Everyone loves a classic pimento cheese sandwich. This Southern staple is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and crunchy bread with a hint of spice.
This simple yet satisfying meal is excellent for lunch or dinner. Still, it can be even more exciting when served with tasty side dishes. Here are some delicious side dishes to serve alongside your pimento cheese sandwiches.
What is a pimento cheese sandwich, and what does it taste like?
A pimento cheese sandwich is a classic Southern favorite, consisting of a generous layer of homemade pimento cheese spread between two slices of bread.
The spread of pimento cheese is typically made with cheddar, mayonnaise, cream cheese, roasted red peppers (or ‘pimentos’), garlic powder, and occasionally diced onion.
This savory mix makes for a hearty and flavorful sandwich that will satisfy your taste buds.
It has a creamy texture from the mayonnaise and cream cheese base, with zesty and smoky flavors from the pimentos, garlic powder, and optional onions.
A common way to enjoy this tasty treat is grilled in butter or on a panini maker for added gooeyness – the perfect comfort food! Pimento cheese sandwiches can be served cold or hot, making a great addition to any meal.
What to serve with Pimento Cheese Sandwich- 26 best sides
Pimento cheese perfectly accompanies many different foods, from the traditional to the unexpected. Here are 23 of the best sides to serve with pimento cheese sandwiches:
1. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are tart and juicy inside while crispy and golden brown on the outside. This popular Southern dish pairs well with a sandwich’s creamy pimento cheese and crunchy toast.
Preparing them is a cinch: just slice the tomatoes and dredge them in flour, egg wash, and cornmeal before frying them in hot oil until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Serve them up with Ranch dressing or a spicy remoulade sauce for dipping.
2. Coleslaw
When it comes to pairing side dishes with sandwiches, coleslaw is always a winner. This cool and crunchy salad goes particularly well with pimento cheese thanks to its sweet-tangy flavor profile that complements the creamy texture of the cheese spread.
Make coleslaw using classic ingredients like cabbage, carrots, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and salt; feel free to add whatever herbs or spices you like for extra flavor!
3. Macaroni Salad
Classic macaroni salad is another excellent option for serving alongside your pimento cheese sandwich.
The macaroni noodles serve as a platform for various tasty toppings such as onions, celery, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (your choice! ), seasonings such as garlic powder or onion powder—the choices are unlimited!
Be sure to give it plenty of time to chill before serving so that all those flavors can meld together nicely in the refrigerator.
4. Chips and Salsa
A great way to add some crunch and spice to your meal is to serve chips and salsa alongside your pimento cheese sandwich. The salty tanginess of the chips pairs delightfully with the creamy richness of the sandwich.
Plus, chips are an easy and inexpensive side dish that everyone loves! For a Southern twist, try serving sweet potato chips or something like Patatas Bravas (roasted potatoes).
5. Fruit Salad
For a light and refreshing side, try making a quick fruit salad. You can use any fruit you have on hand. Still, some good options include oranges, apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis.
Make sure you cut all the fruit into bite-sized pieces before mixing them in a bowl.
To give it an extra bit of sweetness, drizzle honey over the top or add some freshly chopped mint leaves for flavor. It’s also nice to sprinkle on some granola for crunch!
Make sure to adjust sugar levels according to taste before serving, though!
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6. Pickles
Pickles are always a great accompaniment for sandwiches as they provide an extra layer of crunchy texture and tartness to balance out the flavors in the pimento cheese sandwich.
You can buy pickles from any grocery store or make them yourself at home if you’re feeling adventurous!
To make pickles at home, you only need vinegar, sugar, salt, water, and cucumbers (or other vegetables such as carrots or onions).
Simply soak everything together in brine overnight before storing them in jars in the fridge—and voila! Homemade pickles!
Sweet or dill pickles will work wonders here; their tartness cuts through all that richness nicely without being too overbearing or cloying like other condiments might be.
7. Classic Potato Salad
Potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with a pimento cheese sandwich.
While traditional recipes usually call for mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, you can also make lighter versions with vinaigrettes or Greek yogurt.
8. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is an easy way to add more variety to your meal. The same goes for this cheesy pasta dish; it makes an excellent side for pimento cheese sandwiches. Replace mayonnaise with yogurt for a lighter version.
9. Fried Okra
Okra is famously popular in the South and can be served both fried and fresh. A plate of crispy fried okra goes perfectly with that savory sandwich!
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This vegetable might seem like an obscure pairing with pimento cheese. Still, roasted Brussels sprouts are surprisingly delicious when served alongside this sandwich delight!
Roast them with garlic, salt, and pepper for added flavor complexity.
11. Grits
Grits are a quintessential Southern staple that pairs exceptionally well with pimento cheese sandwiches since they both have similar textures and flavors (in other words, they’re both comforting!).
Opt for stone-ground grits if you can find them; they have better flavor and texture than regular grits once cooked up!
12. Baked Beans
Some recipes call for adding bacon to baked beans, but if you want an even smoky flavor, then try adding some chopped, cooked bacon directly onto your sandwich as well!
The combination of sweet beans and salty bacon will enhance the taste of your sandwich altogether!
13. Deviled Eggs
This classic appetizer adds much-needed protein and lots of tangy flavors that go so nicely with the sweetness of a pimento cheese sandwich—we’re talking about true harmony here!
14. Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are bite-sized morsels made from pastry dough filled with sharp cheddar cheese—and yes, they make an ideal accompaniment to any kind of grilled cheese or melted sandwich situation (like our friend the Pimento Cheese Sandwich).
Extra points if you make your own dough!
15. Fresh Tomatoes
Sun-ripened tomatoes always make a fantastic side to any type of sandwich because their juicy sweetness brings out the flavors in various ways; add some slices on top of your finished product just before eating for maximum enjoyment.
