Entree: United States – Carolinas Piedmont – Pimento Cheese Sandwich (Creamy spread of sharp cheddar and roasted pimentos served between slices of bread)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 6 min

Total 16 min

Ingredients

- 8 slices sandwich bread, approx. 8 oz (225 g) total
- 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 oz (113 g) jarred roasted pimientos, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped scallion
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter, softened, for grilling (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine the shredded cheddar, chopped pimientos, mayonnaise, cream cheese, scallion, salt, pepper, sugar, and hot sauce if using; mix until evenly blended and spreadable. Taste and adjust seasoning.
2. Spread about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the pimento cheese onto 4 slices of bread, top with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches. Serve chilled, or for grilled sandwiches brush outsides with butter and cook in a skillet over medium heat 2–3 minutes per side until golden and warmed through. Let sit 1 minute, then slice and serve.