Description
Heirloom Tomato Pimento Cheese Sandwich inspired by the Southern cooking, with sharp cheddar, creamy pimentos and spectacular fresh tomatoes on toasted sourdough. Messy, but AMAZING.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup well-drained pimentos
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
For the Sandwiches
- Sourdough bread, sliced
- Ripe local heirloom tomatoes
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Butter or olive oil, for toasting the bread (optional)
Instructions
Make the Pimento Cheese
- Beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth.
- Add the grated extra-sharp cheddar, drained pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and cayenne.
- Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This gives the spread time to firm up and allows the flavours to meld.
- Bring it out of the refrigerator for a few minutes before assembling if it has become very firm.
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Slice the heirloom tomatoes into thick slices.
- Arrange them in a single layer and season lightly with kosher salt.
- Let them stand for about 15–20 minutes.
- Gently blot away the excess moisture before assembling the sandwiches.
Build the Sandwiches
- Toast the sourdough until crisp and golden.
- Spread a generous layer of pimento cheese over one side of each slice.
- Add the salted, drained heirloom tomato slices.
- Season with a little freshly ground black pepper if you like.
- Top with the second slice of toasted sourdough and serve immediately.
Notes
About salting and standing your tomatoes:
This little step makes a surprisingly big difference. Salting draws out some of the tomato’s excess water while concentrating its natural flavour. It also gives the pimento cheese a better chance of staying put between the bread.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes + 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwhich
- Method: toasting
- Cuisine: American
