Derby Party Pimento Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Southern-style finger sandwiches with creamy pimento cheese, ideal for party snacking or afternoon bites.

# 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, optional
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

# 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.
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, 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 finger sandwiches.
06 - Arrange on a platter, cover with a damp paper towel, and refrigerate until serving, up to 4 hours.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • They're elegant enough to impress at a party but simple enough that even a rushed Tuesday can feel special.
  • The pimento cheese stays creamy and doesn't separate like some spreads do, so they hold beautifully for hours.
  • You'll find yourself making these not just for Derby season but for book clubs, potlucks, and afternoon snacks.
02 -
  • Don't skip removing the crusts—they dry out faster than the soft interior and will make your elegant tea sandwiches feel rough and incomplete.
  • The pimento cheese filling actually tastes better the next day after flavors have had time to get friendly with each other, so make it a day ahead if you can.
03 -
  • Use the sharpest cheddar you can find because sharp cheese makes the difference between pleasant and unforgettable in this filling.
  • Cut your sandwiches right before serving if you possibly can, or at least no more than two hours ahead, so the bread stays tender and the edges don't dry out.
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