Description
A classic Southern favorite, these Pimento Cheese Sandwiches combine creamy whipped cream cheese with sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and flavorful seasonings for a delicious and easy-to-make sandwich filling. Perfect for quick lunches or light snacks, they feature a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy cheese spread nestled between traditional white sandwich bread slices, served alongside olives and cornichons for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 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
Bread
- 8 slices white bread, traditional sandwich bread
For Serving
- Olives and cornichons, for serving
Instructions
- Whip the 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 the Cheese Ingredients: 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 and Cut 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
- For a lower sodium option, omit the kosher salt or use a salt substitute.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste and texture.
- Add a sprinkle of paprika on top of the spread for extra color and flavor.
- Store leftover cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
