Grilled Pimento Cheese

This grilled pimento cheese sandwich transforms the beloved Southern spread into the ultimate comfort food sandwich that will make you forget every other grilled cheese you've ever had. The homemade pimento cheese filling with its perfect balance of sharp cheddar, tangy cream cheese, and sweet pimento peppers creates an incredibly creamy center that oozes out when you bite into that golden crispy exterior. I discovered this combination during a visit to my grandmother's house in Georgia, where she served me what she called "the only proper way to eat pimento cheese."

I started making this recipe when I wanted to recreate those amazing sandwiches from a little café I discovered in Charleston. After several attempts, I finally nailed the perfect ratio of ingredients that creates that signature creamy texture with just the right amount of tang. Now my family requests these sandwiches for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special Sunday lunches.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded: provides the essential cheesy base with robust flavor that stands up to grilling
• ¼ cup diced pimento peppers: adds sweet pepper flavor and that classic red color that makes pimento cheese distinctive
• 4 tablespoons cream cheese at room temperature: creates the creamy spreadable texture that binds everything together
• ¼ cup mayonnaise: contributes richness and helps achieve the perfect consistency for spreading
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice: brightens all the flavors and adds a subtle tang that balances the richness
• ½ tablespoon chopped fresh chives: provides a mild onion flavor and fresh herb notes
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: enhances all the natural flavors in the mixture
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: adds gentle heat and depth

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened: makes spreading easy and creates that golden crispy exterior
• ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning: adds herbal complexity to the buttered bread
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: enhances the butter and creates better browning
• 8 slices Texas toast or thick rustic bread: provides the sturdy base needed to hold all that delicious filling

Step by Step Instructions

Create the Pimento Cheese Base:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese with those colorful diced pimento peppers. Add the room temperature cream cheese, which should be soft enough to mash easily with a fork. Pour in the mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice, then sprinkle in the chopped chives, kosher salt, and black pepper. Using a sturdy spoon or fork, stir everything together until you achieve a cohesive mixture where all ingredients are evenly distributed and the cream cheese has broken down to create a creamy base.

Allow Flavors to Develop:

Cover your beautiful pimento cheese mixture tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight chilling produces even better results as the flavors meld together and intensify. This chilling time also firms up the mixture, making it much easier to spread evenly on the bread without tearing.

Prepare the Seasoned Butter:

In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with Italian seasoning and kosher salt. Use a fork to mash and blend until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the butter. This seasoned butter will create an incredibly flavorful crust that elevates the entire sandwich experience beyond ordinary grilled cheese.

Assemble with Care:

Spread the seasoned butter mixture on one side of each bread slice, making sure to cover all the way to the edges for even browning. Place four slices butter side down on your work surface. Spread approximately ⅓ cup of the chilled pimento cheese mixture evenly on each slice, leaving a small border around the edges since the filling will spread when heated. Top with the remaining bread slices, placing them butter side up for perfect browning on both sides.

Master the Grilling Technique:

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium low heat, which is crucial for achieving golden brown exteriors without burning before the cheese melts completely. Place the assembled sandwiches in the heated pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes without moving them, allowing that beautiful golden crust to develop. You'll know they're ready to flip when the bottom is gorgeously golden brown and the edges start to look set.

Complete the Perfect Flip:

Using a wide spatula, carefully flip each sandwich and cook the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes until equally golden brown and crispy. You'll see the pimento cheese starting to gently ooze from the edges, which is exactly what you want. Press down very lightly with the spatula to ensure good contact with the pan and even browning.

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Storage and Make Ahead Tips

The pimento cheese filling can be prepared up to one week in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, actually improving in flavor as it sits. For the best results, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before using to make spreading easier. Leftover assembled sandwiches don't store well, but leftover pimento cheese makes an excellent spread for crackers, celery sticks, or as a dip for vegetables. You can also freeze the filling for up to 3 months, though the texture may be slightly different after thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Medium or mild cheddar can replace sharp cheddar if you prefer less intense cheese flavor, though you'll lose some of the complexity that makes this sandwich special. Greek yogurt can substitute for half the mayonnaise for a lighter version with added protein. Roasted red peppers work beautifully in place of pimentos and add a subtle smoky flavor. For heat lovers, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These rich sandwiches pair beautifully with crisp dill pickles and kettle cooked potato chips for a classic comfort food meal. A simple tomato soup makes the perfect companion for dunking, while a fresh green salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness. For entertaining, cut the sandwiches into triangles or quarters for easy sharing as appetizers. Sweet tea or lemonade provides the perfect beverage pairing for an authentic Southern experience.

The Southern Tradition of Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese holds a special place in Southern cuisine, often called "the caviar of the South." This beloved spread traditionally appears at everything from church socials to country club luncheons, and every family has their own variation. The combination of sharp cheddar, sweet pimentos, and creamy mayonnaise creates a spread that's both humble and sophisticated. Making it from scratch allows you to control the texture and flavor intensity, resulting in something far superior to commercial versions.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the pimento cheese filling ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerating the filling overnight enhances its flavor and saves prep time later.

→ What type of bread works best?

Thick slices like Texas toast or rustic sourdough hold up well and crisp beautifully when grilled.

→ How do I avoid burning the bread?

Use medium-low heat and watch closely. Flip once the bread is golden and crisp on the first side.

→ Can I substitute mayonnaise in the filling?

You can use Greek yogurt or more cream cheese for a similar creamy texture with slight flavor variation.

→ What pairs well with this sandwich?

Serve with tomato soup, pickles, or a simple salad to balance the richness of the sandwich.