Crispy bacon, juicy tomato, crisp lettuce, and creamy, tangy pimento cheese on toasted bread. This Southern-style pimento cheese sandwich is rich, bold, and bursting with flavor. Whether you use store-bought or homemade pimento cheese, it's a nostalgic classic that feels both comforting and elevated. My grandmother made these all the time when I was growing up, and they’re still one of my favorites.
Why You'll Love this Pimento Cheese Sandwich:
- Southern Comfort Food Classic: A nostalgic favorite with bold flavor and simple ingredients.
- Elevated BLT vibes: Crispy bacon, fresh tomato, and butter lettuce meet creamy pimento cheese.
- Lunch, Brunch, or Picnic-Ready: Perfect for casual weekends, sunny days, or an indulgent weekday lunch.
Key Ingredients:
- Pimento cheese: The heart of the sandwich. Use a good-quality store-bought version or make your own.
- Bacon: Thick-cut and crispy adds smoky saltiness and texture.
- Bread: Go with sturdy slices like sourdough, white sandwich bread, or brioche. Something that toasts well and holds up to the fillings.
- Tomato: Juicy, slightly acidic balance to the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Butter lettuce: Soft, crisp, and mild. It won’t overpower the other flavors and adds extra crunch.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and ties everything together.
Dietary & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread. Make sure any store-bought pimento cheese and bacon are certified gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative.
- Low-Carb / Keto: Swap the bread for low-carb sandwich bread or serve the ingredients lettuce-wrap style for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
Recipe Variations:
- Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich: After assembling, press and grill the sandwich like a panini until the pimento cheese is warm and gooey.
- Add Pickles or Jalapeños: For extra tang or heat, add in sliced dill pickles or jarred jalapeños.
- Put an Egg on it: Top it off with a runny egg for a Southern-inspired breakfast sandwich.
How to the Make this Bacon Pimento Cheese Sandwich:
- Make the pimento cheese: Mix grated cheddar, softened cream cheese, chopped pimentos, mayo, and seasonings until smooth.
- Cook the bacon: Fry or bake until crisp, then drain on paper towels.
- Toast the bread: Lightly toast, then butter while warm for extra flavor.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread mayo on the bread, add a generous layer of pimento cheese, then top with bacon, tomato, and lettuce.
- Serve immediately: Slice in half and enjoy while warm and toasty.
Tips for Success:
- If making Pimento Cheese from scratch:
- Use freshly grated cheese: It blends (and melts) better than pre-shredded.
- Soften your cream cheese: Let it sit at room temp so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Toast the bread: A light golden toast adds structure and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
Storage:
- Storage: Keep pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Assemble fresh: For the best texture, build your sandwiches just before serving.
FAQs:
Pimentos are small, sweet red peppers often found jarred or canned. They add mild sweetness and color to pimento cheese.
Traditional pimento cheese blends sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chopped pimentos, mayonnaise, and seasonings like garlic and onion powder.
It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a savory cheesy flavor and a bit of texture from the pimentos.
Yes, it’s typically served cold or at room temperature but can also be melted inside sandwiches or used in warm recipes.
More Southern-Style Recipes You Will Love:
- Tomato & Avocado Toast with Cottage Cheese
- Dill Pickle Chicken Macaroni Salad
- Easy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Recipe
Bacon Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Pimento Cheese:
- 2 cups freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese softened and cut into cubes
- 4 oz pimento peppers drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of your favorite bread
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4-6 leaves butter lettuce
- 2-4 slices ripe tomato
- 2-4 tablespoons mayonnaise for spreading
Instructions
- Make the pimento cheese: In a large bowl, combine grated cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with a hand or stand mixer until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate any leftovers.
- Cook the bacon: Fry or bake the bacon until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Toast the bread: Lightly toast the bread slices until golden. While still warm, spread butter on one side.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of the bread. Add a generous layer of pimento cheese, then bacon, tomato slices, and lettuce. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Store pimento cheese in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- This sandwich is also great grilled!
- Nutritional information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.
Nutrition
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Must Love Garlic says
Just like my grandmother always made, savory, creamy, and crunchy in all of the right places.