Crab Topped Cajun Burger with Pimento Cheese Gravy is a delicious, spicy burger that’s easy to make and perfect for backyard summer potlucks!
A month ago, I had the privilege of heading south to visit Avery Island, Louisiana.
If you love hot sauce as much as yours truly, then you are fully aware that this is the home of the one and only, Tabasco. This trip was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Yes, I am a die-hard Tabasco lover, but there’s more to Tabasco than meets the tip of your tongue.
Let’s start with a brief history of the McIlhenny family. Edmund Mcllhenny made the first bottle of Tabasco back in 1868. Not only is Tabasco a family-run operation (going on six generations), but the same sauce that was bottled in 1868 is still the same flavor we put on our pizza, fried chicken, and grits today!
But for the Mcllhenny family, it’s more than just a bottle of Tabasco. This is their passion. You witness it firsthand the minute you step onto Avery Island, which is a privately owned island. This island is home to their corporate headquarters and the bottling facility which produces over 400,000 bottles a day. Also, spread out on the island are a greenhouse, fields of Tabasco growing plants, an aging house, and a mixing plant. Over 100 employees live on the island. Typical Louisiana landscapes such as bayous, giant oak trees, and a bird sanctuary are beautiful. One of the oldest plantations in the area, the Marsh House, is used for family events and where we shacked up for the short two days.
To say the Mcllhenny family has their passion dialed in is an understatement. Every moment spent on Avery Island was filled with excitement, hospitality,, and information about what goes into making Tabasco. We enjoyed a private meal prepped by Top Chef Constant Chef Issac Toups, and he inspired yours truly to make crab-fat rice! Tabasco-themed cocktails were poured and we even enjoyed a killer traditional Louisiana crawfish boil all with a member of the Mcllhenney family by our side. How’s that for client interaction?
I left Louisiana after two full educational and scrumptious days with a new perspective on Tabasco. Not only did the Mcllhenny family deepen my passion and love for the hot sauce, it inspired me to be passionate about what I do here on CGM. Well, the stars certainly did align because I have a killer recipe to share with y’all today that will hopefully make my Louisiana counterparts happy.
This Crab Topped Cajun Burger with Pimento Cheese Gravy reminds me of Southern flavors from top to bottom. If we had crawfish here in Colorado, I probably would have put that on top of this juicy burger, but alas, we are limited to crab. I tossed the crab with some Garlic Tabasco, which I didn’t even know that they had until we did a tasting. I highly recommend it because this version just adds that extra zing to bring the crab to life.
Next, a simple burger mixed with a variety of Cajun seasonings topped with a good ol’ hunk of cheddar and then ‘fully dressed’ as they say in the South. Or if you are a Northerner – lettuce and tomato. But what makes this burger a real Southern delight is the pimento cheese gravy. I’d like to think the Mcllhenney family would give this gravy two bottles up because nothing goes better with Tabasco than good old-fashioned gravy….with a little pimento cheese stirred in.
A BIG thank you to the Mcllhenney family for the wonderful hospitality and for opening their livelihood and home to us food bloggers. My taste buds will forever be loyal.
***This post was sponsored by Tabasco. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own!**
In conclusion, the Crab Topped Cajun Burger with Pimento Cheese Gravy is a tantalizing blend of Southern flavors. Savor the spicy kick and creamy cheese gravy, creating a delectable burger experience worth savoring.