If you have ever wondered how to capture the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors wrapped in soft, pillowy bread, you’re in for a real treat with this How to Make Pimento Cheese Sandwiches Recipe. This Southern classic is a fantastic combination of sharp cheddar and creamy cream cheese, spiked with just the right amount of cayenne and garlic powder, and the charming pop of pimentos. Whether you want a quick lunch, a party snack, or comfort food that feels like a warm hug, this recipe will walk you through every step to make it easily at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me when I say that the magic of this sandwich lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen carefully to deliver the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. The creamy base, sharp cheese, and those little red pimentos all come together to create something truly special.
- Cream cheese, full-fat, softened: The rich and creamy foundation that binds everything together smoothly when whipped.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a tangy and robust sharpness crucial to the sandwich’s flavor profile.
- Colby Jack cheese, shredded: Brings a mild, buttery richness and beautiful marbling to the mix.
- Mayonnaise, full-fat: Moisturizes the mixture, adding a velvety texture and mild acidity.
- White sandwich bread: Soft and neutral, it cradles the filling perfectly without overpowering it.
- Chopped pimentos, jarred: This gives the sandwich a subtle sweetness and bright red color for eye appeal.
- Cayenne pepper: Provides that gentle, warming kick that elevates the overall flavor without overwhelming.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a deep savory note to balance the cheese’s richness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors beautifully; feel free to omit if you prefer lower sodium.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds freshness and complexity with each bite.
- Olives and cornichons: Optional garnishes that bring a salty, tangy contrast on the side.
How to Make How to Make Pimento Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese
Start with softened cream cheese at room temperature because it’s so much easier to whip into a creamy and fluffy texture. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, whip until it’s light and airy — this adds a wonderful fluffiness that’s key to the sandwich’s delicate mouthfeel.
Step 2: Mix in the Cheeses and Spices
Next, pour in the shredded sharp cheddar and Colby Jack along with mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix all these goodies together on medium speed just until everything is combined. The goal here is to keep some texture so the cheese doesn’t become too uniform or dense.
Step 3: Fold in the Chopped Pimentos
Now for the star of the dish — the chopped pimentos! Carefully fold them into the cheese mixture with a spatula, preserving their little bursts of flavor and those pretty pops of color. This step adds freshness and a sweet tang that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread for Sandwich Assembly
Lay out four slices of your soft white sandwich bread on a clean surface. This little prep makes spreading the cheese mixture a clean and controlled process without crumbs or mess getting in your way.
Step 5: Spread the Pimento Cheese Mixture
Spoon a generous amount of the pimento cheese onto each slice and spread it evenly. I love using a butter knife or small offset spatula here to get the perfect layer — thick enough to taste in every bite, but not so thick it spills out when you bite in.
Step 6: Assemble and Cut the Sandwiches
Place the remaining slices of bread on top to finish each sandwich. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each sandwich in half diagonally or straight down the middle. This makes them a breeze to serve and lets you dive into the cheesy goodness without any fuss.
How to Serve How to Make Pimento Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Olives and cornichons are classic accompaniments that add a burst of briny contrast, helping to cut through the richness of the cheese. Feel free to add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a fresh, green flourish that also brightens the flavor.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with crispy dill pickles, a fresh garden salad, or even sweet potato fries for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The cool and crunchy vegetables bring lightness that complements the creamy, cheesy filling wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, try making mini sliders using small dinner rolls or cut the sandwiches into bite-sized squares and skewer them with cocktail picks and pickled vegetables. It’s a charming way to show off the layers of cheese and pimentos while making them super easy to munch on during gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pimento cheese mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to marry even further, making your next sandwich just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
Since the fresh cheese and mayo can change texture after freezing, it’s best not to freeze the assembled sandwiches. However, you can freeze the pimento cheese spread in a sealed container for up to 1 month — just thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a quick stir before using.
Reheating
These sandwiches are typically served cold or at room temperature, which really lets the flavors shine. If you prefer them warm, gently toast the sandwich with a bit of butter on a skillet until the bread is golden and the cheese is melty and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Colby Jack build the classic flavor base, you can mix in cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a bit of Parmesan for a different twist. Just aim for cheeses that melt well and complement the cream cheese.
Is it necessary to use full-fat mayonnaise and cream cheese?
Full-fat versions help create a richer, creamier texture and fuller flavor. Reduced-fat options can work but might result in a less luscious mouthfeel and slightly drier filling.
How spicy is this sandwich from the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the sandwich. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste—omit it for no heat or add a pinch more if you like a spicier kick.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the white sandwich bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. The creamy pimento cheese spread itself is naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to serve leftover pimento cheese?
Leftover pimento cheese is a fantastic snack spread on crackers, as a dip with fresh veggies, or even dolloped on top of grilled meats and burgers for an extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on how to make the perfect pimento cheese sandwiches, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s quick, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself. There’s something truly special about this cheesy Southern gem that makes every bite feel like a celebration, and once you make it, I’m sure it will become one of your top go-to recipes too!
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How to Make Pimento Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 sandwiches cut in half, 8 halves) 1x
Description
This classic Pimento Cheese Sandwich recipe combines creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors all blended into a smooth, spreadable cheese mixture. Quick to prepare and perfect for lunch or a light snack, these sandwiches use traditional ingredients like cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, mayonnaise, and jarred pimentos. The addition of cayenne pepper and garlic powder adds a subtle kick, while serving with olives and cornichons enhances the flavor experience.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 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
- 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
Assembly
- 8 slices white bread, traditional sandwich bread
- Olives and cornichons, for serving
Instructions
- Whip the Cream Cheese: 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.
- Combine Cheeses and Seasonings: 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.
- Fold in Pimentos: 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.
- Prepare Bread Slices: Lay out four slices of white bread on a clean cutting board, which will make spreading and assembly neater and easier.
- Spread Cheese Mixture: 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.
- Assemble Sandwiches: 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
- Using full-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise results in a richer, creamier sandwich.
- For a lower sodium option, omit the kosher salt.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier whipping and smooth texture.
- The cayenne pepper adds mild heat, which can be adjusted or omitted based on personal taste.
- Serve with olives and cornichons to complement the creamy, tangy pimento cheese flavor.
- These sandwiches can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 day, but bread may soften over time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American Southern
