This pimento cheese sandwich is my ultimate quick fix for a busy day. With just a few ingredients and five minutes of prep time, this creamy, smoky spread transforms ordinary bread into a flavorful lunch. I love how versatile it is—whether enjoyed cold or toasted, it’s always a hit (even with kids!)
This post contains helpful tips and tricks! If you’re in a rush, please use the “Jump to Recipe” above!
💭 Why you’ll love this recipe
- Rich and creamy. If you love a creamy, flavor-packed spread, you’ll love this on your sandwiches and crackers.
- Delicious twist on your afternoon snack. It’s a great way to elevate your cheese sandwich that even kids will love.
- Have it on hand. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge, so you can have it handy whenever you want a quick snack.
📋 Ingredients and notes
To make this pimento cheese sandwich recipe, you’ll need bread, sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Variations & Substitutions
- Sharp cheddar cheese. You can also use mild cheddar or Monterey Jack. You can use pre-shredded cheese, but I personally like to grate it right before using it.
- Mayonnaise. You can swap mayo with sour cream or cream cheese for a more tangy and creamier version.
- Pimento peppers. I used green pimentos, but you can also use red pimentos for a sweeter flavor.
- Seasonings. You’ll need garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread. Use a slice of your favorite bread. White, whole wheat, or sourdough will all work well.
- Make it spicy. Try adding a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra spice, pickles, or using different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
📖 How to make pimento cheese sandwich
Step 1:
In a bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2:
Spread a generous amount of the pimento cheese mixture on one side of two bread slices.
Step 3:
Place the remaining bread slices on top.
Step 4:
Gently press, cut the sandwiches in half, and serve immediately with an optional olive on top and a toothpick.
Toasted sandwich version:
If you prefer a toasted sandwich, you can butter the outer sides of sandwiches. Then, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can also use a grill. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is slightly melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Shruthi’s Top Tip
Let the pimento cheese spread rest for at least 10 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use a microplane or fine grater for the garlic and onion powders to achieve a more even distribution of flavors.
- Adjust the smoked paprika to taste if you prefer a stronger smoky flavor or swap for regular paprika if you want a milder taste.
- For a smoother spread, blend the ingredients in a food processor until you reach your desired consistency.
- Lightly toast the bread before spreading the pimento cheese for an extra crunch and to prevent sogginess.
- If using whole wheat or sourdough bread, slightly butter the inner sides to add moisture and richness.
👩🏽🍳 Troubleshooting FAQs
Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Blend the mixture in a food processor until it reaches your preferred consistency.
You can prepare the spread in advance and assemble the sandwich when ready to eat. If making a toasted version, toast just before serving.
Add a small amount of extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Absolutely, try mixing in pickled jalapeños, roasted tomatoes, or some roasted onions added texture and flavor.
🍴 How to serve pimento cheese sandwich
Once you try this pimento cheese sandwich, I guarantee that this will be your new favorite spread. I love making a jar of this so I can store it for a week and have it on hand whenever I’m craving for a snack. It’s also great to pack with your kids’ lunchboxes or for a light lunch at work.
You can use any slice of bread of your choice. White bread, whole wheat bread, or sourdough will all work great. Leve it up by toasting or making this a grilled cheese sandwich for a delicious crispy bite. You can even use it as a dip for crackers or chips!
🍴Storage and reheating suggestions
Pimento cheese spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before using it.
🍴 More sandwich recipes
If you like this recipe, check out my other sandwich recipes:
Savory Bombay Toast (Masala Toast)
Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Chickpea “Tuna” Salad
If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to comment and rate! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Pimento Cheese Spread:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ⅛ cup pimentos, drained, diced
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices bread, white, whole wheat, or sourdough
- Olives, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Mix the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper.
- Spread a generous amount of the pimento cheese spread on one side of two bread slices.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top.
- Gently press, cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately with an optional olive on top and a toothpick.
Notes
- If you prefer a toasted sandwich, butter the outer sides of sandwiches, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and then place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is slightly melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Variations: Try adding a bit of hot sauce for extra heat, pickles, or using different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
