Derby Party Pimento Cheese (Print Version)

Southern-style finger sandwiches with creamy pimento cheese, ideal for parties and afternoon snacks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese Mixture

01 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
02 - 4 ounces 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

# How to Make It:

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 to the cheese mixture. Mix until evenly incorporated.
03 - Lay out the bread slices. If desired, lightly spread one side of each slice with softened butter to prevent sogginess.
04 - Spread pimento cheese mixture on half of the bread slices, using approximately 2 tablespoons per slice. 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 on a platter, cover with a damp paper towel, and refrigerate until serving, up to 4 hours.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • They come together in twenty minutes, which means you can make them while mentally preparing for hosting.
  • Something about the combination of sharp cheddar and sweet pimentos just tastes like a celebration happening on a plate.
  • You can assemble them a day ahead, leaving you free to actually enjoy your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.
02 -
  • The damp paper towel trick is non-negotiable—without it, the edges dry out and the whole thing starts looking sad within an hour.
  • Don't skip draining the pimentos thoroughly; excess liquid will make your mixture weepy and turn your bread into a mushy mess.
03 -
  • Room-temperature cheese spreads smoothly and evenly; cold cheese tears the delicate bread and creates uneven coverage.
  • A serrated bread knife makes all the difference between clean, neat finger sandwiches and sad, squished ones.
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