Derby Party Pimento Cheese (Print Version)

Southern-style finger sandwiches with creamy pimento cheese, ready in 20 minutes for any gathering.

# Components:

→ 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 grated cheddar cheese, softened 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, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the cheese mixture. Mix until evenly incorporated.
03 - Lay out bread slices and lightly spread one side of each slice with softened butter to prevent sogginess.
04 - Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of pimento cheese mixture on half of the bread slices. 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 sandwiches on a platter, cover with a damp paper towel, and refrigerate until serving, up to 4 hours.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in 20 minutes flat, which means you can make them while guests are still getting settled.
  • The pimento cheese is impossibly creamy and tangy without being heavy, so you can eat three without feeling guilty.
  • They look elegant on a platter but taste homey enough that people always ask for seconds.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the pimentos thoroughly—water from the jar will make the entire mixture separate and weepy within hours.
  • Fresh grated cheese makes an enormous difference in texture; pre-shredded cheese just won't achieve that smooth, creamy consistency no matter how much you mix.
03 -
  • Buy a block of really good sharp cheddar and grate it yourself—the difference in the final texture is worth those extra 30 seconds.
  • If you're making these for a crowd, you can double the cheese mixture and use it on crackers or vegetables too, so nothing goes to waste.
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