Grilled pimento cheese comfort has a way of taking me right back to my childhood kitchen, the aroma of sharp cheddar and pimentos filling the air. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a hug in edible form, a taste of simpler times. I remember my mom making this pimento cheese sandwich recipe on rainy afternoons, the sizzle of butter on the griddle a comforting soundtrack. This isn’t just any grilled cheese; it’s that nostalgic, truly classic pimento cheese grilled cheese experience that warms you from the inside out. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort
- An incredibly cheesy and tangy flavor explosion that’s pure bliss.
- Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein and good fats for a satisfying meal.
- An affordable way to enjoy a truly delicious comfort food grilled cheese.
- A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults adore.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food grilled cheese experience you’ve been craving.
- Simple ingredients create an unbelievably rich taste.
- A budget-friendly way to elevate your lunch or dinner game.
Ingredients for Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort
Crafting this incredible homemade pimento cheese grilled cheese is super simple with just a few key ingredients. You’ll need 8 slices of thick-cut rustic bread or Texas toast, which provides a sturdy base for all that gooey goodness. For the star of the show, the pimento cheese spread, gather 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 4 Tbsp cream cheese, softened for ultimate creaminess, and 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated for that classic tangy flavor. Don’t forget 1/4 cup pimento peppers, finely chopped, which give it that signature sweet bite. A touch of 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice brightens everything up, along with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. To get that perfect golden crust, you’ll need 3 Tbsp softened unsalted butter mixed with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning mix.
How to Make Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort
Get ready for the most amazing grilled pimento cheese sandwich you’ve ever made! Follow these simple steps to achieve cheesy perfection.
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your pimento cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 4 Tbsp cream cheese, softened, and 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated. Add 1/4 cup pimento peppers, finely chopped, 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Once your pimento cheese mixture is ready, cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is key to how to grill pimento cheese sandwich properly, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can even make it the night before for an easier assembly!
- Step 3: While the cheese chills, prepare your butter spread. In a small bowl, mix 3 Tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning mix until it’s all evenly combined. This seasoned butter is what gives our sandwich that incredible golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Step 4: Now it’s time to assemble! Lay out four slices of your bread. Spread about 1/3 cup of the chilled pimento cheese mixture evenly onto one side of each slice. You’ll see it’s already looking so inviting!
- Step 5: Top each pimento-covered slice with another slice of bread, making sure the buttered side faces up. This is how you grill pimento cheese sandwich for ultimate crispiness.
- Step 6: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches onto the hot surface. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on the heat to ensure you don’t burn the bread before the cheese melts.
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort
Want to elevate your grilled pimento cheese experience to legendary status? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference.
- Use good quality, sharp cheddar for the best tangy flavor in your homemade pimento cheese.
- Don’t skimp on the chilling time for the pimento mixture; it really helps the flavors meld.
- Butter the bread generously and evenly for that perfect, crispy golden crust.
- Cook over medium-low heat for longer to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
What’s the secret to perfect grilled pimento cheese?
The magic is in the balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy. Using softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar and finely chopped pimentos creates that signature gooeyness, and a touch of lemon juice brightens it all up for a truly delightful, almost spicy pimento cheese sandwich. For more on achieving the perfect cheese melt, check out this guide on how to grill cheese.
Can I make Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pimento cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just assemble the sandwiches right before you’re ready to cook them for the freshest, meltiest results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort?
The biggest pitfall is cooking it too fast over high heat, which burns the bread before the cheese melts. Also, make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened for a smooth filling and even spread. Overcrowding the pan can also lead to uneven cooking.
Best Ways to Serve Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort
This cheesy delight is fantastic on its own, but I love to pair it with a few classic sides that really enhance the experience. For a true taste of Southern comfort food pimento cheese, serve it alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup. The warm, tangy soup is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, gooey sandwich. Another favorite of mine is a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. You could also serve it with some crunchy dill pickles for a satisfying tang and crunch that complements the melted cheese beautifully. For more side dish ideas, consider these appetizers.
Nutrition Facts for Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one delicious serving of this comfort food grilled cheese:
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy recipes, check out our dinner section.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort
Even though this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, sometimes you have leftovers or want to prep ahead. If you have any leftover pimento cheese filling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for whipping up another quick batch of that delicious melted pimento cheese sandwich later! For storing assembled, *un-grilled* sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. You can keep them in the fridge for a day, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook until golden brown and the cheese is gooey again. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort
What makes this the best grilled pimento cheese?
The secret to the best grilled pimento cheese lies in the quality of the ingredients and the method. Using sharp cheddar cheese for that classic tang, softened cream cheese for ultimate creaminess, and perfectly chopped pimentos creates a flavor explosion. Plus, buttering the bread generously and cooking it over medium-low heat ensures a golden, crispy exterior with perfectly melted, gooey cheese inside.
Can I add other ingredients to my grilled pimento cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. A little bit of finely diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce can add a wonderful spicy kick to your pimento cheese mixture. Some people also love adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth or a bit of chopped bacon for extra savory flavor. Experiment to find your perfect combination! For more flavor inspiration, try our garlic bread grilled cheese.
How do I get a perfectly golden crust every time?
The key is even heat and good butter distribution. Make sure your butter is softened so it spreads easily and evenly across the entire surface of the bread. Then, cook the sandwich over medium-low heat. This allows the bread to toast slowly and evenly to a beautiful golden brown while giving the cheese inside ample time to melt completely.
Can I make the pimento cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! The pimento cheese filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling and grilling the sandwiches even quicker on busy days. Just let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes before assembling if it’s very firm.
Variations of Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort You Can Try
While this classic recipe is absolutely divine, I love experimenting to find new ways to enjoy this comforting dish. If you’re looking for a slightly different twist, consider these variations. For a delightful spicy pimento cheese sandwich, try adding a finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. If you want to explore a different cooking method, you could try making this in a panini press for perfectly crisp ridges, or even baking it in small batches in muffin tins for a bite-sized treat. For a truly nostalgic grilled cheese sandwich experience, try using a sourdough bread and adding a thin slice of ham or turkey inside for an extra layer of flavor and heartiness. You could also try a white cheddar or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier take on this beloved comfort food. If you enjoy baking, you might also like our zucchini bread.
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Grilled Pimento Cheese Comfort: 1 Delicious Hug
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious grilled cheese sandwich featuring a creamy, cheesy pimento spread, grilled to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 Tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup pimento peppers, finely chopped
- 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh chives
- 8 slices thick-cut rustic bread or Texas toast
- 3 Tbsp softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning mix
Instructions
- In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimento peppers, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least an hour or up to overnight.
- In a smaller bowl, combine softened butter, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Spread the butter mixture on one side of each bread slice.
- Lay four buttered slices face-down on a flat surface and spread about 1/3 cup of the pimento mixture on each.
- Top with the other four slices, buttered-side up.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the assembled sandwiches onto the hot skillet and cook on medium-low for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- Flip the sandwiches and toast the other side until golden brown.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the pimento mixture.
- Serve with a side of pickles or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Leftover pimento spread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg