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