Derby Party Pimento Cheese (Printable)

Southern-style finger sandwiches with creamy pimento cheese, ideal for Derby or afternoon gatherings.

# 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

# 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, 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, using 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 Tips:

01 -
  • They come together in minutes and taste like you've been cooking all morning.
  • Make them ahead and forget about them until guests arrive—no last-minute stress.
  • The pimentos add sweetness that balances the sharp cheddar in the most unexpected, addictive way.
  • They're elegant enough for a formal tea party but casual enough for watching the race with friends.
02 -
  • Butter the bread only if you have time to let it sit—the butter creates a moisture barrier that's essential if you're making these more than an hour ahead.
  • Don't skip draining the pimentos thoroughly; liquid is the enemy of texture and will make your sandwiches weep condensation onto the platter.
  • Fresh cheddar makes a noticeable difference here; if your cheese has been sitting open, the flavor becomes muted and the filling loses its personality.
03 -
  • A serrated knife is non-negotiable—a dull regular knife will squash the bread and ruin the presentation, but a good serrated knife cuts clean edges that look intentional.
  • If your pimento cheese seems too thick, whisk in mayo one tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect spreading consistency—this matters because you need enough to taste it but not so much that it squirts out the sides.
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