresh pimentos are unavailable, jarred roasted red peppers finely diced can serve as a suitable substitute without compromising taste. When grilling, ensure your beef patty is cooked evenly by pressing it gently with a spatula and flipping only once to maintain juiciness. Toasting the brioche buns with butter enhances their flavor and texture but can be skipped if you prefer a lighter sandwich. Your choice of lettuce and tomato can be swapped with baby spinach or sliced avocado for a unique twist on the classic burger.
Tips
Ensure ground beef patties are evenly shaped to promote uniform cooking and retain juiciness during grilling or pan-searing. When mixing the pimento cheese, make sure the cream cheese is softened to achieve a creamy texture that spreads easily over hot patties. Toasting brioche buns adds texture and prevents sogginess but avoid over-toasting to maintain softness. You should serve the assembled cheeseburger immediately to enjoy the contrast between warm patty and fresh vegetables.
Nutritions
The Pimento Cheeseburger provides a protein-rich meal from the ground beef patty, essential for muscle repair and growth. The creamy pimento cheese combines sharp cheddar and cream cheese, offering calcium and healthy fats while the fresh lettuce and tomato add fiber, vitamins A and C for immune support and digestion. Toasted brioche buns contribute carbohydrates needed for energy, with a slight boost of fats if buttered. Your meal balances macronutrients, delivering a satisfying yet nutritious option for a hearty burger experience.
Storage
Store leftover Pimento Cheeseburgers wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking and consume within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and food safety. Reheat gently on a stovetop skillet or oven to retain the juiciness of Your burger and the creamy texture of the pimento cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to create a leaner version of the pimento cheeseburger without sacrificing flavor. Consider mixing fresh chopped herbs, such as chives or parsley, into the pimento cheese to enhance its savory profile. For a smoky twist, grill the tomato slices along with the patties before assembling the burger. Toasting the brioche buns with a light spread of garlic butter can add an extra layer of richness to each bite.
Allergies
Your enjoyment of the Pimento Cheeseburger could be affected if you have allergies to dairy products, as it contains sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise, which often includes eggs. The brioche bun contains gluten, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Additionally, the ground beef and pimentos could trigger sensitivities, so it's important to review individual ingredient allergies carefully.
Why this recipe?
The Pimento Cheeseburger at Alamo Drafthouse combines sharp pimento cheese with a juicy beef patty, creating a bold and creamy flavor profile that stands out. Its unique blend of tangy cheese and savory meat appeals to burger enthusiasts seeking a distinctive taste experience. You can recreate this crave-worthy combination at home to enjoy a gourmet burger that rivals the restaurant's quality. Making the copycat version offers a satisfying culinary challenge with impressive results for cheese and burger lovers alike.