Enjoy a Southern twist on a classic with this Easy Southern-Style Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich! Crispy thick-cut bacon, fresh butter lettuce, and juicy tomatoes are layered between slices of toasted bread, all held together by a rich, creamy spread of homemade pimento cheese. This Southern BLT is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and crispy textures, making it a standout choice for lunch, a picnic, or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a BLT lover or a pimento cheese fan, this easy, flavor-packed sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Last Updated February 16th, 2025.

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Why You’ll love this Recipe:

Quick & Easy – Ready in just minutes, this Southern BLT sandwich is perfect for busy days when you need a fast and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Southern Comfort Food – The creamy, tangy pimento cheese adds a delicious Southern twist to the classic BLT, making every bite rich, indulgent, and satisfying.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Savory bacon, fresh butter lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and homemade pimento cheese come together for a crispy, creamy, and tangy combination that will leave you craving more.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing – Whether you enjoy it as a hearty lunch, a picnic favorite, or a quick dinner, this pimento cheese BLT is sure to become a go-to meal for any occasion.

Ingredient Notes:

Pimento Cheese – The star of this Southern-style BLT, pimento cheese is a rich, creamy blend of sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. Opt for a high-quality store-bought version or make your own for a more flavorful, homemade touch. This tangy, cheesy spread perfectly complements the crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes.
Bacon – Thick-cut bacon is ideal for achieving a crispy, hearty texture in this sandwich. Cooking it in the oven or skillet helps get that perfect crispiness without excess grease. For extra flavor, try smoked bacon, peppered bacon, or even maple-glazed bacon.
Tomatoes – Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color, but any variety works as long as they’re fresh and firm. Slice them thick so they don’t get lost in the sandwich.
Lettuce – A crisp lettuce variety like butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the pimento cheese and bacon. If you prefer a softer texture, butter lettuce is a great option.
Bread – Choose your favorite sandwich bread, whether it’s classic white, whole wheat, or sourdough. Toasting the bread adds a delicious crunch and prevents sogginess. For a unique twist, try using brioche, Texas toast, or even a pretzel bun for extra flavor.

Dietary Restriction & Allergy- Friendly Substitutions:

To Make It Gluten-Free – Use your favorite gluten-free bread ( I like the Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Style Whole Grain Bread because it’s wider and larger than most other store-bought versions) and ensure that your pimento cheese and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free. Many store-bought versions are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to check labels.
To Make It Vegetarian – Replace the bacon with plant-based bacon alternatives, such as coconut bacon, tempeh bacon, or mushroom bacon, or simply leave it out for a veggie-forward BLT variation.
To Make It Dairy-Free – Swap the cream cheese, cheddar, and mayo in the pimento cheese for dairy-free alternatives. Look for plant-based cream cheese, vegan cheddar shreds, and egg-free, dairy-free mayo. Be sure to use a dairy-free bread as well.
To Make It Egg-Free – Use an egg-free mayonnaise in both the pimento cheese spread and the sandwich itself. Many brands offer vegan mayo options that work perfectly in this recipe.
To Make It Low-Carb/Keto – Opt for a keto-friendly bread or use lettuce wraps instead of traditional bread to keep it low-carb and grain-free. You can also add extra avocado or turkey for more protein and healthy fats.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Add Avocado – For an extra layer of richness and creaminess, add sliced avocado to the sandwich. The buttery texture of avocado pairs beautifully with the tangy pimento cheese and crispy bacon, making this BLT variation even more indulgent.
Make It Spicy – If you love a little heat, mix diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the pimento cheese spread. This adds a spicy kick that complements the creamy cheese and smoky bacon.
Add Turkey – Turn this into a hearty, protein-packed sandwich by layering in sliced turkey. It transforms the Pimento Cheese BLT into a club-style sandwich, perfect for a more filling lunch or dinner.
Make It Grilled – Take this sandwich to the next level by grilling it in a pan with butter until the bread is golden and the pimento cheese is melty. The crispy, buttery bread combined with warm, gooey cheese and smoky bacon creates an irresistible grilled BLT variation.
Swap the Bread – Instead of traditional sandwich bread, try serving the pimento cheese BLT on a bagel, croissant, or even a toasted brioche bun for a richer flavor.
Turn It Into a Wrap – Skip the bread and wrap everything in a soft tortilla or lettuce wrap for a lighter, handheld version of this Southern BLT.
Make It an Open-Faced BLT – Serve the sandwich open-faced on toasted sourdough or Texas toast, piling on the toppings for a restaurant-style presentation.
Add a Fried Egg – For a breakfast-inspired twist, top your sandwich with a runny fried egg. The rich yolk adds even more flavor and creaminess to the pimento cheese BLT.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Make-Ahead Pimento Cheese – Prepare the pimento cheese spread in advance and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to a week, making it easy to quickly assemble a Pimento Cheese BLT whenever you’re ready to eat.
Perfectly Crispy Bacon – For evenly crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a foil-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes. This method ensures consistent crispiness without the mess of frying on the stovetop. For thick-cut bacon, you may need to increase the baking time.
Prevent Soggy Bread – To avoid a soggy sandwich, lightly toast your bread before assembling. This creates a barrier that prevents excess moisture from the tomatoes and pimento cheese from soaking into the bread.
Customize Your Cheese Blend – While sharp cheddar is the classic choice for homemade pimento cheese, feel free to mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick, gouda for a smoky flavor, or Colby jack for a milder, creamy texture.
Extra Flavor Boost – Sprinkle a little smoked paprika, cayenne, or a dash of garlic powder into the pimento cheese mixture for an added depth of flavor before spreading it on your BLT sandwich.
The Best Bread Choice – For extra crunch and flavor, try using sourdough, brioche, or even Texas toast! Grilling the sandwich in a pan with butter or mayo adds even more flavor and a perfect crispy texture.
Use Thick Tomato Slices – Thick-cut, ripe tomatoes work best in this Southern-style BLT, ensuring they add juicy flavor without making the sandwich soggy.
Serving Suggestions – Pair your pimento cheese BLT with a side of crispy fries, a simple salad, or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting, well-balanced meal.

FAQ’s for Pimento Cheese BLT:

What is pimento cheese made of?
- Pimento cheese is a Southern staple made from sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimento peppers. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for sandwiches, dips, and spreads.
Can I make this BLT without bacon?
- Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian Pimento Cheese BLT by using plant-based bacon alternatives like coconut bacon, tempeh bacon, or mushroom bacon, or simply leaving the bacon out for a cheesy, veggie-forward sandwich.
What’s the best bread for a Pimento Cheese BLT?
- Sourdough, brioche, Texas toast, or classic white sandwich bread all work well. Toasting the bread helps prevent sogginess and adds a delicious crunch.
Can I use store-bought pimento cheese?
- Yes! While homemade pimento cheese gives the best flavor, you can use a high-quality store-bought version for ease & convenience! Look for brands that use real cheddar cheese and minimal additives.
How do I store leftover pimento cheese?
- Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading to soften.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
- It’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy. However, you can prep ingredients (cook bacon, slice tomatoes, and make pimento cheese) ahead of time for quick assembly.
How do I make a grilled Pimento Cheese BLT?
- Assemble the sandwich as usual, then grill it in a pan with butter over medium heat until the bread is golden and the pimento cheese is melty.
Can I make this low-carb or keto-friendly?
- Yes! Swap the bread for keto-friendly bread or use lettuce wraps instead for a low-carb Pimento Cheese BLT.

More Southern-Style Recipes You Will Love:

Ready to dig in? Try this Easy Southern-Style Pimento Cheese BLT today and let me know how you customize your sandwich! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram to share your delicious creations! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.