BLT Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The BLT Pimento Cheese Sandwich is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes with a creamy, flavorful pimento cheese spread. This sandwich offers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and texture that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bread
• 4-6 slices bacon
• 4-6 leaves romaine lettuce or leaf lettuce
• 4-6 slices ripe tomato
• 1/4-1/2 cup pimento cheese
• 2 tablespoons quality mayo
• 8 oz coarsely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3-1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, pimento peppers, or mini peppers
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers (1/3-1/2 cup minced)
• 3 teaspoons diced pickled jalapeño peppers
• 1 teaspoon vinegar from the pickled jalapeño jar
• 1/4 cup quality mayo (extra if desired)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the pimento cheese by combining the shredded cheddar, diced peppers, pickled jalapeño peppers, vinegar, 1/4 cup mayo, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a medium-large bowl. Adjust the amount of fresh jalapeño to control the spice level. Mix well and refrigerate for 2-4 days if possible to enhance the flavors, or chill briefly if serving immediately.
2. Step 2: Cook the bacon until golden and crispy, using either an oven or skillet. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
3. Step 3: Lightly toast the bread slices using a toaster or the bacon skillet over medium-low heat. For extra golden crust, spread mayo on the bread before toasting.
4. Step 4: Spread mayo on two slices of toasted bread. Spread the prepared pimento cheese on the other two slices.
5. Step 5: Assemble the sandwich by layering bacon, lettuce leaves, and tomato slices on the pimento cheese-covered bread slices. Top with the mayo-spread bread slices.
6. Step 6: Press gently, slice if desired, and enjoy your flavorful BLT Pimento Cheese Sandwich.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce or omit the fresh jalapeño peppers and rely on the pickled jalapeños for subtle heat.
• Try using different breads like sourdough or a sturdy sandwich loaf for varied texture and flavor.
• Add avocado slices for extra creaminess and richness.

Storage

Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bacon can be kept separately and reheated gently before assembling the sandwich. Assemble sandwiches fresh to prevent soggy bread. Leftover sandwiches can be wrapped tightly and stored in the fridge for up to 1 day; reheat lightly in a skillet to crisp the bread again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the pimento cheese in advance?

Yes, making the pimento cheese a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

What bread works best for this sandwich?

Any sturdy bread that toasts well is ideal, such as sourdough, white sandwich bread, or whole wheat. Toasting adds crunch and prevents sogginess.

BLT Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

This BLT Pimento Cheese Sandwich combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato with a creamy, flavorful homemade pimento cheese spread. The pimento cheese is made with sharp cheddar, diced peppers, and a touch of heat from jalapeños, creating a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory. Toasted bread and quality mayo complement the sandwich for a satisfying and delicious meal.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pimento Cheese

• 8 oz coarsely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3–1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, pimento peppers, or mini peppers
• 1–2 jalapeño peppers (1/3–1/2 cup minced)
• 3 tsp diced pickled jalapeño peppers
• 1 tsp vinegar from the pickled jalapeño jar
• 1/4 cup quality mayonnaise
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/8 tsp salt

Sandwich

• 4 slices bread
• 4–6 slices bacon
• 4–6 leaves romaine lettuce or leaf lettuce
• 4–6 slices ripe tomato
• 2 tbsp quality mayonnaise (for spreading)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pimento Cheese: In a medium-large bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced peppers, pickled jalapeño peppers, vinegar, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and salt. Mix well to blend all flavors together. Adjust the amount of fresh jalapeño peppers according to your desired heat level. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator to let the flavors develop, especially if making in advance.
2. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon slices until golden and crispy. This can be done either in the oven or in a skillet on the stovetop, depending on your preference. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease and pat dry.
3. Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the bread slices using a toaster or in the same skillet previously used for the bacon over medium-low heat. For extra golden crust, optionally spread a little mayonnaise on the bread before toasting.
4. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise on two slices of the toasted bread. Spread the chilled pimento cheese mixture evenly on the remaining two slices.
5. Layer the Fillings: On the slices with pimento cheese, layer the crispy bacon, followed by lettuce leaves and ripe tomato slices. Then top with the mayonnaise-spread slices of bread to complete the sandwich.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the sandwich if desired and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy pimento cheese, crunchy bacon, and fresh vegetables.

Notes

• Pimento cheese can be made up to 2-4 days in advance and kept refrigerated. The flavors improve over time.
• Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of fresh jalapeños used in the cheese spread.
• For a crispier bacon, baking in the oven is recommended, but stovetop pan-frying works equally well.
• Mayonnaise spread on the bread before toasting creates a lovely golden crust similar to grilled cheese.
• Use quality fresh ingredients for best flavor, especially ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce.

Keywords: BLT sandwich, pimento cheese sandwich, bacon lettuce tomato sandwich, easy sandwich recipe, homemade pimento cheese