How to Make the Best-Ever Pimento Cheese Sandwich — Chef’s Secret Is Easy + Delicious

A pimento cheese sandwich always delivers when we’re craving a taste of nostalgia. You can’t go wrong with a tangy pimento-flecked cheese spread sandwiched between two slices of bread. While this sandwich is tasty as is, there’s a simple way to add a touch of smokiness to the comfort treat. Plus, if you want a more filling sandwich, you can pile on the toppings and enjoy it for lunch or a snack. Keep reading for tips on how to make a delicious pimento cheese sandwich along with two recipes to whip up soon!

What is pimento cheese?

The star of this sandwich is pimento cheese, which is a spread consisting of mayonnaise and/or cream cheese, pimento peppers, cheddar and seasonings. While this mixture can be spread onto crackers or vegetables. a popular way to eat it is by spreading it onto bread and enclosing it to make a sandwich.

The popularity of pimento cheese sandwiches

Pimento cheese is believed to have been invented in 1870, around the time that both cream cheese and canned pimento peppers were becoming mass produced. This spread’s creation birthed pimento cheese sandwich, which is widely considered to be a southern delicacy. In fact, the Masters (a golf championship held in Augusta, Georgia) is known for its $1.50 pimento cheese sandwich that draws crowds every year. Making this sandwich is also easy and produces a tastier version of this treat!

Chef’s secret to a tastier pimento cheese sandwich

Pimento cheese sandwich recipes typically use jarred pimentos as they’re a mild and sweet version of the cherry pepper. However, for a more intense flavor, Jonnathan Josias, from Pearl Lemon Catering, suggests buying fresh pimentos and roasting them. The reason: Charring the peppers caramelizes their natural sugars and provides the spread with “a deeper, smokier flavor” as Josias describes. Once they’re roasted and cooled, you can dice the peppers and mix them with the other ingredients. While the amount of peppers varies for each recipe, start with 1 to 2 pounds of fresh pimentos to yield around 1 cup of diced veg. For pointers on how to roast peppers, check out this video from AllRecipes — which outlines three simple methods.

2 tasty pimento cheese sandwich recipes

Below, you can find two yummy recipes for making this sandwich when your comfort cravings hit. Be sure to assemble the sandwiches fresh to avoid soggy bread. Any leftover pimento cheese can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week to enjoy later.

Classic Pimento Cheese Sandwich 

Josias shares a traditional recipe for this sandwich, which features a blend of pungent seasonings like garlic powder and cayenne pepper.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup diced jarred or roasted pimentos
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 10 to 12 slices of your favorite bread

Directions:

• Yield: 5 to 6 servings

1. In large bowl, combine cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Season mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Spread pimento cheese mixture generously onto 1 slice of bread and top with another to make each sandwich. Serve immediately.

Speedy Pimento Cheese Sandwich

This recipe comes from Allie Hagerty, food blogger and recipe creator at Seasoned and Salted, and uses a 6-ingredient pimento cheese spread that preps in 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated
• 1 cup diced jarred or roasted pimentos 
• ½ cup mayonnaise 
• Pinch of garlic powder 
• Salt, to taste 
• Dash of hot sauce 
• 10 to 12 slices of your favorite bread

Directions:

• Yield: 5 to 6 sandwiches

1. In medium bowl, mix cheddar, pimentos, mayo, garlic powder, salt and hot sauce.
2. Assemble each sandwich by spreading generous amount of mixture onto 1 bread slice and topping it with another slice.
3. Enjoy!

5 sandwich toppings for a pimento cheese sandwich

For a heartier pimento cheese sandwich, consider filling it with any of these ingredients!

1. Lettuce

Leaves of romaine, butter or iceberg lettuce are the perfect crunchy addition to this sandwich.

2. Tomato

Sliced tomatoes provide the sandwich with a hint of sweetness.

3. Cooked bacon

Add a smoky and salty touch to the treat with help of a couple slices of bacon.

4. Hard-boiled egg

Incorporate extra protein into the sandwich by placing a chopped or sliced hardball egg inside of it. (Click through for a tip on how to boil eggs without them cracking.)

5. Onions

Any variety of raw or pickled onions will infuse the sandwich with a delicious sharpness.

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