Pimento Grilled Cheese

Name: Pimento Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); ¼ cup diced pimento peppers; 4 Tbsp cream cheese (room temperature); ¼ cup mayonnaise; ½ Tbsp lemon juice; ½ Tbsp chopped fresh chives; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 8 slices Texas toast or thick-sliced rustic bread

Posted on December 16, 2025

Appetizers & Snacks

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Take your lunch game to the next level with Pimento Grilled Cheese! This delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich combines creamy pimento cheese with crispy, golden bread, making it perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to elegant gatherings. The unique blend of sharp cheddar and zesty pimento peppers creates an irresistible flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar and pimento peppers gives this sandwich a rich, savory taste that stands out.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these sandwiches in under 20 minutes!
Versatile Option: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer; these sandwiches fit any meal or gathering.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to personalize your pimento cheese mixture.
Comfort Food: This recipe brings warmth and nostalgia, making it a comforting choice for any day.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Pimento Grilled Cheese, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Skillet or frying pan
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Grater (for cheese)

Why These Tools Matter

Skillet or frying pan: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly toasted sandwiches.
Mixing bowl: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for the creamy pimento cheese filling.
Spatula: Helps flip the sandwiches easily without breaking them.
Grater: Shreds cheese quickly, allowing it to melt beautifully in the sandwich.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, I used Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese)
– ¼ cup diced pimento peppers
– 4 Tbsp cream cheese (room temperature)
– ¼ cup mayonnaise
– ½ Tbsp lemon juice
– ½ Tbsp chopped fresh chives
– ¼ tsp kosher salt
– ¼ tsp black pepper
– 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
– ¾ tsp Italian seasonings
– ½ tsp kosher salt
– 8 slices Texas toast bread or thick-sliced rustic bread

How to Make Pimento Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Pimento Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimento peppers, room temperature cream cheese, and mayonnaise.
Add in the lemon juice, chopped fresh chives, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Take two slices of your chosen bread and spread a generous amount of the pimento cheese mixture on one slice.
Place another slice on top to form a sandwich.
Repeat this process for the remaining slices of bread and mixture until you have four sandwiches.

Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add softened unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely.
Carefully place one sandwich in the skillet once the butter is sizzling.
Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Press down slightly with a spatula for even cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing in half.
Serve warm with your favorite sides or enjoy on its own as a delicious treat!

How to Serve Pimento Grilled Cheese

Pimento Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience and please any palate.

Pair with Fresh Salads

Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the sandwich.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the creamy pimento cheese.
Caesar Salad: The savory flavors of a Caesar salad can elevate the meal, providing a nice contrast.

Accompany with Soups

Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, tomato soup brings out the flavors of the cheese while adding warmth.
Chicken Noodle Soup: This comforting option pairs well, offering a hearty side to your sandwich.

Serve with Dips

Guacamole: The creamy texture of guacamole provides a unique twist, enhancing each bite.
Salsa: Fresh salsa adds a zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy goodness.

How to Perfect Pimento Grilled Cheese

Creating the perfect Pimento Grilled Cheese requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your sandwich is always delicious.

Bold Cheese Choice: Use a high-quality sharp cheddar for rich flavor that stands out against the creamy pimento.
Spread Evenly: Ensure your pimento cheese mixture is spread evenly on the bread for consistent flavor in every bite.
Butter Generously: Use softened unsalted butter on the outside of the bread for that perfect golden-brown crust.
Low Heat Cooking: Cook at medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
Add Seasonings: Experiment with additional herbs or spices in your pimento cheese for extra flavor depth.
Press Down Gently: Use a spatula to press down lightly on the sandwich while cooking to create an even melt.

Best Side Dishes for Pimento Grilled Cheese

Pimento Grilled Cheese pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

Pickles: The tangy crunch of pickles cuts through the richness of the sandwich, offering a refreshing contrast.
Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch that complements the savory flavors.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings sweetness and brightness, balancing out the hearty sandwich.
Chips: Crispy potato chips provide an easy and satisfying crunch alongside your grilled cheese.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add nutrition and depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with your sandwich.
Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings deliver a delightful crunch and flavor that enhance each bite of grilled cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pimento Grilled Cheese, it’s easy to overlook a few essential steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Using Low-Quality Cheese: Low-quality cheese can lead to a less flavorful sandwich. Always choose sharp cheddar for the best taste.
Skipping the Butter: Not buttering the bread can result in a dry sandwich. Ensure you generously spread softened butter on the outside for that perfect golden crust.
Overheating the Pan: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the bread before the cheese melts. Use medium heat to allow even cooking and melty goodness.
Not Letting Ingredients Soften: Cold cream cheese will not blend well with other ingredients. Allow it to sit at room temperature before mixing.
Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season your pimento cheese mixture can make it bland. Don’t skip the salt and pepper; they enhance flavor significantly.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Pimento Grilled Cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will last for up to 3 days when properly stored.

Freezing Pimento Grilled Cheese

Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
These can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pimento Grilled Cheese

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Microwave: For a quick option, microwave on medium heat for about 30 seconds. This may not keep them crispy.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and cook each side of the sandwich for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pimento Grilled Cheese?

Pimento Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring creamy pimento cheese made with sharp cheddar and diced pimento peppers.

Can I customize my Pimento Grilled Cheese?

Absolutely! You can add extras like sliced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even chicken for added flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover Pimento Grilled Cheese?

Leftover sandwiches should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

What types of bread work best for Pimento Grilled Cheese?

Thick-sliced bread like Texas toast or rustic artisan loaves works best as they provide structure and hold up well during grilling.

Conclusion

This Pimento Grilled Cheese is not only indulgent but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed as lunch or a snack, it’s sure to satisfy your cheesy cravings! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own!