In This Post
Savannah is a city that makes you slow down and truly savor the moment. It’s the kind of place where meals linger, conversations stretch a little longer, and certain dishes become inseparable from the memories you make while traveling. There are always a few food experiences you carry home with you—the ones you can’t quite recreate exactly, but you can bring back to life just enough to remind you of a time and place you never want to forget.
That’s the heart behind this Savannah-inspired pimento cheeseburger with bacon jam. It was inspired by a burger I enjoyed while sitting at the bar at Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market inside the Perry Lane Hotel, sipping good whiskey sweetened with a touch of honey from the Savannah Bee Company. It was one of those perfectly Savannah moments—unrushed, indulgent, and rooted in the city’s food-forward culture. If you’re planning your own trip and wondering where to eat in Savannah, I’ve rounded up my favorite restaurants in a complete where to eat in Savannah guide.
This recipe is my way of bringing that experience home—layering bold Southern flavors, a little bourbon, and classic pimento cheese into a dish that instantly transports me back. And if you’re still in the dreaming or planning phase, be sure to explore my Savannah, Georgia Travel Guide, where I share why this romantic, charm-filled city continues to be one of my favorite food destinations in the U.S.
*Hey there! Just a heads-up—some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). These earnings help fuel my adventures, allowing me to travel more, discover incredible food experiences, and bring you even more exciting content. I only recommend products and services I genuinely love and believe will add value to you. Your support means the world—thank you for being part of this journey!
Pimento Cheese: The Star of The Show
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple. Often called “the caviar of the South,” pimento cheese has long been a refrigerator essential across Georgia and the Lowcountry—served at gatherings, spread on crackers, tucked into sandwiches, or melted onto burgers. In Savannah, you’ll find it everywhere from casual cafés to elevated restaurant menus, each version putting its own spin on the classic.
In this recipe, the real star of the show is the pimento cheese. Creamy, slightly spicy, and deeply comforting, it’s the kind of thing that’s worth making just to keep in your fridge. It’s endlessly versatile and instantly brings a taste of Savannah home.
Why You’ll Love This Savannah-Inspired Burger
- Deeply Southern and comfort-forward, with creamy pimento cheese and rich bourbon bacon jam
- The pimento cheese is the real star—bold, creamy, slightly spicy, and worth keeping stocked in your fridge
- Sweet, smoky, and savory flavors balanced perfectly in every bite
- Restaurant-worthy but approachable enough to recreate at home
- Perfect for entertaining, grilling nights, or an elevated weeknight dinner
- A true travel-inspired recipe that brings the flavors of Savannah, Georgia into your kitchen
If this recipe inspires you to dream of Savannah, let Road and Table help you turn that dream into a journey. Contact me to plan your next unforgettable culinary experience.
Savannah-Inspired Pimento Cheeseburger with Bacon Jam
Serves 4 | Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
This sauce is the real star of today’s recipe. It’s tangy, spicy, creamy, and totally addictive. Honestly, I should apologize in advance because once you taste it, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything—tacos, grilled meats, roasted veggies, sandwiches, you name it.
👉 Note: The sauce makes a generous batch, so plan to use it throughout the week—it’s especially amazing on tacos or spread over a grilled chicken sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- Burger patties
- Brioche buns
Pimento Cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (from block)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 oz pimentos, drained
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Bacon Jam
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shallots, diced
- 2 cups sweet onions, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup bourbon
- ½ cup real maple syrup
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
Make the Pimento Cheese:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese.
- Add the mayonnaise, pimentos, pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, green onion, and minced garlic.
- Stir until fully combined and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Make the Bourbon Bacon Jam:
- In a large skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Add the shallots, sweet onions, and garlic to the pan. Cook over medium-low heat until soft and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the chili powder and smoked paprika.
- Deglaze the pan with the bourbon, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and cooked bacon. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and jam-like.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. (Jam will thicken more as it cools.) Set aside.
Cook the Burgers:
- Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Season burger patties generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook burgers to your preferred doneness, about 3–4 minutes per side for medium.
- During the final minute of cooking, spoon a generous amount of pimento cheese onto each patty and allow it to soften and slightly melt.
© Jamie Cassidy and Road And Table, 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Cassidy and Road and Table with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
