Pimento cheese sandwiches are a classic southern delight, perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic. With a creamy filling and a touch of spice, they bring comfort and flavor in every bite.
This Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich recipe solves issues like soggy bread, uneven flavor mixing, unclear instructions, and lack of storage and customization advice.
I’ve tackled a few challenges when whipping up these sandwiches, like how to keep the bread from getting soggy. The recipe I’m sharing solves that, giving you a creamy, cheesy spread that sticks just right and doesn’t run everywhere.
What makes this recipe special is how it comes together in just five minutes. You’ll have tasty sandwiches that feel homemade, meeting the craving without the fuss.
If you’re looking for something to pair with your sandwiches, try my sweet and salty pretzel treats next!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to traditional sandwich bread containing wheat gluten. Use gluten-free bread alternatives to adjust for gluten-free diets.
- The recipe contains cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and cream cheese, so it is unsuitable for dairy-free diets.
- The recipe contains cheese and mayonnaise, making it not vegan. Substitute with vegan cheese and vegan mayonnaise instead.
- This recipe suits vegetarian diets since it contains no meat or animal-based gelatin ingredients in the listed components.
- This recipe is nut-free, containing no nuts or nut-derived ingredients according to the listed components.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture This spread brings together cream cheese and two types of cheddar, creating a rich, velvety filling that makes each sandwich irresistible.
- Bold Flavor With sharp cheddar, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder, you’re looking at a taste that’s both savory and just a tad spicy, a real treat any time of year.
- Quick to Prepare You can whip up these sandwiches in just five minutes, making them a go-to option for last-minute gatherings or leisurely summer lunches.
- Endless Customization Feel free to add extras like jalapeños or fresh herbs to put your own spin on the classic flavors, giving you freedom to match your tastes.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: sandwich
- Method: no-bake
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy pimento cheese sandwiches made with a creamy, slightly spicy cheese spread. Perfect for lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces (170 g) cream cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (about 113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (about 113 g) Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, full-fat recommended
- 8 slices white bread, traditional sandwich bread
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) chopped pimentos, jarred
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (omit for lower sodium diet)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Olives and cornichons, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, whip the cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy. Room temperature cream cheese ensures smooth, easy whipping.
- Step 2: Add shredded sharp cheddar, shredded Colby Jack, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to the whipped cream cheese. Continue mixing on medium speed until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid over-mixing to preserve texture.
- Step 3: Gently fold the chopped pimentos into the cheese mixture using a spatula or spoon, taking care to maintain the pimentos’ texture without breaking them down.
- Step 4: Lay out four slices of white bread on a clean cutting board, which will make spreading and assembly neater and easier.
- Step 5: Evenly spread a generous layer of the pimento cheese mixture on each of the four bread slices. Use enough to make each bite flavorful without the filling running.
- Step 6: Place the remaining four slices of bread on top of the prepared slices to form sandwiches. Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich in half for easier serving and handling.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain texture and flavor.
- Refrigeration: Keep sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to prevent spoilage of the cheese spread.
- Freezing: Wrap sandwiches individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw carefully in the refrigerator before serving.
- If the cream cheese is firm, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing for a smoother texture.
- If the cheese mixture is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise at a time while mixing until the desired spreadability is reached.
- To avoid soggy bread, spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of the bread before toasting, which creates a moisture barrier.
- Use a sharp knife to trim sandwich edges if uneven in size, promoting a uniform appearance for presentation.
- To adjust heat, if the spread is too spicy, add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and mix gently to mellow the cayenne pepper.
- Serve sandwiches with crunchy cucumber slices or carrot sticks for added freshness.
- Pair with a light mixed green salad or coleslaw to balance the meal.
- Use pimento cheese spread for stuffed peppers or on a charcuterie board.
- Incorporate into savory breakfast wraps or serve alongside grilled meats.
- Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper for extra flavor if desired.
- Serve with dill pickles or marinated olives for a zesty finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Ingredient Notes
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for that classic pimento cheese flavor. Look for a block of cheese for the best shredding results.
