Looking for a bold Southern twist on the classic BLT sandwich? Meet your new favorite lunch: the Pimento Cheese BLT. This iconic mashup of creamy, tangy pimento cheese, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce on toasted bread is everything your sandwich dreams are made of. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weekend brunch, a quick weekday lunch, or impressing guests at a summer gathering, this sandwich delivers serious flavor with minimal effort.
🧀 What Is Pimento Cheese?
Before diving into the layers of deliciousness, let’s talk about the heart of this sandwich—pimento cheese. Often dubbed the “caviar of the South,” pimento cheese is a creamy blend of shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos (sweet red cherry peppers). Some versions include a kick of spice with jalapeños or a splash of vinegar for tang. It’s a spread that works on crackers, veggies, and, in this case, sandwiches!
🥪 Why You’ll Love This Pimento Cheese BLT
• Bold flavors: Tangy, creamy, smoky, and fresh—all in one bite.
• Easy to make: Just a few pantry staples and fresh produce.
• Perfect for any meal: Ideal for lunch, brunch, picnics, or party platters.
• Southern comfort: This sandwich brings comforting Southern charm with every bite.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pimento cheese:
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for heat
For the BLT:
• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, brioche, or country white)
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• Romaine or butter lettuce leaves
• Butter for toasting (optional)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pimento Cheese
In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and drained pimentos. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. For added heat, stir in hot sauce or jalapeños. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon slices until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Butter the bread lightly (optional), and toast on a skillet or in a toaster until golden brown. A crispy toast adds texture and holds up against the creamy cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread a generous layer of pimento cheese on one side of each slice of toast. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and bacon. Top with the second slice of bread. Cut in half and enjoy!
🔁 Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
🔹 Use different breads
Try honey wheat, ciabatta rolls, or even a hearty rye for a flavor twist.
🔹 Make it spicy
Add chipotle mayo or a slice of pickled jalapeño for some kick.
🔹 Keep it vegetarian
Swap bacon with crispy tempeh bacon or smoked eggplant strips.
🔹 Grill it
For a warm, melty twist, press the sandwich in a panini press or grill it like a grilled cheese.
🥗 What To Serve With a Pimento Cheese BLT
• Sweet potato fries or kettle chips
• Dill pickles or pickled okra
• Iced tea or a cold sparkling lemonade
• Coleslaw or Southern-style potato salad
These pairings round out the Southern-style vibe and make the sandwich part of a full, satisfying meal.
🧡 Why This Sandwich Has Viral Potential
It’s no secret that recipes that strike a chord of nostalgia while offering a modern, mouthwatering twist tend to go viral. The Pimento Cheese BLT is exactly that. It evokes Southern hospitality, offers vibrant Instagram-worthy visuals, and includes familiar comfort food ingredients that are craveable yet elevated.
Plus, let’s be honest—who doesn’t love bacon and cheese in one bite?
🔎 Final Thoughts: A Southern Classic with a Bold Twist
The Pimento Cheese BLT isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a whole experience. It brings together bold textures, rich flavors, and that down-home Southern charm that makes food feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it to friends and family, it’s bound to steal the spotlight.
So next time you’re craving something extra, skip the ordinary and reach for this Southern classic with a twist.