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This sandwich is so incredibly good that I cannot believe I ever ate pimento cheese cold before. Just imagine the soft pimento cream cheese mixture melted between two pieces of crispy bread that are grilled to perfection. Need I say more?
What Is Pimento Cheese?
If you’re not from the South then it might sound a little foreign to you, but I promise it’s worth a try! It’s a classic Southern cheese spread that is typically made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and of course, pimento peppers. I did use cream cheese instead of mayo in my version.
What Does It Taste Like?
It’s like a creamy cheese with a kick. Think cheddar cheese (creamy, tangy, and rich) with pimentos (roasted sweet red bell peppers) and some flavorful spices including a little hot sauce to kick it up a notch.
Is Pimento Spread the Same as Pimento Cheese?
Pimento Cheese is actually a trademarked brand that makes pimento cheese spread. They are based out of South Carolina, so whether you call it pimento spread or cheese, it’s basically the same thing.
What Do You Eat Pimento Cheese With?
Traditionally, it’s served on crackers or between slices of bread as a sandwich, but since its gain in popularity, we’ve seen all sorts of other ways to enjoy this creamy spread. As I mentioned above, we use it for a grilled cheese sandwich, but you can also add it to your grits, macaroni, quesadillas, or jalapeno poppers (instead of plain cream cheese) … there are endless ideas out there for this tasty spread.
How to Spruce up Your Pimento Cheese Sandwich
I love getting creative with recipes like this one, so you could definitely add in your favorite ingredients. Try adding in fresh jalapeno peppers, olives, diced pickles, or even crumbled bacon for a bit of variation to your sandwich.
Some Pairing Ideas for Pimento Cheese
Since Pimento Cheese Spread is meant to be more of an appetizer or light snack type of food, it pairs well with crackers, carrot sticks, celery, crostinis, or even pretzels if you’re serving it as a dip. But, if you want to try putting it in a grilled sandwich, here are some light suggestions to pair with it:
- Tomato Bisque
- Southern Potato Salad (without mayo)
- Green Apple and Cucumber Slaw
- Cucumber-Dill Pasta
- Pasta Salad with Red Pepper Pesto
- Deviled Eggs
- Fresh fruit
- Green salad (see my “33 Salad Ideas for Inspiration” post)
More Sandwich Recipe Ideas
BEST Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 5 ounces cheddar cheese (white sharp (freshly grated, not the pre-grated stuff which contains an anti-caking agent))
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened (I stick it in the microwave for a few seconds, after I take the metal foil off of course))
- 3 tablespoons pimentos, chopped with juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1 drop hot sauce (we used Tobasco)
- 12 pieces whole-wheat bread
- butter (for frying)
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients (down to the hot sauce) together very well with a spoon or fork.
Can be served cold or continue with directions below for a hot sandwich.
- Melt 1 – 2 tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan set just slightly higher than medium heat, or use a griddle set at 375 degrees F.
- Just after the butter has melted (and before it turns brown,) rub one side of each piece of bread in the melted butter for full coverage.
- Remove the buttered bread from the pan and spread a layer of pimento cheese onto the side of the bread that doesn’t have the melted butter on it. Top that with another piece of prepared bread (non-melted butter side facing down) to make a sandwich.
- Put sandwich back into the pan onto remaining melted butter and cook until golden brown on each side.
Notes
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute gluten-free bread for whole-wheat bread.
- We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
It may have become popular in the South because it didn’t spoil easily at room temperature, making it easy to pack in lunchboxes, particularly for textile workers. But it was also fashionable as a sandwich in tea rooms.
I found this VERY strong on the garlic. Next time, I think I may make it without garlic altogether.
I made this and my husband and son loved it. Thank you for making my family happy :)
Yum! Glad to hear everyone enjoyed it. – Nicole
This is over the moon delicious but it is decidedly different than the store bought version. I love both!
Glad you like it! – Nicole
I miss the Pimento Cheese sandwiches that my Grandma Dolly used to make! It brings me back to my childhood in Mississippi. Nothing better on a warm summer day.
So yummy, even my picky 11 year old loved it. We had it warm with pumpkin soup.