Ingredients

• 4 cups grated Cheddar
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup jarred pimientos
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Hot sauce, as needed, optional
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the buns
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 sesame seed buns
• 8 slices crispy cooked bacon
• Bibb lettuce, for topping
• Pickles slices, for topping
• Hot sauce, for serving, optional

Instructions

1. For the pimiento cheese: Put the Cheddar, mayonnaise, pimientos, relish, onion powder, salt, pepper and hot sauce if using in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
2. For the burgers: Heat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over high heat.
3. Mix the beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper together in a bowl and form the mixture into 4 patties. Cook the patties on the hot griddle to the desired doneness. Butter the insides of the buns and season with salt. Toast on the griddle to golden brown.
4. Smear the insides of the buns with a thick layer of the pimiento cheese. Top with the crispy bacon, a burger patty, a piece of Bibb lettuce and some pickles. Add a few dashes of hot sauce if desired.