How to Make Pimento Cheese Sandwiches 4 Ways

Southern pimento cheese sandwiches in 4 different styles. Classic, grilled cheese style, as a BLT, and tea or finger sandwiches.

These sandwiches always bring me back to my days of working on golf courses. I spent a couple of summers in college running snack bars on fancy private golf courses. The famous $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches at the Augusta Masters Tournament have made them a staple at golf courses all over the South. Don’t worry. You don’t need to be a golfer to enjoy a good ‘old pimento cheese sandwich!

Here, I’ll show you how to make this Southern essential 4 ways. First, the classic preparation. Then, tea or finger sandwiches. Next, a pimento grilled cheese. And finally, a pimento cheese BLT.

Trust me, you need a pimento cheese sandwich for every occasion.

The classic, grilled, and BLT versions are the perfect lunch or quick weeknight dinner. And a cold pimento cheese sandwich makes the best picnic. They are also a cheap and easy way to feed a crowd. A loaf of bread and a batch of pimento cheese will go a long way!

The tea sandwiches make great appetizers. They are popular at brunch, baby showers, and tea parties. They would also be perfect to serve at your Masters Tournament viewing party. Or at a Kentucky Derby-themed party! Pimento cheese may be the love of my life. Just Kidding. Not really.

Make yourself a sammich. Now.

The main ingredients for a pimento cheese sandwich

Classic pimento cheese sandwiches are simple as can be. Pimento cheese spread between a couple slices of bread. If you want to mix it up, try out the optional add-ons! The toppings mix and match well. But I would avoid adding lettuce if you make the grilled cheese variation.

Soft sandwich bread. White bread is the best for this simple sandwich. Soft whole wheat will work too. If you use whole wheat, you might want to do it at home, alone, with the windows closed. If you serve pimento cheese on whole wheat for company, you might get some whispers and disapproving headshakes. And you’ll definitely hear someone say, Bless your heart.

If you are gluten-free, you can use gluten-free bread. We won’t judge you for that. A low-carb bread will work too. If you insist. 

Pimento cheese. I always use my homemade version. You can use whatever kind you like. Pimento cheese is a creamy tangy, can’t get enough of it spread. Made of sharp cheddar, sweet peppers, and enough mayo to bind it together.

Optional add-ons for sandwiches

• Softened butter (for the grilled cheese version)
• Crunchy lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Crispy bacon
• Sliced fresh jalapenos
• Dill pickles
• Hot sauce

How to make a pimento cheese sandwich

You won’t need much in the way of equipment to make these sandwiches. I do recommend you get yourself a decent serrated bread knife. It will make cutting them easy. Especially if you’re making tea sandwiches.

1. Classic Pimento Cheese Sandwich

• Spread pimento cheese on one slice of sandwich bread.
• Top with 1 or 2 of the optional add-ins if you wish.
• Place another slice of bread on top.
• Cut in half diagonally and serve.

2. Tea or Finger Sandwiches

• Make the sandwich, following the above directions. But don’t cut diagonally. Careful not to overfill, or they’ll get messy during the cutting.
• Next, cut off the crusts. Then, cut each sandwich into 4 triangles or 4 rectangular fingers.

3. Grilled Pimento Cheese

• Assemble the classic sandwich.
• Then, spread the outside of both pieces of bread with softened butter.
• Cook in a pan over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side. Until golden and melty.
• Cut in half and serve warm.

4. Pimento Cheese BLT

• Toast 2 slices of bread.
• Lightly spread pimento cheese on each piece of bread.
• Place a leaf of crunchy lettuce on top of one piece of bread.
• Add a layer of tomato slices and season with salt and pepper.
• Top with 2 or 3 slices of bacon.
• Add the top slice of bread.
• Cut in half and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to serve with pimento cheese sandwiches?

They are perfect served with chips, dill pickles, and a glass of sweet tea. Or make an Arnold Palmer! A cookie for dessert will round out the meal. 🙂

Other pimento cheese sandwich ideas

• Add it to a breakfast sandwich. I love a good bacon, egg, and pimento cheese sandwich!
• Make a brisket and pimento cheese sandwich with leftover brisket.
• Spread it on a chicken sandwich.
• Add it to hamburgers and hotdogs.

What’s your favorite way to eat a pimento cheese sandwich? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

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