Derby Pimento Cheese Sandwiches (Printable)

Creamy pimento cheese on soft bread makes a perfect Southern finger sandwich for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese Mixture

01 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
04 - 1/4 cup jarred diced pimentos, drained
05 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
08 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Sandwich Assembly

10 - 24 slices thin white sandwich bread, crusts removed
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Beat with a hand mixer or stir vigorously until smooth and creamy.
02 - Add diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Mix until evenly incorporated.
03 - Lay out the bread slices. If desired, lightly spread one side of each slice with softened butter to prevent sogginess.
04 - Evenly spread pimento cheese mixture on half of the bread slices, using approximately 2 tablespoons per slice. Top with remaining bread slices to form complete sandwiches.
05 - Using a sharp serrated knife, trim off crusts and cut each sandwich into thirds or quarters to create finger sandwiches.
06 - Arrange on a platter, cover with a damp paper towel, and refrigerate until serving, up to 4 hours.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • They come together in under 20 minutes with zero cooking, perfect when you'd rather be setting up the house than standing over a stove.
  • The pimento cheese is addictively creamy with just enough heat to keep things interesting, and somehow tastes even better than it sounds.
  • You can make them hours ahead and they actually improve as the flavors meld together in the fridge.
02 -
  • Don't skip the softening of cream cheese—a cold chunk will never fully incorporate and you'll end up with grainy filling instead of silky smooth.
  • The bread absolutely has to be fresh; day-old bread will tear when you're trimming crusts and cutting into pieces, turning your elegant sandwiches into a mess.
03 -
  • Grate your cheddar cheese fresh just before making this—pre-shredded cheese has anticaking agents that prevent the smooth, creamy texture you're chasing.
  • The serrated knife is non-negotiable for cutting—a regular knife will crush the bread and make those finger sandwiches look sad.
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