Ever crave a melty, cheesy masterpiece that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying? Then look no further than the grilled pimento cheese sandwich!
This timeless comfort food combines creamy cheese with vibrant pimentos (diced red peppers) for a flavor explosion between two slices of perfectly toasted bread. But the beauty of the pimento cheese sandwich lies in its versatility.
With a few tweaks and add-ins, you can easily customize it to suit your taste buds, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
While the exact origins are debated, pimento cheese has been a Southern staple for over a century, and its cheesy goodness has spread nationwide. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful and adaptable sandwich!
How To Make A Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich – Step by Step Guidelines
The melty goodness of a grilled cheese gets a flavor boost with pimento cheese in this delicious twist. This classic comfort food is surprisingly easy to make, taking just a few minutes to whip up a hot and satisfying sandwich.
Here’s how to make a delicious grilled pimento cheese sandwich:
Ingredients
- 2 slices of your favorite bread (white, wheat, sourdough, brioche all work well!)
- 1-2 tablespoons of pimento cheese spread (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, but adds a nice richness)
- Butter or margarine for spreading
Instructions
Step 1
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to melt the cheese and brown the bread, but not so hot that you burn the outside before the cheese melts.
Step 2
(Optional) Spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice. This adds a bit of extra flavor and helps the bread brown more evenly.
Step 3
Spread the pimento cheese on one slice of bread. Make sure to spread it evenly all the way to the edges.
Step 4
Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side facing out. Place the sandwich on the hot skillet. Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Step 5
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can peek under the bread to check on the browning.
Step 6
Transfer the sandwich to a plate and let it cool slightly before cutting into it. The melted cheese will be very hot!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese in your pimento cheese spread.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pimento cheese spread for a bit of a kick.
- If you don’t have a griddle or skillet, you can also make grilled cheese sandwiches in a toaster oven.
- Grilled pimento cheese sandwiches pair well with tomato soup, chips, or a pickle.
Enjoy your delicious homemade grilled pimento cheese sandwich!
How to make a pimento cheese sandwich mike?
There isn’t a canon recipe for Mike’s pimento cheese sandwich from Better Call Saul. But, based on what fans have put together, here’s how you can make a version that might be worthy of the stoic Mike:
Ingredients
- High-quality cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor)
- Mayonnaise
- Diced pimento peppers (these are jarred roasted red bell peppers)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Chopped red onion, chopped chives, hot sauce (like sriracha) for a kick
Instructions
Step 1
Grate or shred your cheddar cheese. You can eyeball it, but some fans have gone for a 2 pound cheese to everything else ratio for a super cheesy spread.
Step 2
In a bowl, mix the cheese with mayonnaise until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Don’t overmix.
Step 3
Add your diced pimento peppers.
Step 4
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Here’s where you can get creative and add your optional ingredients – red onion for a bit of bite, chives for freshness, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Toast your bread if you like it warm and crunchy.
Spread your pimento cheese on your bread and enjoy!
Mike’s pimento cheese sandwich tip: There seems to be some debate about whether Mike would use cream cheese in his pimento cheese. The show doesn’t tell us definitively, so it’s up to you! You can try it with or without and see what you prefer.
How do you keep pimento cheese sandwiches from getting soggy?
The key to a non-soggy pimento cheese sandwich is all about moisture control. Here are some tips:
Assemble right before eating
The biggest culprit for soggy bread is the pimento cheese itself. Make the spread ahead if you like, but wait to assemble the sandwich until you’re ready to eat it.
Bread choice
Sturdier bread like sourdough or wheat bread hold up better to moisture than soft white bread.
Butter barrier
Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one or both slices of bread before adding the pimento cheese. The butter creates a slight barrier that can slow down moisture seeping into the bread.
Dry additions
If you’re adding lettuce or tomato to your pimento cheese sandwich, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Keep it cool
Pack your sandwich in an insulated lunchbox with an ice pack, especially important on hot days. The cold temperature helps prevent moisture build-up.
Skip the soggy ingredients
Avoid adding watery condiments like ketchup or mustard directly to the sandwich. If you must have them, put them on the side for dipping.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious pimento cheese sandwich that stays fresh and delicious.
How to improve the taste of grilled pimento cheese sandwich with delicious pairing and variations?
We all love a classic grilled pimento cheese, but what if we could elevate it to new heights? Get ready to unlock a world of flavor with delicious pairings and creative variations.
We’ll explore ingredients to take your pimento cheese from good to gourmet, transforming this simple sandwich into a taste bud sensation!
Classic Pairings
Tomato Soup: A match made in comfort food heaven. The tangy tomato soup cuts through the richness of the sandwich beautifully.
Chips: Potato chips, especially kettle-cooked ones, add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Pickle: A classic pickle spear adds a delightful vinegary bite to complement the creamy cheese.
Creative Twists
Sliced Tomatoes: Fresh tomato slices add a burst of juicy freshness and a touch of acidity.
Crispy Bacon: Elevate your sandwich with the smoky, salty goodness of crispy bacon.
Mashed Avocado: For a creamy twist, mash some avocado and spread it on the bread before adding the pimento cheese.
Caramelized Onions: The sweetness and depth of flavor from caramelized onions takes this sandwich to a whole new level.
Cheese Adventures
Gruyère: Swap the cheddar for Gruyère for a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully.
Gouda: Gouda adds a touch of smokiness, creating a more complex flavor profile.
Fontina: This cheese is known for its incredible melting properties, ensuring a luxuriously gooey center in your sandwich.
FAQs
What are the ingredients for pimento cheese?
The base for pimento cheese is shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. Many recipes also include cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and even vegetables.
What goes best with pimento cheese?
Classic pairings for pimento cheese are crackers, celery sticks, or sliced bread for sandwiches. But it’s also delicious with veggies, pretzels, or even used as a dip for chips.
What is the best way to eat pimento cheese spread?
There’s no single “best” way! Enjoy pimento cheese on crackers, in sandwiches, or melted in a grilled cheese. It’s also great with veggies or pretzels, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating a delicious grilled pimento cheese sandwich is as easy as 1, 2, melt! It’s a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. Remember, this recipe is just a jumping-off point.
Feel free to experiment with different breads, from sourdough to rye, to find your perfect canvas. Don’t be afraid to swap cheeses or add your favorite toppings – the possibilities are endless!
So, fire up your skillet, unleash your creativity, and get ready to experience the melty magic of a perfectly crafted pimento cheese.
And hey, if you’ve come up with a unique and delicious variation, share it in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your pimento cheese masterpieces.
