These pimento cheese tea sandwiches come together in about 10 minutes - real pimentos, grated shallot, and sharp cheddar folded together, no jarred spread required. Spread it on thin white bread and it holds up for a tea party, a baby shower, or just an easy lunch.
My dad snacked on jarred pimento cheese and saltines when I was a kid. That was pimento cheese to me for years. Once I started making it from scratch, I couldn't go back. Real pimentos and sharp cheddar just taste like more.
Quick Overview:
- Ready in about 10 minutes, no cooking required.
- Real pimentos, grated shallot, and sharp cheddar - not jarred spread.
- Filling can be made 2 days ahead; assemble right before serving so the bread doesn't go soggy.
- Works for tea parties, showers, or an easy weekday lunch.
Jump to:
What Makes This Filling Different
Most pimento cheese recipes lean on pre-shredded cheddar and onion powder. This one uses a block of sharp cheddar you grate yourself, plus freshly grated Parmesan for depth, and shallots instead of onion - grated rather than diced, so they blend in and release more flavor than a rough chop would.
Party-style pimento cheese spreads, like my Jalapeno Pimento Cheese usually use cream cheese as a base for a smoother, creamier texture, but this recipe is sized for just two sandwiches, so I skip it here. Add a couple tablespoons if you want it richer or are scaling the batch (this will change the nutrition info).
Ingredients for Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches
This is an overview of the ingredients - see the recipe card below for exact amounts and instructions.
- Pimento peppers: sweet red peppers that give the filling its signature flavor.
- Fresh shallots: grate them for more flavor than a rough dice.
- Mayonnaise: adds creaminess.
- Seasoned rice vinegar: just a touch adds tang and sweetness.
- Black pepper: for contrast.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: buy a block and grate it yourself rather than pre-shredded.
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated, for depth.
- Light whole wheat bread: I used a light whole wheat bread I purchased, but this would be excellent on my homemade maple oatmeal bread slices!
Substitutions
- Diced roasted red peppers can replace jarred pimentos, or pick the pimentos out of a jar of stuffed green olives.
- Use a finely diced green onion in place of the shallot.
- If you want a full vegetarian version, look for Parmesan made with vegetable rennet, or skip it and use a little more cheddar instead.
Pimento Tea Sandwich Variations
- Make it lighter: Reduced-fat cheddar and reduced fat mayo cut some of the richness, but the flavor still holds up.
- Go low carb: Spread the filling on celery sticks for a low-carb option.
- Add heat: A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper spices it up.
Storing Pimento Cheese Finger Sandwiches
Make the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving so the bread doesn't get soggy. This is a small-batch recipe, so it's meant to be enjoyed fresh rather than frozen.
FAQs
I don't recommend it. This recipe makes a small batch meant to be enjoyed fresh - freezing would ruin the texture of both the bread and the mayo-based filling.
The filling keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving so the bread stays fresh.
Thin white whole wheat bread works best. Go with a light version if you want to keep it lower in calories.
Trim off the crusts and cut the sandwiches into triangles or squares. Arrange them on a platter alongside fresh veggies and dip.
What to Serve with Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches
For something crunchy alongside the sandwiches, try air fryer pita chips or air fryer tortilla chips. On the tangy side, garlic dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, Nanny's 7 day sweet pickles, or cucumber kimchi all pair well with the richness of the filling.
More Pimento Cheese Recipes
This recipe for Pimento Cheese Burgers is not only low carb but absolutely delicious and easy to make!
Breakfast Quesadillas have a delicious pimento cheese spread that takes these quesadillas over the top!
These Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict are a brunch spin that spreads pimento cheese over a toasted croissant then layers on bacon, a fried green tomato, a poached egg, and hollandaise.
When you make recipe for Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches, please comment below and leave a rating to let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
📖 Recipe
Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches
Equipment
- Butter knife
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon bottled diced pimentos , drained
- ½ tablespoon grated peeled shallots
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 slices light whole wheat bread
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine pimentos, shallot, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, pepper, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese.
- Divide cheese filling in half and spread each on 2 of the bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices. Trim crusts and cut sandwich in half diagonally from both sides. You will get 4 quarters per sandwich.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Super easy to make and so delicious! It's great as a sandwich, but it also makes a great topping for breakfast sandwiches (think chicken and biscuit!)
Susan Lindquist says
What a great film, Shelby! I saw The help with my daughter and we loved it also! I'd never heard of Pimento Cheese until my daughter's friend from Arkansas mentioned it as a Southern staple of parties and school lunches. It really IS tasty! What a great post for 'Going to the Oscars'!
Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe says
Winner, Winner
Pimento cheese for dinner!
bellini says
Pimiento cheese is a souther specialty that I have yet to try. Thanks so much for bringing it to the table Shelby.
Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen says
This an ole Southern gal has a soft spot in her heart for pimento cheese. It's interesting to see a lighter version and I will definitely give it a try. I've visiting from More Than Burned Toast.
Sam
Nora@SunnyDaysWithMyLoves says
Oh goodness, I LOVE pimento cheese!