Are you ready to transform your regular barbecue into an extraordinary Southern culinary experience? This exceptional Southern-style burger recipe takes the beloved grilled hamburger and elevates it into a truly unforgettable meal. Forget the mundane ketchup and mustard; this burger bursts with unique flavors, thanks to a trio of classic Southern favorites that promise a taste sensation unlike any other.

We’re swapping traditional burger toppings for a vibrant combination of:

• Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes: Offering a delightful tang and texture.
• Rich Homemade Pimento Cheese: Delivering creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of spice.
• Sweet Slices of Grilled Vidalia Onion: Adding a caramelized sweetness and tender bite.

Serve these magnificent burgers alongside a generous helping of golden fries or crunchy chips, complemented by a refreshingly light and creamy homemade coleslaw. This winning combination is destined to become a new family favorite for all your summer gatherings and beyond.

Embracing the Flavors of the South: More Than Just a Burger

The Southern burger isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of regional culinary heritage. It embodies comfort food at its finest, bringing together ingredients that are deeply rooted in Southern kitchens. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. From the first tangy bite of a fried green tomato to the creamy richness of pimento cheese and the sweet crunch of grilled onion, every element contributes to a symphony of tastes and textures. This recipe is your invitation to explore the depth and warmth of Southern cooking, one delicious bite at a time.

The Star Toppings: A Southern Trilogy

1. Fried Green Tomatoes: Tangy, Crispy Perfection

Fried green tomatoes are a hallmark of Southern cuisine, cherished for their unique tartness and satisfying crunch. Unripe green tomatoes, when sliced, breaded, and fried to a golden crisp, offer a fantastic counterpoint to the rich flavors of a beef patty. Their inherent acidity cuts through the fat of the meat and the creaminess of the pimento cheese, providing a refreshing zing that brightens the entire burger. The crispy exterior adds an irresistible textural element that elevates the experience beyond a typical burger. Making them fresh is key to achieving that perfect balance of tenderness inside and crispness outside, ensuring that each bite is a delightful exploration of flavor and texture. They are an essential part of what makes this Southern burger truly special.

2. Homemade Pimento Cheese: The “Caviar of the South”

Often referred to as “Southern caviar,” homemade pimento cheese is a staple in the South, beloved for its creamy texture and bold, cheesy flavor. This spread, typically made with grated cheddar cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise, offers a rich, savory, and slightly tangy profile. When melted over a hot burger, it transforms into a gooey, irresistible layer that coats your palate with comfort. The subtle spice from the pimentos adds a gentle warmth, making it far superior to any plain slice of cheese. Using homemade pimento cheese ensures a depth of flavor and freshness that pre-made versions simply cannot match, cementing its status as a quintessential Southern topping for this grilled masterpiece.

3. Grilled Vidalia Onions: Sweetness and Depth

Vidalia onions, famous for their exceptional sweetness and mild flavor, are ideal for grilling. When grilled, these onions caramelize beautifully, developing an even deeper, more complex sweetness and a tender, yielding texture. This natural sweetness provides a perfect balance to the tang of the fried green tomatoes and the richness of the pimento cheese. Unlike raw onions, which can be overpowering, grilled Vidalia onions offer a subtle yet impactful flavor that enhances the overall profile of the burger without dominating it. Their delicate sweetness adds an unexpected layer of sophistication, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

4.50 from 2 votes

Southern Burgers with Fried Green Tomatoes

By

Lynne Webb

This irresistible burger recipe combines juicy beef patties with crispy fried green tomatoes, rich pimento cheese, and sweet grilled Vidalia onion slices for an authentic Southern twist on your favorite grilled burgers.

Prep:

5 minutes
mins

Cook:

10 minutes
mins

Total:

15 minutes
mins

Servings:

4
servings

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Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb ground beef
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ Freshly ground black pepper
• ▢ 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• ▢ 1 tablespoon panko crumbs
• ▢ 4 thick slices Vidalia or other sweet onion
• ▢ 4 tablespoons Homemade Pimento Cheese
• ▢ 4 slices Fried Green Tomatoes
• ▢ 4 sandwich rolls, sliced

Instructions

1. Place the ground beef in a shallow bowl. Add the salt, a few grinds of black pepper, mayonnaise, and panko (see notes).
2. Use a wooden spatula to combine the meat ingredients as best you can before doing a final, gentle mix with your hands. Overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers, so handle with care.
3. Gently form the patties into quarter-pound portions (approximately 4 ounces each) and make a slight depression in the center of each with your thumb (see notes for tips on juicy burgers). Transfer to a plate and chill for at least 15 minutes before grilling; this helps them hold their shape.
4. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to a medium-high temperature (about 400°F). Once hot, carefully oil the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Add the onion slices to the preheated grill and cook until lightly browned and tender-crisp, approximately 1-1/2 minutes per side. Transfer the grilled onions to a clean plate and set aside.
6. Place the chilled burger patties on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 4 minutes on the first side. You’ll know it’s time to flip them when juices begin to bead on the top of each burger, signaling that they are cooking through the center.
7. Use a sturdy spatula to carefully turn the burgers. Grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the second side. About 1 minute into cooking the second side, spoon a generous tablespoon of pimento cheese onto each burger patty, allowing it to melt beautifully. Transfer the finished burgers to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more succulent burger.
8. To assemble your Southern masterpieces, place a crispy fried green tomato on the bottom half of each sandwich bun. Top with a slice of grilled Vidalia onion, followed by a juicy burger patty crowned with melted pimento cheese. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes for the Perfect Southern Burger

• **Achieving a Juicy Patty:** The addition of mayonnaise and panko breadcrumbs to your ground beef mixture is a secret weapon. Mayonnaise helps retain moisture, while the coarse texture of panko crumbs acts as a binder without adding density, unlike finer dry breadcrumbs. This ensures your burgers stay incredibly juicy and tender during cooking without altering the beef’s natural flavor or texture.
• **Preventing “Burger Dome”:** Making a slight depression in the center of each burger patty with your thumb is a simple yet effective technique. This prevents the burger from puffing up into a “dome” shape in the middle, ensuring it cooks evenly and maintains a consistent thickness across the entire patty. This results in a better-looking and more uniformly cooked burger.
• **Resting the Meat:** Don’t skip the resting period after grilling. Allowing the burgers to rest for 5 minutes off the grill enables the juices to redistribute throughout the patty. This step is crucial for a more succulent and flavorful burger.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Beyond the classic fries and coleslaw, consider serving your Southern burgers with other delightful sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad. For an extra touch of Southern charm, offer a side of extra pimento cheese for dipping those fries! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a slice of crispy bacon to your burger, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. The beauty of this Southern burger lies in its versatility and its ability to transport you straight to a porch swing in the Carolinas with every bite.

Nutrition Information

Serving:
1
sandwich

,

Calories:
589

,

Total Fat:
28
g

,

Cholesterol:
124
mg

,

Sodium:
711
mg

,

Carbohydrates:
44
g

,

Fiber:
4
g

,

Sugar:
6
g

,

Protein:
39
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation methods.

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