Indulge in a Southern twist on a classic favorite with this Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich! Crispy bacon, fresh butter lettuce, and juicy tomatoes are layered between slices of toasted bread, all brought together by a generous spread of creamy, tangy pimento cheese. This sandwich is the perfect blend of rich flavors and satisfying 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 recipe is sure to become a new go-to in your kitchen.
Why You’ll love it:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just minutes, this sandwich is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Southern Comfort: The creamy, tangy pimento cheese adds a delightful Southern twist to the classic BLT, making each bite uniquely satisfying.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The savory bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and rich pimento cheese create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a hearty lunch, a crowd-pleasing picnic option, or a quick dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredient Notes:
- Pimento Cheese: Pimento cheese is the star of this sandwich. Opt for a high-quality store-bought version or make your own for a more personalized touch. The blend of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos creates a creamy, tangy spread that perfectly complements the savory bacon.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a satisfyingly crispy texture. Cooking it in the oven or on a skillet allows you to achieve that ideal crispness without too much grease. Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon, such as smoked or peppered, to add extra flavor.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom tomatoes add a burst of color and sweetness, but any variety will work as long as they’re fresh and firm. Slice them thick to ensure they stand out in the sandwich.
- Lettuce: Crisp lettuce, such as butter, romaine, or iceberg, provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the other ingredients. If you prefer a softer texture, butter lettuce is a great alternative.
- Bread: Choose your favorite bread—whether it’s classic white, whole wheat, or sourdough. Toasting the bread adds a nice crunch and helps prevent the sandwich from getting soggy. If you’re looking for extra flavor, consider a slice of brioche or even a pretzel bun.
Dietary Restriction & Allergy- Friendly Substitutions:
This Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs with a few simple swaps:
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure that your pimento cheese and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Replace the bacon with plant-based bacon alternatives or leave it out entirely for a veggie-forward option.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese, cheddar, and mayo in the pimento cheese with dairy-free alternatives (look for plant-based cream cheese, vegan cheddar shreds, and egg-free mayo). Be sure to use a dairy-free bread as well.
- Egg-Free: Use an egg-free mayonnaise in both the sandwich and the pimento cheese recipe.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Opt for a keto-friendly bread or use lettuce wraps instead of bread to keep it low-carb.
Note: Always double-check the ingredient labels for allergens and hidden sources of gluten, dairy, or eggs to ensure the recipe is safe for your needs.
Pimento Cheese Sandwich Variations:
- Add Avocado: Add creamy, sliced avocado to the sandwich for an extra layer of richness. The avocado pairs beautifully with the pimento cheese, adding a buttery texture that complements the crispy bacon.
- Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, mix some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the pimento cheese. This variation adds a spicy twist that’s perfect for those who like a little extra zing in their sandwich.
- Add Turkey: Boost the protein by adding sliced turkey to the sandwich. This makes it more filling and turns it into a heartier club-style sandwich, ideal for a substantial lunch or dinner.
- Make it Grilled: Transform your sandwich into a grilled version by assembling and then grilling it in a pan with a bit of butter until the bread is golden and the cheese is melty. The warm, gooey pimento cheese combined with the crispy bacon and grilled bread creates a comforting and indulgent treat.
Tips & Recipe Notes:
- Make-Ahead Pimento Cheese: Prepare the pimento cheese in advance and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to a week, allowing you to quickly assemble the sandwich 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 helps the bacon cook evenly without the mess of frying.
- Prevent Soggy Bread: To avoid soggy bread, lightly toast your slices before assembling the sandwich. This creates a barrier that keeps the bread from absorbing too much moisture from the tomatoes and pimento cheese.
- Customize Your Cheese Blend: While sharp cheddar is the traditional choice for pimento cheese, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder on the pimento cheese before assembling the sandwich for an added layer of flavor.
More Quick & Easy Recipes You Will Love:
- Pasta Primavera
- Herby Cheese & Mushroom Toast
- Mushroom Ravioli in Asparagus & Mushroom Cream Sauce
- Garlicky Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs
- Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Classic Tuna Pasta Salad
- Easy Chickpea Noodle Soup
- Easy Wonton Soup
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Chipotle Shrimp
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Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices your favorite bread
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 slices thick cut bacon
- 4-6 leaves butter lettuce
- 2-4 slices ripe tomato
- 1/4-1/2 cup pimento cheese store bought or see recipe below
- 2 tbsp quality mayo
Pimento Cheese:
- 2 cups freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese softened & cut into 1” cubes
- 4 oz pimento peppers drained & chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Make the Pimento Cheese:
- Add all pimento cheese ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the mixture thoroughly using a hand or stand mixer.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- This recipe makes extra pimento cheese; refrigerate the remaining amount for later use.
Cook the Bacon:
- Cook the bacon in a frying pan or in the oven until golden and crispy.
- Once cooked, set the bacon aside on paper towels to drain the grease.
Toast the Bread:
- Lightly toast the bread until slightly golden.
- While the bread is still warm, spread butter over the slices.
Construct the Sandwiches:
- Spread mayonnaise onto the toasted bread slices.
- Top with a generous layer of pimento cheese, followed by bacon, tomato slices, lettuce, and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure that your pimento cheese and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Replace the bacon with plant-based bacon alternatives or leave it out entirely for a veggie-forward option.
- Egg-Free: Use an egg-free mayonnaise in both the sandwich and the pimento cheese.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Opt for a keto-friendly bread or use lettuce wraps instead of bread to keep it low-carb.
- 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 helps the bacon cook evenly without the mess of frying.
- Customize Your Cheese Blend:
While sharp cheddar is the traditional choice for pimento cheese, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. - Extra Flavor Boost: Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder on the pimento cheese before assembling the sandwich for an added layer of flavor.
- Nutritional Information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.