Pimento Cheese Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Creamy pimento cheese melts between buttery, crispy bread for a quick, satisfying Southern-inspired sandwich.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pimento Cheese

01 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
02 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
03 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/4 cup jarred pimentos, drained and chopped
05 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Sandwich

09 - 4 slices hearty sandwich bread
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Steps:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, chopped pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until smooth and well mixed.
02 - Spread a generous layer of the prepared pimento cheese onto two slices of sandwich bread. Place the remaining bread slices on top, pressing gently to form sandwiches.
03 - Evenly coat the outside of each sandwich with softened unsalted butter using a butter knife.
04 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
05 - Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board. Allow to cool slightly, slice as desired, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Mixing up the pimento cheese feels like making your own secret sandwich spread, and it melts into something gloriously tangy and smooth.
  • There's a golden, buttery crunch in every bite that had my housemates hovering in the kitchen, asking for seconds before I’d even finished the first batch.
02 -
  • If you rush the heat, the bread burns before the cheese melts—medium, patient heat brings out the best of both.
  • That day I added too many pimentos my sandwich was a bit soggy, so be cautious and drain well.
03 -
  • Let the pimento cheese come to room temperature so it melts evenly and quickly.
  • If your bread picks up too much butter in the pan, just wipe it out and start fresh for the next batch.
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