Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich
This Southern pimento cheese sandwich, a Masters Tournament classic, blends sharp Cheddar, mayo, and pimento peppers for a creamy, tangy bite!
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This southern pimento cheese sandwich is THE sandwich of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National in Georgia. The tournament prides itself on keeping concession prices low; this sandwich costs only $1.50 and has been on the menu since the late-1940’s. Pimento cheese isn’t actually a type of cheese – it’s a cheese spread filled with bold flavors. Cream cheese and mayo give it a tangy flavor while it’s rounded out with sharp Cheddar cheese and sweet pimento peppers.
What’s in Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients. All it takes is:
- pimento peppers
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- mayonnaise
- cream cheese
- Seasonings (I use Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and a bit of green onion)
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Pimento peppers – The key ingredient in making pimento cheese spread is pimento peppers. The small, red, heart shape peppers are very mild and sweet in flavor. They can typically be found jarred or canned in most grocery stores. While commonly used in pimento cheese recipes or cheese balls, they are also used to stuff olives.
- Mayonnaise – Mayo helps to thin the pimento cheese spread while keeping the rich flavor. For a true Southern sandwich I recommend using the brand Duke’s.
- Cream cheese – Tangy cream cheese adds a smooth and creamy texture to the pimento cheese spread. Make sure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing!
- Cheese – This pimento cheese mixture is made with a combination of both Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Worcestershire – This fermented condiment adds a lot of concentrated flavor – a little goes a long way. The flavor of Worcestershire sauce comes from a mix of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, garlic, tamarind extract and chili pepper.
- Green onion – While finely diced yellow onion is more traditional, I prefer the subtle oniony flavor of green onion in the pimento filling.
- White bread – The plain white bread is the perfect way to highlight the rich, cheesy pimento filling in the sandwich. While other bread can be used, it’s traditionally served with white bread in the south.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to prep this recipe in advance
Make the pimento cheese in advance then store refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to assemble and serve the sandwiches, up to a week in advance.
Swaps and substitutions
- While white bread makes for an authentic sandwich, another bread like whole grain can be used.
How to Make a Pimento Cheese Sandwich (Step-by-Step)
In a medium mixing bowl stir together the softened cream cheese and mayo until combined.
Add the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Mix and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add the pimentos and green onion and fold in until combined. Use the pimento cheese spread immediately or add to a resealable container and refrigerate until ready to use, about 1 week.
Arrange 2 of the slices of bread on a cutting board. Scoop ⅓ of the pimento cheese mixture onto one of the slices of bread and spread evenly over the bread to the edges.
Close the sandwich and cut in half diagonally. Repeat with the remaining bread and pimento cheese mixture.
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Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich
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Ingredients:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- Kosher salt, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
- 4 ounce jar sliced pimento peppers, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons diced green onion
- 8 slices white bread
Instructions:
- In a medium mixing bowl stir together the softened cream cheese and mayo until combined.
- Add the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Mix and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add the pimentos and green onion and fold in until combined. Use the pimento cheese spread immediately or add to a resealable container and refrigerate until ready to use, about 1 week.
- Arrange 2 of the slices of bread on a cutting board. Scoop ⅓ of the pimento cheese mixture onto one of the slices of bread and spread evenly over the bread to the edges.
- Close the sandwich and cut in half diagonally. Repeat with the remaining bread and pimento cheese mixture.
Notes:
To prep the sandwiches in advance, make the pimento cheese in advance then store refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to assemble and serve the sandwiches, up to a week in advance.
Nutrition:
Calories: 931kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 74g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1281mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2459IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 970mg | Iron: 3mg
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Tastes just like at the masters!
Can’t wait to use these for my Masters party!! Such a solid recipe — simple, yet delicious. A must try!
yay!! enjoy!
My mother used to make a similar sandwich so this brought back great memories. This version was delicious!
so happy to hear it!
Very good recipe. Going to try ASAP. Thank You
hope you enjoy!