Derby Pimento Cheese Sandwiches (Printable Version)

Southern-style finger sandwiches with creamy pimento cheese, perfect for entertaining and casual gatherings.

# What You 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

# How To Make:

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. 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 and cut each sandwich into thirds or quarters to create finger-sized pieces.
06 - Arrange on a platter, cover with a damp paper towel, and refrigerate until serving, up to 4 hours.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Easy to prepare with no cooking required, ideal for quick entertaining.
  • Classic Southern flavor that captures the spirit of Derby and tea party traditions.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and crowd-pleasing with creamy and zesty layers.
  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated, saving time on the day of your event.
02 -
  • Make the cheese mixture a few hours ahead to allow flavors to meld.
  • Trim crusts carefully with a serrated knife for clean edges and neat presentation.
  • Keep sandwiches covered with a damp paper towel while chilling to maintain moisture.
  • Use softened butter sparingly to keep bread from becoming soggy.
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