Pimento cheese sandwiches are a classic Southern staple at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, made with a creamy blend of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and other spices, usually served on white bread. Let's make pimento cheese sandwiches!
Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe
What is one of the best things to do with homemade pimento cheese? Make pimento cheese sandwiches!
Pimento cheese is a Southern classic dish. It's a creamy blend of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimento peppers along with a few spice additions.
You'll find it on menus everywhere in the south as a simple appetizer with bread or crackers, or served atop dishes like fried green tomatoes.
It is famously served on sandwiches in green packaging at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, where they are cut into bite-sized squares, making them perfect for snacking on while watching the tournament.
If you are serving traditional Masters pimento cheese sandwiches at home, you can also cut them into small squares or triangles to make them easier to eat. They can be served as a snack or as part of a larger meal, and are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a classic Southern flavor.
Let's talk about how to make pimento cheese sandwiches, shall we?
Pimento Cheese Sandwich Ingredients
- Cheddar Cheese. I'm using a combination of both white and yellow sharp cheddar cheese.
- Cream Cheese.
- Pimentos. Use jarred pimentos, drained.
- Mayo. Duke's Mayo is preferred, as it is a classic southern staple, but you can use your favorite mayonnaise.
- Worcestershire Sauce. For depth and extra flavor.
- Garlic. My own personal addition. I love a lot of garlic. Garlic powder is good, too.
- Cayenne Pepper. For a touch of heat. Use paprika for a milder pimento cheese.
- Salt and Black Pepper. To taste.
- Hot Sauce. Optional, for a touch of spicy goodness.
- White Bread. The Masters pimento cheese sandwiches are traditionally served on simple white bread, though you can use any bread that you prefer.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Sandwiches - the Recipe Method
Mix the Ingredients. Stir together the pimentos, shredded cheddar cheeses, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, cayenne, salt and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until well combined.
Taste and Adjust. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. I like to add a few dashes of hot sauce to mine. You can add more mayonnaise for a smoother consistency, to your preference.
Assemble the Sandwiches. Spread the pimento cheese spread evenly between 4 slices of bread, then top with the remaining bread. Slice and serve them up at room temperature! You can slice them in halves or into quarters for snacking.
Boom! Done! Your pimento cheese sandwiches are ready to serve. Easy enough to make, aren't they? These are perfect for game day. No need to wait for the Masters tournament!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Use other shredded cheeses if you prefer. Pepper jack cheese is a nice, spicy variation, though Monterey jack is great.
- Grate or shred your cheeses yourself for superior flavor, texture, and quality. It is so much better then pre-shredded cheese.
- Refrigerate the pimento cheese in a sealed container at least 1 hour before making the sandwiches to let the flavors develop.
- Take your pimento cheese sandwich to the next level by toasting your bread. This will give your sandwich a nice crunch and will help the cheese melt more evenly.
- While white bread is traditional for pimento cheese sandwiches, experiment with different breads like sourdough, rye, or whole wheat. You can also add other toppings like lettuce, tomato, or bacon to make your sandwich even more flavorful.
Storage Information & Make Ahead
Store pimento cheese in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will last a week so you can make it ahead and assemble your pimento cheese sandwiches the day of.
You can save the any leftover sandwiches up to 3 days wrapped in plastic or in containers.
You can also freeze pimento cheese for up to 3 months, but this may affect the texture.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy your pimento cheese sandwiches. I'd love to hear how they turned out for you. Send comments and pics!
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1-1/2 cups shredded yellow cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 4- ounce jar diced pimentos drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise Duke's Mayo is a southern classic
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic optional, my personal addition
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder or to taste - use paprika for a milder version
- Salt and pepper to taste about 1/2 teaspoon each
- Dash of hot sauce optional - Crystal or Tabasco are great here
- 8 sliced white bread
Instructions
- Gently stir together the cheddar cheeses, cream cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, cayenne, salt and pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
- Fold the mixture gently to combine until uniform.
- Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. Add in a dash or two of hot sauce to your preference.
- Divide the pimento cheese between 4 slices of white bread. Spread evenly, then top with remaining slices.
- Slice into into triangles or smaller squares and serve.
Notes
- You can refrigerate the pimento cheese in a sealed container at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors develop.
- You can also make the sandwiches ahead and keep them refrigerated for serving.
- Wrap the sandwiches in green paper or napkins for mimic the Masters sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
James says
Amazing recipe! I’ve made this recipe at least a half a dozen times and it turns out perfect each time. Just today I made it with Monterey Jack cheese and added some smoked paprika. Perfect!
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome!! Thanks, James!!
Vicky says
I'm trying your recipe today but with homemade queso blanco instead of cream cheese and in a southwestern bread. I'm planning on grilling it too. Can't wait to taste it in a few hours.
Mike Hultquist says
Nice! Enjoy, Vicky!
Janet says
Another great recipe. I added a heap of your candied jalapeños chopped up in addition to the pimentos as I like a little bit of sweet in pimento cheese. Garlic and Worcestershire made this next level! Yummy!
Mike Hultquist says
Wow, boom! I love the addition of the candied jalapenos! Nice. Great spin, Janet!
Rick Wagner says
I'm a solid Southerner so I thank you for the Pimento cheese recipe. I once got some rest stuff in a grocery store. It was wonderful! Multiple cheeses and spicy. But I've never gotten the ratio. You're always on target so I'll make it today.
I also wanted to say that I'm with you on salsa verde enchiladas. I rarely get to restaurants so I try to get something different. But those enchiladas are a heavy pull.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Rick! I've always enjoyed pimento cheese, and now that I'm in NC, I see it everywhere! Makes me happy!
Ramya says
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use vegan cheeses / cream cheese and mayo and skip worcestershire sauce i never had pimento chese sandwich before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Mike Hultquist says
Enjoy, Ramya.