Imagine biting into a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy delight that’s a Pimento Cheese Sandwich.
This Southern classic is both simple and comforting, making it a favorite for a quick snack or a relaxed meal.
The magic happens as sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos meld together, creating a flavorful masterpiece.
Let the inviting aroma draw you in.
Let’s bring this dish to life and enjoy every mouthful!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Grater
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing a Pimento Cheese Sandwich, follow this timeline:
1. Reading Time (5 minutes): Start by reading the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the ingredients, equipment, and steps involved.
2. Prep Time (15 minutes):
- 0-5 minutes: Gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients. Make certain you have the mixing bowl, spoon, knife, grater, measuring cup, and measuring spoon ready.
- 5-10 minutes: Grate the cheddar cheese and dice the pimentos if not already prepared.
- 10-15 minutes: Combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in the mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
3. Resting Time (30 minutes):
– 15-45 minutes: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld. During this time, you can clean up your workspace, prepare the bread by spreading butter on one side of each slice, and set the table if you plan to serve immediately.
4. Assembly & Serving (5 minutes):
– 45-50 minutes: Place four slices of bread, butter side down, on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the pimento cheese mixture over the bread slices and top with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up.
Serve the sandwiches immediately or wrap them for later enjoyment.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl.
Stir the mixture until well combined and creamy.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Place four slices of bread, butter side down, on a clean surface.
Evenly distribute the pimento cheese mixture over the bread slices.
Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up.
Serve the sandwiches immediately or wrap them for later enjoyment.
Serving Tips
- Tomato Soup: Pairing the pimento cheese sandwich with a warm bowl of tomato soup enhances the classic comfort food experience.
- Pickles: Serve with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast to the creamy and cheesy flavors of the sandwich.
- Potato Chips: Add a crunchy element to your meal with a handful of your favorite potato chips.
- Coleslaw: A fresh and crisp coleslaw complements the rich and creamy sandwich perfectly.
- Sweet Tea: Complete the Southern flair with a glass of sweet tea for a revitalizing beverage.
Storage
Store leftover pimento cheese mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Keep sandwiches wrapped in plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness.
Freezing
To freeze pimento cheese sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag.
Thaw in the refrigerator before consuming to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat a pimento cheese sandwich, use a skillet on medium heat.
Flip until warm.
Avoid microwaving, as it may alter texture.
Enjoy promptly for best taste.
Final Thoughts
The Pimento Cheese Sandwich is a classic Southern snack that brings together the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and the distinct taste of pimentos.
With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying option for any occasion.
The key to achieving the best flavor lies in using high-quality ingredients and allowing the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
This resting time allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a deliciously creamy filling.
Customize the heat level to your preference by adjusting the cayenne pepper.
Whether you enjoy it as a standalone snack or pair it with soup for a more filling meal, the Pimento Cheese Sandwich is sure to please.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste or wrap it up for later enjoyment.
Remember, the texture can be adjusted to your liking by blending the mixture in a food processor for a smoother consistency.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this Southern classic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Sharp Cheddar?
You can definitely swap sharp cheddar for another cheese. Try Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder flavor. Experiment with smoked gouda for a twist. Just make certain it melts well and complements the dish’s overall taste.
Are There Any Vegan Alternatives for the Pimento Cheese Spread?
You can create a vegan alternative by using vegan cheddar cheese, vegan mayonnaise, and roasted red peppers instead of pimentos. Adjust spices to taste. This version maintains the flavor while accommodating dietary preferences. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How Can I Make the Pimento Cheese Spread Spicier?
To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or try incorporating diced jalapeños. You can also mix in a few drops of hot sauce. Taste as you go to guarantee you reach your desired spice level.
What Are Some Variations of the Traditional Pimento Cheese Sandwich?
Try adding crispy bacon, jalapeños, or pickles for a twist. You can also swap the cheddar for pepper jack or add smoked paprika. Experiment with bread types like sourdough or rye to enhance the sandwich’s flavor profile.
Can I Add Any Additional Ingredients to the Pimento Cheese Mixture?
You can definitely add extra ingredients like chopped jalapeños for spice, crispy bacon for a smoky flavor, or diced pickles for tanginess. Feel free to experiment and make this dish uniquely yours by blending different elements!
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Grater
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 slices bread
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place four slices of bread, butter side down, on a clean surface.
- Evenly distribute the pimento cheese mixture over the bread slices.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately or wrap them for later enjoyment.
Notes
