Description
This classic Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich recipe combines creamy, tangy pimento cheese with soft white bread to create a quick and delicious snack or light meal. The richly flavored, homemade pimento cheese spread features whipped cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Colby Jack cheese, and a hint of cayenne and garlic powder for a subtle kick, all balanced with mayonnaise for smoothness. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or appetizers, these sandwiches come together in just minutes without any cooking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Spread
- 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
Sandwich
- 8 slices white bread, traditional sandwich bread
- Olives and cornichons, for serving
Instructions
- Whip 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.
- Mix Cheese 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: 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
- Use full-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste based on preferred spice level.
- For a lower sodium version, omit the kosher salt or reduce the amount.
- Serve sandwiches chilled or at room temperature for best texture.
- Pair with olives and cornichons for a classic Southern accompaniment.
- Can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
