Upgrade your grilled cheese night with a Pimento Cheese Grilled Cheese! Make this with a flavorful pimento cheese spread layered on thick buttered bread. Tastes like a diner grilled cheese with the perfect blend of buttery crisp bread and tons of melty cheese.
This recipe was originally posted in October 2021. Photos were updated January 2025.
This is the grilled cheese that’s worthy of sitting at the grown-up table. The pimento cheese spread is perfectly seasoned with garlic powder and smoked paprika to make sure there is no shortage of flavor.
And the slices of bread don’t get ignored. Spread softened butter on each side of the slices of bread, then sprinkle a little salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Trust me on this, seasoned buttered bread is going to add so much more flavor to your grilled cheese experience.
INGREDIENTS AND SUPPLIES
Here’s what you’ll need from your fridge, pantry, and kitchen to get this grilled cheese on the table!
INGREDIENTS
- Sharp Cheddar cheese
- Bread, I used slices of Brioche
- Pimentos
- Mayo
- Butter
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper.
SUPPLIES
- Box grater to shredded the block of Cheddar cheese.
- Pan and spatula.
ALL ABOUT PIMENTOS
Even if you’re not familiar with pimentos, you’ve probably seen them before. If you’ve ever seen a green olive with the little red pepper in the center…that’s a pimento!
Pimentos are a type of small red pepper. They’re a sweet pepper, kind of like a red bell pepper is, and totally not spicy at all! They’re flavor is very similar to that of roasted red peppers.
The pimentos you need for this recipe you won’t find in the produce section though! They actually come in little jars like these, sometimes found near the capers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or pastas. You can find them diced or sliced. If you buy the sliced ones, you’ll just need to use a large knife to dice them smaller.
HOW TO MAKE A PIMENTO GRILLED CHEESE
The best thing about a grilled cheese? It’s easy! Just mix, toast eat.
Step 1. Combine all of the ingredients for the pimento cheese.
Step 2. Add softened butter to both sides of your bread, then toast this first side in a large pan.
Step 3. Flip the bread, add the pimento cheese, then combine to two slices of bread and continue to cook until the bread is browned and the cheese is melty.
Pro tip: Add slices of cooked bacon for an extra savory grilled cheese!
Looking for more grilled cheese ideas?
Oaxaca and Bacon Grilled Cheese
French Onion Grilled cheese
Grilled Cheese Bites
Italian Grilled Cheese
And for more easy dinners, check these out!
Penne Vodka
Baked Penne Vodka
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Cajun Mac and Cheese
Chicken Parm Meatballs
Here’s my full collection of dinner recipes to browse!
PrintPimento Cheese Grilled Cheese
A fun spin on a grilled cheese, this sandwich is made with a flavorful homemade pimento cheese! Grilled crispy, you can add cooked bacon for additional crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Saute
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
4 slices of Brioche or Sourdough bread
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons diced pimentos
3 tablespoons mayo
2-3 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon Salt
4 strips of bacon, cooked (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the pimento cheese by combining the Cheddar cheese, mayo, pimentos, garlic powder and smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well.
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Using as much butter as you’d like, butter both sides of each slice of bread.
3. Add the bread to the hot pan and cook until browned, then flip the slices of bread, top one of the cooked sides with the pimento cheese and optional bacon. Top with the other slice of bread and continue cooking until both sides of bread are nice and browned.
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