Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich
This Southern Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich is something that you need in your life! In the South, this is a much-loved recipe and always top of mind when you’re looking for a quick bite to eat. Perfectly toasted, golden-brown bread meets a creamy, cheesy, slightly sweet pimento filling that is anything but ordinary.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- Recipe Name: Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich
- Serves: 2
- Main Ingredients: cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Pimentos, mayonnaise, garlic, salt and pepper to taste
- Why You'll Love It: Get ready to enjoy the best grilled cheese sandwich you've ever had. A classic Southern lunch with a twist, this grilled pimento cheese sandwich is ooey-gooey perfection.
What is Pimento Cheese & Why is it So Popular in the South?
Pimento cheese (or “caviar of the South”) is beloved for its enticing combination of tangy flavor and light, creamy texture. White bread or wheat, grilled or fresh, I will never refuse this sandwich. But today we are focusing on the grilled version!
If you’re not from the South, you’re probably wondering what the heck pimentos are. Well, they’re a type of chili pepper, also known as cherry peppers. Sweeter and milder than bell peppers, they’re small and red in color. While they have very little spice, their sweet taste adds such a nice flavor to our cheese dish.
Many people use Velveeta in their pimento cheese, but today, we’re focusing on a from-scratch version. This versatile spread is just as delicious with crackers, celery, corn chips, or slathered on a burger!
Recipe Ingredients
- Cream cheese (check out our easy recipe for homemade cream cheese here!)
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Pimentos
- Mayonnaise (I use Dukes)
- Garlic (if you like)
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
Top Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t rush the grilling process. Keep your heat on medium-low so the bread gets that perfect golden crust without burning before the cheese has time to get all melty and gooey inside.
- Cast iron skillets are my go-to for this sandwich. They distribute heat so evenly and give you that gorgeous, crispy crust that’s hard to beat.
- I like to shred my own cheddar rather than buying pre-shredded. It melts so much better and really makes a difference in the final sandwich.
- To take your sandwich to the next level, add crispy bacon, grilled ham, sliced tomato, and/or 1 to 2 teaspoons of seeded, diced jalapeños for a nice, spicy kick! So good.
How to Make a Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich
1. Mix the Pimento Cheese Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add your softened cream cheese. Then add the sharp cheddar, mayo, pimentos, garlic, and salt and pepper.
Mix those ingredients up until you have a thick, wonderful pimento cheese spread.
Note: Now, you could just stop right here, get out your favorite crackers and start dippin’ and enjoying this dip. But, if you want some real comfort food, let’s keep goin’ and make us the most delicious grilled cheese sandwich you ever had!
2. Assemble
Butter one side of your bread and place butter-side down in a pan. Then spread the pimento cheese onto the slice.
Butter your other slice and stack it on top. (one or both sides, whichever you prefer).
Note: Some people like to butter both sides, which is a little more indulgent and yummy, but since I am watching my fats, I only did one side. Do what you prefer!
3. Pan-Fry Your Grilled Cheese
Now pan-fry each side to a perfect, crispy golden finish.
What to Serve with Pimento Grilled Cheese
While this sandwich is a meal on its own, you can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a delicious main meal. Some of my favorite salad recipes are Greek cucumber salad, summer corn salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, and cornbread salad.
Storage
Store your pimento cheese spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich FAQs
Yes, you can! Place the assembled grilled cheese in the air fryer basket and cook it at 360°F for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Flip the sandwich and follow the same instructions.
There’s no ‘best bread’ to use in these grilled cheese sandwiches. I love using a soft white sandwich bread, as it’s the classic choice. But wheat, gluten-free, or even a bread roll are all great options. Whatever bread you have on hand, really!
Yes, but only the spread! You can prepare the pimento cheese up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, spread it onto the bread and grill the sandwich right before serving. Otherwise, your bread will be very soggy.
To take your sandwich to the next level, I recommend adding crispy bacon, grilled ham, sliced tomato, and/or 1 to 2 teaspoons of seeded, diced jalapeños for a nice, spicy kick. So good!
I hope this recipe brought a little Southern comfort to your kitchen! Let me know by leaving a star rating and a comment – I love hearing from y’all!
Try These Other Pimento Cheese Recipes
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
- 4 oz Pimentos drained and chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise I use Duke's
- 1 tsp garlic optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium-sized bowl. Mix well and serve in a bowl with your favorite dipping snack (crackers, chips, etc) OR continue following instructions for the best grilled cheese you have ever had…8 oz cream cheese, 2 cups sharp cheddar, 4 oz Pimentos, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp garlic, Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter one or both sides of a slice of your favorite bread. Place in a frying pan on medium-high heat. Spread Pimento Cheese on the bread slice.
- Place the other slice of bread (butter one or both sides) on top and allow the bottom slice to brown. I sometimes cover this with a lid to encourage the cheese to melt a bit. If you want perfect grilled bread, keep an eye on it.
- Brown both sides and slice if you like. And enjoy!!
Notes
- Don’t rush the grilling process. Keep your heat on medium-low so the bread gets that perfect golden crust without burning before the cheese has time to get all melty and gooey inside.
- Cast iron skillets are my go-to for this sandwich. They distribute heat so evenly and give you that gorgeous, crispy crust that’s hard to beat.
- I like to shred my own cheddar rather than buying pre-shredded. It melts so much better and really makes a difference in the final sandwich.
- To take your sandwich to the next level, add crispy bacon, grilled ham, sliced tomato, and/or 1 to 2 teaspoons of seeded, diced jalapeños for a nice, spicy kick! So good.
Nutrition
Oh my , u posted my favorite that I haven’t had in ages , never tryed with cream cheese , but always open to try any new recipes , and I will say this looks sooo delicious , and something really easy to fix and cool for a summer meal , or to take on camping trips .You always have the easiest recipes with less ingredients, which is why I love your site , thank you sooo much for the easy recipe and posting this .