Pimento Grilled Cheese
A golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with tangy Southern-style pimento cheese spread. Cheddar and cream cheese melt together with sweet pimento peppers and a touch of paprika for a gooey, crispy sandwich that tastes like a backyard picnic in every bite.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Make the pimento cheese spread.
1.In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and fully blended.2.Fold in the grated cheddar cheese and diced pimento peppers.3.Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.TIPLet the cream cheese soften on the counter for 20 minutes before mixing — cold cream cheese makes a lumpy spread. - assemble · ~3 min
Assemble the sandwiches.
1.Lay out 4 bread slices on a clean work surface. Butter one side of each of the remaining 4 slices, then flip them over.2.Divide the pimento cheese spread evenly among the 4 unbuttered slices, spreading it edge to edge.3.Top each with a buttered bread slice, buttered side facing out. - fry · ~8 min
Grill the sandwiches until golden and crisp.
1.Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Place as many sandwiches as fit comfortably, buttered side down.2.Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the bottom is deeply golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.3.Carefully flip each sandwich with a flat spatula. Press down gently.4.Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the second side until golden and the cheese is completely gooey.TIPMedium-low heat is key — too hot and the outside burns before the cheese melts. Patience gives you that crispy, golden crust. - serve · ~1 min
Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy.
1.Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a cutting board. Let them rest for 30 seconds.2.Slice each sandwich diagonally with a serrated knife.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Grate your own cheddar from a block for superior melt and flavor.
- 2Let the cream cheese soften fully at room temp to avoid lumps in the spread.
- 3Use a serrated knife to slice the sandwiches cleanly without squishing the filling.
- 4Press the sandwich gently with a spatula while grilling for even browning.
- 5Make the pimento cheese spread up to 3 days ahead to deepen the flavors.
- 6Spread butter all the way to the bread edges for a perfectly crisp crust.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy jalapeño
Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely diced pickled or fresh jalapeños to the pimento cheese spread for a fiery kick that pairs beautifully with the smoky paprika.
bacony crunchBacony crunch
Layer 2-3 slices of crispy cooked bacon inside each sandwich before grilling for a salty, savory crunch.
gluten freeGluten-free
Swap the sourdough for your favorite gluten-free bread and use a gluten-free mayonnaise to make this sandwich celiac-friendly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Calcium
Thanks to the generous amount of cheddar and cream cheese, this grilled cheese provides a good dose of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Source of Vitamin C
Pimento peppers add a small but welcome amount of vitamin C, which supports immune health.
Good Source of Protein
The cheese and bread combine to offer a moderate amount of protein, helping to keep you full longer.
Frequently asked questions
It's not recommended, as bagged shreds contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheddar gives a much creamier texture.
