Derby Pimento Cheese Finger (Printable)

Creamy pimento cheese spread on white bread, cut into finger sandwiches for easy entertaining.

# 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
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

# Method:

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

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • They're almost embarrassingly easy: No cooking required, just mixing and assembling, which means you can prep them while still enjoying time with your guests.
  • The flavor is deeply satisfying: That sharp cheddar paired with creamy richness and bright pimentos creates a taste that feels fancy but tastes like home.
  • They're the perfect make-ahead appetizer: Assemble them hours before guests arrive and simply plate when it's time to eat.
02 -
  • Grate your own cheese or risk grainy disappointment: I learned this the hard way when store-shredded cheese refused to blend smoothly, creating a textured filling that felt more like spread-on bits than creamy mixture.
  • The butter barrier is not optional if you're planning ahead: Without it, even the best pimento cheese will turn your bread damp and limp within two hours, transforming an elegant appetizer into a textural letdown.
03 -
  • Invest thirty seconds in grating fresh cheddar rather than buying pre-shredded: The texture difference is remarkable and makes these sandwiches feel intentional rather than assembled.
  • Keep parchment paper between layers if stacking assembled sandwiches: This prevents the filling from transferring between sandwiches and keeps your platter presentation pristine until serving time.
Return