Pimento Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This Southern spin on the classic grilled cheese layers sharp cheddar, diced pimento peppers, cream cheese, and chives for a rich, tangy filling. The creamy mixture is spread generously between slices of Texas toast, each buttered and seasoned for extra flavor. Skillful pan-grilling turns the outside golden and crisp, while the inside stays gooey and warm. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth cheese and piquant pimento ensures every bite hits comfort food perfection. Enjoy immediately for ultimate meltiness, served as a hearty lunch or a cozy main.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:56:02 GMT
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pimento. Save
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pimento. | lilicooks.com

Pimento Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are my go-to way to jazz up the familiar comfort of grilled cheese I started making these on lazy Saturdays for lunch and now my friends claim they are nothing short of crave-worthy The creamy pimento cheese filling melts perfectly between thick buttery bread creating a sandwich that is both rich and tangy with the perfect golden crunch

I first whipped these up for a picnic with friends and everyone was shocked by how addictive the tangy cheese filling was It has since become a must whenever I want cozy food with a little Southern flair

Ingredients

  • Sharp cheddar cheese: brings rich nutty depth Use freshly shredded for best melt
  • Diced pimento peppers: lend tangy sweetness Look for jars with good color and firm peppers
  • Cream cheese: adds creamy texture Room temperature means easier mixing
  • Mayonnaise: mixes it all together for rich smoothness Use real mayo
  • Lemon juice: brightens up the flavors Fresh is best
  • Fresh chives: add a mild oniony bite Snip right before using
  • Kosher salt: for seasoning enhances every flavor
  • Black pepper: adds a hint of heat Freshly cracked is ideal
  • Unsalted butter: makes the bread crisp and rich Always use softened for easy spreading
  • Italian seasonings: create herby notes You can use your favorite dried blend
  • Texas toast or thick rustic bread: holds up well Choose a loaf with a crusty crumb so it does not get soggy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Pimento Cheese Filling:
Mix the shredded cheddar diced pimentos cream cheese mayonnaise lemon juice chives salt and pepper in a medium bowl Stir thoroughly until everything is well blended and creamy Cover and chill for at least one hour This helps the flavors meld and thickens the mixture so it spreads easily
Prepare the Bread:
In a small bowl stir together softened butter Italian seasoning and salt Spread this herby butter mixture evenly onto one side of all eight bread slices This creates a crisp golden crust with extra flavor
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lay out four slices of bread buttered side down on your work surface Spread about a third of a cup of the pimento cheese filling evenly onto each one Top with the remaining slices buttered side facing out so you have four sandwiches
Cook the Sandwiches:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat Once hot add the sandwiches Cook for three to four minutes on the first side until deep golden brown and crisp Gently flip each sandwich and cook another two to three minutes on the other side until everything is piping hot and the cheese is oozy and melted
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pimento. Save
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pimento. | lilicooks.com

My all-time favorite ingredient is the sharp cheddar It really gives the filling its punchy flavor I still remember my sister licking the mixing spoon clean the last time we made these together right in my tiny kitchen

Storage Tips

Store extra pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days If you make extra sandwiches let them cool then wrap tightly and refrigerate They taste delicious cold or can be crisped up in a skillet the next day for a quick meal

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Monterey Jack or pepper jack for half the cheddar if you want a little more kick For gluten free sandwiches choose your favorite gluten free sandwich bread If you do not have Italian seasoning try a sprinkle of dried oregano and basil

A sandwich with cheese and pimento on top. Save
A sandwich with cheese and pimento on top. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches pair perfectly with tomato soup or a crisp dill pickle On hot days I like to serve them cut into fingers with lots of crunchy vegetables on the side They also make great snacks for movie night if you slice them into appetizers

Cultural and Historical Context

Pimento cheese is a Southern classic dating back to the early 1900s when home cooks combined cheddar and sweet pimento peppers as a spread It became a lunchtime favorite across the South and found its way into sandwiches at soda fountains and picnics alike

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you make the pimento cheese filling creamy?

Blend shredded sharp cheddar with cream cheese, mayo, and a touch of lemon juice until smooth. Letting it chill helps the flavors meld and yields a creamier texture.

→ What’s the best bread for grilled cheese sandwiches?

Thick-sliced rustic or Texas toast works best, offering a sturdy base that toasts beautifully while holding in the creamy filling.

→ Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the pimento cheese spread develops even better flavor after being refrigerated for at least an hour, or overnight if possible.

→ How can I make the sandwich extra crisp?

Butter the bread evenly and toast over medium-low heat, allowing each side to turn a deep golden brown without burning.

→ What sides pair well with pimento grilled cheese?

Serve alongside tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or crunchy pickles for a classic, well-rounded meal.

Pimento Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Cheddar, pimento, and creamy spread melted between golden buttered bread for a Southern-inspired grilled favorite.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American, Southern

Output: 4 Serves (4 sandwiches)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Pimento Cheese Filling

01 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
02 ¼ cup diced pimento peppers
03 4 Tbsp cream cheese, room temperature
04 ¼ cup mayonnaise
05 ½ Tbsp lemon juice
06 ½ Tbsp chopped fresh chives
07 ¼ tsp kosher salt
08 ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

09 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
10 ¾ tsp Italian seasonings
11 ½ tsp kosher salt
12 8 slices Texas toast or thick-sliced rustic bread

Steps

Step 01

In a medium bowl, combine sharp cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh chives, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix unsalted butter, Italian seasonings, and kosher salt until well blended.

Step 03

Spread the butter mixture on one side of each bread slice. Place four slices, buttered-side down, on a working surface and spread approximately ⅓ cup of pimento cheese filling on each slice. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.

Step 04

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until the bottom slice of bread turns golden brown. Flip and continue cooking the other side until golden brown.

Tips

  1. Refrigerating the pimento cheese filling allows the flavors to meld and creates a creamier texture.
  2. Use thick-sliced bread for the best structure and texture when cooking.

Required Tools

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Large skillet

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Gluten (if not using gluten-free bread)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 593
  • Fats: 45 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 19 g