Pimento Grilled Cheese

This pimento grilled cheese came to life after tasting my aunt’s homemade version during a trip to Alabama. It completely changed how I viewed pimento cheese. What was once a bland store-bought spread turned into something rich creamy and full of personality. After a few experiments I landed on this gooey golden sandwich that now shows up regularly at our weekend lunches.

I made it once during a rainy lunch and now my kids beg for it every Saturday. Even our neighbors pop in when they hear it’s on the menu.

Ingredients

• Sharp cheddar cheese: gives bold flavor and melts smoothly choose block cheese and shred fresh
• Cream cheese: at room temperature makes the spread creamy and lump free
• Mayonnaise: adds tang and richness opt for one with minimal additives
• Diced pimentos: bring brightness and a sweet pepper kick jarred ones work perfectly
• Fresh chives: offer a mild onion note and fresh pop of color snip them just before using
• Lemon juice: adds brightness and balances the richness
• Salt and pepper: enhance the flavors without overpowering
• Thick sandwich bread: like Texas toast holds the filling without getting soggy
• Unsalted butter: gives a golden crust when grilled skip margarine
• Italian seasoning: in the butter lifts the sandwich with subtle herb flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Cheese Base:

In a medium bowl combine freshly shredded cheddar cream cheese mayonnaise pimentos lemon juice chopped chives salt and pepper Mix thoroughly until smooth and uniform with no visible clumps

Chill the Spread:

Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour This allows the flavors to develop and firms up the spread for easy assembly

Season the Butter:

In a small bowl mix softened butter with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt Stir until evenly blended and set aside

Build the Sandwiches:

Spread the seasoned butter on one side of each bread slice Lay half the slices butter side down in a skillet Spread a generous scoop of cheese mixture on each then top with another slice butter side up

Grill to Perfection:

Heat a skillet over medium low and cook sandwiches three to four minutes per side Flip carefully once golden and grill until both sides are crisp and cheese is fully melted

Let Them Rest:

Remove from skillet and let rest for one minute before slicing This keeps the cheese from spilling and gives the best texture

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My favorite part is slicing into the sandwich and watching the cheese pull just slightly My youngest calls the chives flavor sprinkles and insists we never skip them

Storage Tips

Store leftover cheese mixture in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week It tastes even better after a day or two Let grilled sandwiches cool and wrap tightly before refrigerating Reheat in a skillet to restore crispness

Ingredient Substitutions

Green onions can replace chives for a similar flavor If you want a lighter version use part Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or switch to sourdough bread for a more tangy note

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Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches go perfectly with a warm tomato soup or crisp garden salad They’re also great with sweet tea or chilled iced tea for that full Southern table feel

Cultural Context

Pimento cheese is a longtime Southern favorite often served cold on crackers or white bread Grilling it turns that nostalgia into something warm luxurious and irresistibly gooey

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pimento cheese?

Yes you can but homemade gives you more control over flavor and texture and usually tastes fresher.

→ What bread is best for this sandwich?

Thick sliced bread like Texas toast works best as it holds up to the filling and crisps nicely.

→ How long does the cheese spread last?

The pimento cheese will keep for up to one week in the fridge and may even taste better after a day or two.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes prep the cheese spread in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and grill sandwiches when ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with this sandwich?

Classic pairings include tomato soup crisp salads or iced tea for a balanced Southern-style meal.

→ Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese mix for extra heat.