16. Carrot Sticks
Try carrot sticks instead for something on the healthier side that still packs plenty of flavor power into each bite.
Carrots offer great crunchiness and many vitamins A & C plus beta carotene, so you can also feel good about eating!
17. Apple Slices
Apples are a few fruits that work well with savory dishes like pimento cheese sandwiches, so why not try adding some slices for extra texture and sweetness?
Plus, apples are great for digestion on top of everything else—it’s a win-win situation.
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18. Potato Chips
All hail the classic combo of gooey cheese and salty potato chips; no two flavors can complement each other quite like this!
We recommend opting for a thicker style chip here because they tend to hold up better when paired with softer sandwich fillings.
19. Celery Sticks
Another healthy option is to eat your pimento cheese sandwiches with some celery sticks;
They’re packed with vitamins and minerals; their crunchiness makes them a great accompaniment to any sandwich or wrap! Serve some ranch dressing on the side for even more flavor.
20. Green Salad
If you want something lighter to accompany your lunch, why not whip up a quick green salad?
Incorporate lots of fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley for a maximum flavor punch, then top it all off with diced tomatoes, so you get some fruitiness in there as well.
21. Roasted Red Peppers
Add a pop of color to your plate by roasting up some red peppers alongside your sandwiches; use an oven or grill for best results, then sprinkle with a bit of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for extra flavor.
22. Avocado
There’s nothing like adding creamy avocado slices to your pimento cheese sandwich—they go together like peanut butter and jelly!
Make sure to use ripe avocados (a gentle squeeze should be all you need) so they don’t taste too bitter or acidic when eaten. Bon appétit!
23. Bacon
The salty, smoky bacon flavor perfectly complements pimento cheese’s creamy and slightly spicy taste. A bacon and pimento cheese sandwich makes for one delicious meal.
24. Mustard
Mustard adds just enough spice to cut through the richness of a pimento cheese sandwich without overpowering it. Choose yellow or Dijon mustard for an extra zing in this classic combo!
25. Crackers
Crackers like Saltines or Ritz are often paired with the sandwich to add extra crunch and flavor.
The pimento cheese is made with sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and jarred diced pimentos, all blended together for a delicious combination that tastes great on its own or as part of a sandwich.
Pimento cheese sandwiches are often served with pickles, chips, and other sides for an even heartier meal.
26. Sauce
The classic accompaniments for a pimento cheese sandwich are mayo-based condiments, such as Miracle Whip or Duke’s mayonnaise.
These tangy sauces add another level of flavor to this already decadent treat.
However, if you want something more adventurous than mayonnaise, try out some BBQ sauce. A smoky barbecue sauce goes well with the sharp flavors of pimento cheese, adding a layer of complexity to an already tasty dish.
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How do you jazz up a pimento cheese Sandwich?
There are many ways to jazz up a pimento cheese sandwich.
One way is to add some bacon and diced tomatoes. This will give the sandwich an extra crunch and a flavorful kick.
Another option is to mix in jalapenos or other diced peppers for some added heat. You can also top the sandwich with lettuce, pickles, onions, or avocado slices for a burst of nutritional goodness.
If you want something sweeter, add some apple slices or dried cranberries for a sweet-and-salty combination.
Finally, adding herbs such as oregano, basil, parsley, or cilantro can make your sandwich truly unique!
No matter how you jazz up your sandwich, one thing is sure: the combination of creamy cheese, crunchy bacon, and flavorful toppings will make your pimento cheese sandwich truly unforgettable. Enjoy!
Do I really Needs Sides to enjoy Pimento cheese sandwich- My Opinion
In my opinion, a Pimento cheese sandwich does not necessarily require sides to be enjoyed.
While some may prefer adding chips, pickles, or coleslaw, it is perfectly satisfying on its own. The creamy pimento cheese spread combined with toasted bread slices provides a delicious flavor combination that stands alone.
The components of the sandwich also make for an enjoyable mix of textures. The crunchy toast pairs well with the smooth spread, providing contrast and balance in every bite. Furthermore, this classic Southern dish is packed full of flavor despite its simple ingredients—it is truly a treat!
Additionally, enjoying the sandwich without sides adds convenience and simplicity to mealtime. It eliminates any extra fussing and preparation required when adding extras such as side dishes or condiments. As a result, it is already prepared and ready to eat within minutes!
Overall, while sides can certainly enhance the experience of eating a Pimento cheese sandwich, they are no longer necessary to fully enjoy it. The combination of flavors and textures is already so delicious that no additional accompaniments are needed.
Conclusion
Pimento cheese sandwiches are delicious but can be even better when served with sides that enhance their flavors and textures.
Try serving chips and salsa for added crunchiness; make a light fruit salad for refreshment, or prepare homemade pickles for tartness—all of these sides will help elevate your pimento cheese sandwich experience!
Try pairing your pimento cheese sandwich with horseradish or spicy mustard for an even bolder flavor profile. The strong notes that these condiments bring cut through the richness of the cheese, creating an intense eating experience.
Or go all out and combine both hot sauce and barbecue sauce together for a truly unique flavor combination that will leave you wanting more!
So experiment with different combinations until you find one that suits your tastes best. Enjoy!
FAQs
How do you keep pimento cheese sandwiches from getting soggy?
To keep pimento cheese sandwiches from getting soggy, follow these tips:
Use good quality bread with a crisp crust; spread on the condiments as lightly as possible; use thick cheese slices to provide insulation; and toast or grill the sandwich until it’s hot.
Additionally, place the sandwiches in an airtight container to minimize moisture buildup when storing them in the fridge.
For the best taste, use freshly grated cheese and homemade condiments. Enjoy your pimento cheese sandwich with a glass of milk or a cup of soup for an ultimate lunch experience.
