Introduction
There are some foods that just taste like the South, and a good pimiento cheese sandwich is one of them. Creamy, cheesy, slightly tangy, and wonderfully simple, it doesn’t need fancy ingredients or a complicated preparation to be delicious.
Our version starts with a combination of sharp and extra-sharp cheddar, Duke’s mayonnaise, and pimientos, with just a little garlic and onion powder for extra flavor. Spread generously between two slices of soft white bread, it makes an easy lunch that’s just as good at the campground as it is at the kitchen table.
This is also one of those wonderfully practical RV recipes. There’s no cooking required, the ingredients don’t take up much refrigerator space, and the pimiento cheese can be made ahead for quick sandwiches whenever we’re hungry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy with no cooking required
- Made with sharp and extra-sharp cheddar
- Uses classic Duke’s mayonnaise
- Perfect for lunches, picnics and road trips
- Easy to make ahead
- Simple ingredients with plenty of flavor
Equipment We Use
Southern Pimiento Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Freshly shred the sharp and extra-sharp cheddar cheeses into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the drained pimientos and ½ cup Duke's mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder and onion powder lightly over the mixture.
- Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- If you'd like a creamier consistency, add a little more mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time.
- Taste and adjust the garlic and onion powder if needed.
- Spread a generous amount of pimiento cheese onto four slices of soft white bread.
- Top with the remaining bread, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Freshly grated cheese gives the pimiento cheese a much better texture than pre-shredded cheese.
- I don’t normally measure the garlic and onion powder precisely. I sprinkle a light layer of each over the mixture, stir, and adjust to taste.
- Start with ½ cup mayonnaise and add more only if needed.
- For the most traditional flavor, we use Duke’s mayonnaise.
- The pimiento cheese can be made ahead and refrigerated before assembling the sandwiches.
Tips for the Best Pimiento Cheese
Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking ingredients that can affect the creamy texture.
Drain the pimientos well. Too much liquid can make the spread watery.
Don’t overdo the seasonings. The cheddar and pimientos should be the stars. Start with a light sprinkling of garlic and onion powder and add more if needed.
Let it chill. If you have time, refrigerate the finished pimiento cheese for an hour or two before serving. The flavors have a chance to come together.
Variations
- Use all extra-sharp cheddar for an even stronger cheese flavor.
- Substitute Monterey Jack for half the cheese for a Southwest version.
- Add a little finely diced jalapeño or green chiles if you want some heat.
- Add sliced tomato or crisp lettuce to the sandwich.
- Serve the pimiento cheese with crackers or fresh vegetables instead of bread.
- Toast the sandwich—which leads us directly to recipe number two!
What to Serve With a Pimiento Cheese Sandwich
- Southern Coleslaw
- Potato chips
- Fresh fruit
- Tomato soup
- Pickles
- Deviled eggs
- Southern Baked Beans for a heartier meal
- Sweet tea or lemonade
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pimiento cheese in a covered container in the refrigerator. For best quality, use it within about 3–4 days.
I’d store the spread separately and assemble sandwiches as needed rather than storing finished sandwiches, since the bread can become soggy.
From Our RV Kitchen
Pimiento cheese is exactly the kind of food we love keeping around when we’re traveling. It doesn’t require any cooking, takes only a few minutes to make, and turns an ordinary sandwich into something worth looking forward to.
A container of pimiento cheese tucked into the RV refrigerator gives us an easy lunch on busy travel days or when we’d simply rather sit outside and enjoy the campground than spend time cooking. Sometimes the simplest meals really are the best ones.
Get New Recipes by Email
Join our newsletter and be the first to receive new Road Tested Recipes, campground favorites, and RV cooking tips.
