Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Sandwich

There’s nothing more Southern than an old fashioned pimento cheese sandwich. Our simple recipe is made from scratch and takes our grandma’s pimento cheese filling and layers it thick on soft white bread for a comfort food classic.

Our family old fashioned pimento cheese recipe is made with sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos for the perfect balance of flavors. It’s rich and creamy with a little tang, and when you spread it on soft white sandwich bread, you have one of the most nostalgic sandwiches in the South.

What You Need to Know

• Shred your own sharp cheddar for the best flavor and texture
• Duke’s mayonnaise gives the sandwich a true Southern taste
• Chill the filling before making sandwiches so it spreads easily
• White sandwich bread is traditional, but wheat or rye work if you prefer
• The pimento cheese filling is pefect for tea sandwiches too

Ingredients Overview

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Jarred diced pimentos
• Onion (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper
• Soft white sandwich bread

How to Make a Pimento Cheese Sandwich

1. Shred the cheddar cheese and place it in a medium bowl
2. Stir in mayonnaise, pimentos, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne
3. Mix until smooth and creamy
4. Season with salt and pepper
5. Chill for 1 hour so flavors blend
6. Spread thickly between slices of sandwich bread
7. Cut into halves or triangles and serve. You can also make a grilled pimento cheese sandwich by buttering the bread and pan frying it until golden.

Modern Updates

• Add sliced tomato or crispy bacon to make it heartier
• Serve on sourdough or whole grain bread for a modern twist
• Toast it in a skillet for a warm, melty variation

FAQs

How do you make old fashioned pimento cheese tea sandwiches?

Make the filling as directed, then spread a thin layer between slices of soft white bread. Trim off the crusts, then cut the sandwiches into small squares or triangles. They’re perfect for bridal showers, church luncheons, or afternoon tea.

What bread is best for pimento cheese sandwiches?

Classic old fashioned pimento cheese sandwiches are made with soft white sandwich bread. For a heartier bite, you can use wheat, rye, or even small dinner rolls. You can even serve this on a croissant.

Can you toast a pimento cheese sandwich?

Yes. A toasted or grilled version warms the cheese and makes it gooey and rich. It’s not traditional, but it’s a delicious modern update.

Is pimento cheese a dip or a sandwich spread?

It’s both. Southerners love it spread thick on sandwiches, but it’s also served as a dip with crackers, celery, or chips at parties and picnics.