White Cheddar-Bacon-Pimiento Stuffed Burgers

It's just not the 4th of July without a big, ol' juicy hamburger on your plate.  Take your burgers to the next level this year with these White Cheddar-Bacon-Pimiento Cheese Stuffed Burgers, (and if that's not a mouthful, these burgers are sure to satisfy.)  For this recipe, you end up with some extra pimiento cheese spread.  Good thing it tastes just as delicious with kettle or tortilla chips.   Stay tuned for more Independence Day recipe ideas. We'll be serving them up 'til the 4th!

White Cheddar-Bacon-Pimiento Cheese Stuffed Burgers

Ingredients:

Pimiento Cheese Spread:

3/4 cup mayonnaise

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

4 heaping cups shredded white cheddar cheese

2 (4-ounce) jars diced pimientos, drained

6 slices cooked bacon that has been finely crumbled

Salt and pepper to taste

Patties:

4 pounds ground chuck

1 small finely chopped or grated onion

 1/2 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or other)

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

4 teaspoons kosher salt

4 teaspoons cracked black pepper

Vegetable oil for brushing on grill rack

8 large good quality buns (I loved onion-poppy seed ciabatta rolls)

Lettuce, onion, tomato slices and condiments

Directions:

Prepare a medium hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium high.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cheese, pimiento peppers, and bacon.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  (This will make way more than you will need for the burgers.  Makes a great dip or sandwich spread.)

To make the patties, combine the beef, chopped onion, wine, Worcestershire sauce, 4 teaspoons salt, and 4 teaspoons cracked black pepper in a large bowl.  Handling the meat as little as possible, mix well.  Form into 16 equal portions and shape the portions into patties. 

 Lay 8 patties on a large baking sheet that has been covered in wax paper or foil.  Place a small amount of the pimiento cheese spread (about a tablespoon) in the center of each patty.  Place the remaining patties on top of the cheese and pinch the sides of the meat to seal well.

Brush the grill rack with vegetable oil.  Place patties on grill rack, cover, and cook, turning once, until done to preference, about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium.  Toast buns on grill rack the last few minutes of cooking.  Dress burgers with lettuce, onion, and tomatoes and your choice of condiments.  Makes 8 burgers.