Derby Pimento Cheese Sandwiches (Printable)

Southern-style finger sandwiches featuring creamy pimento cheese, perfect for parties or casual bites.

# 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

# How-To Steps:

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. Mix until evenly incorporated.
03 - Lay out the bread slices. 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, approximately 2 tablespoons per slice. Top with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
05 - Using a sharp serrated knife, trim off crusts and cut each sandwich into thirds or quarters to make finger sandwiches.
06 - Arrange on a platter, cover with a damp paper towel, and refrigerate until serving, up to 4 hours.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They taste like you spent hours in the kitchen when really it took maybe twenty minutes, which is the best kind of lie.
  • Pimento cheese has this gentle, nostalgic flavor that works for Derby parties or just regular Tuesdays when you want something a little special.
  • You can make them ahead and stash them in the fridge, so you're actually relaxed when guests arrive instead of panicked.
02 -
  • If your pimento cheese tastes flat, it probably needs more salt—don't be shy, it wakes everything up without being obvious.
  • The butter barrier between bread and cheese is the difference between elegant finger sandwiches and soggy disappointment, so don't skip it even though it feels unnecessary.
03 -
  • Grate your cheese fresh and cold right before mixing—it'll blend in seconds instead of becoming a broken mess.
  • The damp paper towel trick keeps them perfect for hours, but replace it if it dries out after a few hours on the platter.
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