COLORFUL
Toasted Pimento Cheese is a new twist on an old, beloved Southern comfort food! This deliciously creamy and cheesy spread is made with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, mayo, diced pimentos, and a few other simple ingredients, all of which are toasted together on bread until golden brown and bubbly.
The result is a warm and gooey sandwich that is sure to satisfy any cheese lover’s cravings. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of pimento cheese or just discovering it for the first time, toasted pimento cheese is a must-try comfort food that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- The sharp cheddar cheese in the spread adds a tangy, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet and mild taste of the pimentos.
- Toasted pimento cheese sandwiches are also incredibly versatile, as they can be customized with different types of bread or additional ingredients like bacon or avocado.
TOASTED PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICH INGREDIENTS
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Diced Pimentos
- Onion Powder
- Ground Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Croissants
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked
*see recipe card for amounts
HOW TO MAKE TOASTED PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICH IN AN OVEN
Step 1: Add your cold shredded cheese to a large bowl. (I highly recommend shredding your own cheese from a block and not using pre-shredded cheese from a bag).
Step 2: Add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, onion powder, pepper, garlic powder and salt to taste.
Step 3: Use a wooden (or stiff spoon) to combine all the ingredients thoroughly so it’s fully combined.
Step 4: If you want to make this toasted version, scoop the room temperature pimento cheese spread onto a croissant sliced in half and place two bacon strips on top. Then stack on two cooked strips of bacon and toast in an air fryer, toaster or oven at 350 degrees for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: If you want to eat cold pimento cheese, cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to perfectly meld together!
STORAGE AND REHEATING NOTES:
In the Fridge: To store pimento cheese spread, it is important to keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help to preserve the freshness and flavor of the spread for as long as possible. When storing pimento cheese spread, it is also a good idea to label the container with the date it was made, as this will help you keep track of how long it has been in the refrigerator. In general, homemade pimento cheese spread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it is always best to use your own judgment and inspect the spread for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.
In the Freezer: If you are planning to freeze the pimento cheese spread, make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. When ready to use, thaw the spread in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
HELPFUL TIPS & SUBSTITUTIONS:
Can I just use store bought pimento cheese spread, instead?
You can, but I definitely don’t recommend it! The two are not the same AT ALL! Store bought spreads are typically mushy and lacking flavor. The reason this pimento cheese is SO good is that it uses freshly grated sharp cheddar, its makes a WORLD of difference!
Where did this recipe originate from?
I first tried this toasted pimento cheese sandwich when I worked for small stint at The Picnic Cafe in Nashville, Tn. The little restaurant makes delicious southern staples such as chicken salad, cheese straws and Tea Punch (which Reese Witherspoon has endorsed on her Instrgram many times!)
Toasted sounds great but can I eat this sandwich cold?
Yes, of course! I LOVE cold pimento cheese as well. This recipe will easily make four sandwiches. If you only need to make a couple at a time, store the leftover pimento cheese spread in an airtight container and make cold sandwiches later or even spread the leftovers on some crackers!
Try Some of My Other Favorite Sandwich Recipes
Toasted Pimento Cheese Sandwiches are a new twist on an old, beloved deliciously creamy, Southern comfort food!
EQUIPMENT
- Toaster Oven, Air Fryer or Oven
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces Cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 ounces Pimentos, (jarred) diced and drained
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- salt, to taste
- 4 Croissants
- 8 strips Bacon, cooked
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add your cold shredded cheese to a large bowl. (I highly recommend shredding your own cheese from a block and not using pre-shredded cheese from a bag).
- Add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, onion powder, pepper, garlic powder and salt to taste.
- Use a wooden (or stiff spoon) to combine all the ingredients thoroughly so it's fully combined.
- If you want to make this toasted version, scoop the room temperature pimento cheese spread onto a croissant sliced in half and place two bacon strips on top. Then stack on two cooked strips of bacon and toast in an air fryer, toaster or oven at 350 degrees for about 3-4 minutes.
- If you want to eat cold pimento cheese, cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to perfectly meld together!
NOTES
STORAGE AND REHEATING NOTES:
In the Fridge: To store pimento cheese spread, it is important to keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help to preserve the freshness and flavor of the spread for as long as possible. When storing pimento cheese spread, it is also a good idea to label the container with the date it was made, as this will help you keep track of how long it has been in the refrigerator. In general, homemade pimento cheese spread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it is always best to use your own judgment and inspect the spread for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. In the Freezer: If you are planning to freeze the pimento cheese spread, make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. When ready to use, thaw the spread in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.HELPFUL TIPS & SUBSTITUTIONS:
Can I just use store bought pimento cheese spread, instead?
You can, but I definitely don’t recommend it! The two are not the same AT ALL! Store bought spreads are typically mushy and lacking flavor. The reason this pimento cheese is SO good is that it uses freshly grated sharp cheddar, its makes a WORLD of difference!NUTRITION
Calories: 1018kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 38gFat: 82gSaturated Fat: 36gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 193mgSodium: 1454mgPotassium: 322mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 2524IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 842mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @sweettea_and_sprinkles or tag #sweetteaandsprinkles
