My grandmother made these all the time when I was growing up, and they're still one of my favorites. Crispy bacon, juicy tomato, crisp lettuce, and creamy, tangy pimento cheese on toasted bread. This Southern-style bacon pimento cheese sandwich is savory, buttery, creamy, and crispy in all of the right places.
Why You'll Love this Pimento Cheese Sandwich:
- Classic Southern Comfort Food. A nostalgic favorite with simple ingredients.
- Elevated BLT. Crispy bacon, fresh tomato, and butter lettuce meet creamy pimento cheese.
- Perfect for lunch or a quick comforting dinner.
Key Ingredients:
- Pimento Cheese: If you've never had pimento cheese, it is usally made with shredded cheddar cheese, mayo (sometimes cream cheese), and chopped up pimento peppers. It's creamy, cheesy, and just a bit tangy. Use a good-quality store-bought version or make your own.
- Bacon: For a savory, salty crunch.
- Bread: Go with sturdy slices like sourdough, white sandwich bread, or brioche.
- Tomato: Juicy, slightly acidic balance to the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Butter Lettuce: Soft, crisp, and mild for extra crunch.
- Mayo: Ties everything together.
Dietary Swaps:
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread. Also, 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: Serve the ingredients lettuce-wrap style for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
Recipe Variations:
- Make it Grilled: After assembling, press and grill the sandwich in a bit of melted butter until the pimento cheese is warm and gooey. Trust me, ya'll, it's sooo good.
- Add Pickles or Jalapeños: For extra tang or heat.
- Put an Egg on it: Top it off with a runny fried 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 & Notes:
- 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.
Storage:
- Storage: Keep pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Assemble the pimento cheese sandwich fresh.
FAQs:
Pimentos are small, red peppers that can usually be found jarred or canned. They are slightly sweet and slightly tangy.
Traditional pimento cheese blends sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chopped pimentos, mayonnaise, and seasonings like garlic and onion powder.
It's creamy, a bit savory, and slightly sweet and slightly tangy from the pimentos.
Yes, it is typically served cold or at room temperature but it can be warmed up and melted to make something like a grilled cheese or dip.
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
Tried This Bacon Pimento Cheese Sandwich? I'd love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps others discover this ultra-flavorful, nostalgic recipe. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Subscribe to my newsletter more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
Must Love Garlic says
Just like my grandmother always made, savory, creamy, and crunchy in all of the right places.