- Pimentos: These little peppers pack a sweet, tangy punch. Opt for jarred pimentos, ensuring they’re chopped for easy mixing.
- Mayonnaise: A good quality, creamy mayo binds everything together. I prefer Hellmann’s or Duke’s for their rich taste and smooth texture.
- Cream cheese: This adds a silky texture that helps the mixture spread smoothly. Go for full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor impact.
- Hot sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce boosts flavor. Choose one that has good heat without overpowering the cheese mix.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash adds depth to the flavor. Opt for a brand without artificial ingredients for a cleaner taste.
- Green onions: These add a fresh crunch and oniony flavor. Make sure to wash them well and slice them thinly for even distribution.
Recipe Tips
- If the cream cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing to achieve a smoother texture.
- When the cheese mixture seems too thick, add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise at a time until you reach your desired consistency during mixing.
- If the bread begins to feel soggy, spread a thin layer of butter on the outside before toasting to help create a barrier.
- For uneven sandwich sizes, use a sharp knife to trim the edges for a uniform appearance before serving, enhancing presentation.
- If the spread is too spicy for your taste, add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise to balance out the heat while mixing gently.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crunchy cucumber slices or carrot sticks for added freshness. Pair with a light mixed green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
Use to make pimento cheese stuffed peppers or add to a charcuterie board. Incorporate into a savory breakfast wrap or serve alongside grilled meats.
Top with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra flavor. Serve with dill pickles or a side of marinated olives for a zesty finish.
Recipe variations
- You can use pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack to add a mild spicy touch to your pimento cheese sandwiches for a subtle twist on the Foundation Recipe.
- Add smoked paprika or a pinch of habanero powder instead of cayenne pepper to adjust the heat and flavor intensity according to your preference.
- Either white bread or whole wheat bread work well with the cheese mixture, offering different textures; either choice can suit your taste.
- If using this recipe for more sandwiches, double all ingredients to make enough pimento cheese sandwiches to serve eight, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- You can use diced jalapeños in place of pimentos to bring a brighter, spicier flavor to the spread used in pimento cheese sandwiches.
- Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of hot sauce to introduce a tangy element that complements the creamy cheese base and enhances flavor depth.
- Either readymade mayonnaise or homemade mayo can be mixed into your cheese blend to maintain creaminess in your pimento cheese sandwiches.
- If preparing for a large group, triple the amounts of cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings to ensure enough filling for twelve sandwiches without sacrificing texture.
- You can use toasted brioche or a light oat bread instead of white bread for pimento cheese sandwiches to add a richer or nuttier flavor profile.
- Add finely chopped green onions or fresh chives for a fresh, mild onion note that brightens the flavor of the cheese spread in pimento cheese sandwiches.
- Either cream cheese or mascarpone can be used as the creamy base, keeping the texture smooth while slightly changing flavor nuances in your sandwiches.
- If serving a picnic, prepare the cheese spread a day in advance, refrigerate, and assemble 4 sandwiches shortly before serving for fresh-tasting pimento sandwiches.
- You can use finely chopped cooked bacon stirred into the cheese mixture to add a savory crunch that complements the smoothness in pimento cheese sandwiches.
- Add a half teaspoon of garlic powder or smoked garlic powder to vary the garlic flavor intensity, adjusting seasoning carefully for the best taste in your sandwich spread.
- Either sliced pickles or cornichons can be served as a garnish with the sandwiches to provide a crisp, tangy contrast that pairs well with the creamy filling.
- If serving as finger foods, cut sandwiches into quarters instead of halves, allowing guests to enjoy bite-sized pimento cheese sandwiches easily at gatherings.
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How to Store?
To keep your pimento cheese sandwiches fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to maintain their texture and flavor.
Refrigeration: Store sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days, protecting the cheese spread from spoiling.
Freezing: Wrap sandwiches individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag or container up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge carefully.
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If you enjoyed this Pimento Cheese Sandwiches or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
