These Beloved American Dishes Rarely Leave Their Home State

Down in South Carolina, many feel a burger isn’t complete without a smear of pimento cheese. This Southern staple, a creamy spread of cheddar, mayonnaise, and sweet pimento peppers, is the state’s signature burger topping. Culinary historians trace the pimento burger to a Columbia drive-in owner named Jacob “J.C.” Reynolds, who created it in the 1960s. His original version spread homemade pimento cheese on the bun before adding a thin beef patty and a layer of chili. It’s a simple addition that delivers a huge punch of flavor.