BEST Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

All I have to say about this grilled pimento cheese sandwich recipe is OMG! It is so incredibly good that my husband and I almost could not believe it. I was momentarily in shock that my kids didn’t like it, but then I said oh well—more for us!

It certainly would be more convenient if they liked it too, but this is one of those things that we like so much that it’s worth it to make something different for them (like a plain grilled cheese). Don’t let us stop you from trying it on your kids though!

You can also eat this pimento cheese cold on plain bread (or crackers), which is still good, too. But once we discovered the heated version (which is like a grilled cheese sandwich with a kick) we were hooked!

Just imagine the soft pimento cream cheese mixture melted between two pieces of crispy bread that are grilled to perfection. Need I say more?

What Is Pimento Cheese?

If you’re not from the South then it might sound a little foreign to you, but I promise it’s worth a try! It’s a classic Southern cheese spread that is typically made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and of course, pimento peppers. I did use cream cheese instead of mayo in my version.

What Does It Taste Like?

It’s like a creamy cheese with a kick. Think cheddar cheese (creamy, tangy, and rich) with pimentos (roasted sweet red bell peppers) and some flavorful spices including a little hot sauce to kick it up a notch.

Is Pimento Spread the Same as Pimento Cheese?

Pimento Cheese is actually a trademarked brand that makes pimento cheese spread. They are based out of South Carolina, so whether you call it pimento spread or cheese, it’s basically the same thing.

What Do You Eat Pimento Cheese With?

Traditionally, it’s served on crackers or between slices of bread as a sandwich, but since its gain in popularity, we’ve seen all sorts of other ways to enjoy this creamy spread. As I mentioned above, we use it for a grilled cheese sandwich, but you can also add it to your grits, macaroni, quesadillas, or jalapeno poppers (instead of plain cream cheese) … there are endless ideas out there for this tasty spread. 

How to Spruce up Your Pimento Cheese Sandwich

I love getting creative with recipes like this one, so you could definitely add in your favorite ingredients. Try adding in fresh jalapeno peppers, olives, diced pickles, or even crumbled bacon for a bit of variation to your sandwich.

Some Pairing Ideas for Pimento Cheese

Since Pimento Cheese Spread is meant to be more of an appetizer or light snack type of food, it pairs well with crackers, carrot sticks, celery, crostinis, or even pretzels if you’re serving it as a dip. But, if you want to try putting it in a grilled sandwich, here are some light suggestions to pair with it:

More Sandwich Recipe Ideas

BEST Pimento Cheese Sandwich

All I have to say about this sandwich is OMG! It is so incredibly good and you can make it at home in 10 minutes…SO much better than store-bought.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Print Recipe

Servings: 6 sandwiches

• 5 ounces cheddar cheese white sharp (freshly grated, not the pre-grated stuff which contains an anti-caking agent)
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened (I stick it in the microwave for a few seconds, after I take the metal foil off of course)
• 4-oz jar pimentos diced with juice
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• 1 drop hot sauce we used Tobasco
• 12 pieces whole-wheat bread
• butter for frying

• To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute gluten-free bread for whole-wheat bread.
• We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

BEST Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Amount Per Serving

Calories 205
Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 11g69%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 56mg19%

Sodium 255mg11%

Potassium 91mg3%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 1132IU23%

Vitamin C 16mg19%

Calcium 195mg20%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.