Derby Party Pimento Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Creamy pimento cheese on soft white bread, cut into bite-sized finger sandwiches for easy entertaining.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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, optional for mild heat
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, optional for spreading

# 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 if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated throughout.
03 - Lay out 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 sandwiches.
05 - Using a sharp serrated knife, trim off crusts if not already done and cut each sandwich into thirds or quarters to create uniform finger sandwiches.
06 - Arrange finger sandwiches on a platter, cover with a damp paper towel, and refrigerate until serving, up to 4 hours.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They come together in 20 minutes flat, leaving you stress free even if guests arrive early.
  • The pimento cheese can be made a full day ahead, so you're really just assembling on party day.
  • One batch makes 24 sandwiches that disappear faster than you'd expect, impressing everyone without breaking a sweat.
02 -
  • Softening your cream cheese ahead of time is non negotiable; trying to beat cold cream cheese into submission will break your mixer's will to live.
  • That butter layer on the bread genuinely keeps these from turning into soggy regrets within an hour, and I learned this the hard way at a formal luncheon.
03 -
  • Cut these sandwiches with a sharp serrated knife in one confident stroke rather than sawing; you'll get cleaner edges and keep the filling where it belongs.
  • Make these the day before if you're hosting an event, and your party day self will thank you profusely for thinking ahead.
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