Pimento Cheese and Tomato Sandwiches

Updated June 17, 2025

Time Required

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened

• 8 ounces (226g) sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (approximately 2 cups)

• ½ cup mayonnaise (adjust for desired consistency)

• 1 (8-ounce) jar pimentos, drained and minced (yields ~1½ cups)

• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced (adjust for spice preference)

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)

• Salt to taste

• 2 large heirloom tomatoes, preferably ripe but firm, sliced into ½-inch rounds

• 16 slices white bread, for assembling sandwiches

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Pimento Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and grated sharp Cheddar. Add the mayonnaise, drained pimentos, diced jalapeño, mustard powder, paprika, and ground cayenne. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a smooth, creamy mixture. Season with salt to taste, adjusting to your preferred saltiness.

Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes and Toast Bread

• Wash the heirloom tomatoes and slice them crosswise into ½-inch thick rounds. Gently pat the slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (optional, to prevent soggy bread).

• Toast the white bread in a toaster or oven until golden and crisp on the outside, yet slightly soft on the inside.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

• Take one slice of toasted bread and spread ¼ cup of the pimento cheese mixture evenly over the surface.

• Place a single tomato slice on top of the cheese.

• Lightly sprinkle the tomato with a pinch of salt.

• Top with a second slice of toasted bread to form the sandwich.

• Cut into desired shapes (e.g., triangles or quarters) and serve immediately.

User Reviews & Feedback

Review 1

"Not a classic and to our taste seriously over-seasoned—pimento cheese is best when simple. Tomatoes are optional, and cream cheese should never appear. Brioche? Never!"

Review 2

"Add cooked bacon slices and grill like a grilled cheese for an oozy, decadent twist."

Review 3

"Delicious! Served open-faced, loved the fresh jalapeño kick. A standout recipe—far better than supermarket versions. In-season heirloom tomatoes made it beautiful."

Review 4

"Meant to make Ali Slegal’s Tomato Cheddar Toasts but made this by mistake. Cream cheese dominates, and the recipe uses too many ingredients. Sharp cheddar, mayo, and tomatoes alone are magical."

Review 5

"A fun summer alternative to classic tomato-mayo sandwiches. Toasted bread, fresh jalapeño, and sharp cheddar shine. Served with corn on the cob, it’s perfect!"

Review 6

"Loved the recipe! As someone who’s tried pimento cheese across WA, NJ, CA, and ID, this version is a favorite. No credentials to judge authenticity, but it’s a solid twist on a summer staple."