These pimento cheese tea sandwiches are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and a little bit of heat. Made with ingredients you can find in your pantry, they come together in just 15 minutes and can be made ahead of time for a stress-free gathering.
Perfect for afternoon tea, brunches, or any cozy event, this simple yet elegant recipe will quickly become a favourite.
Keep reading for make-ahead tips, flavour variations, and easy-to-follow instructions to help you serve these delightful sandwiches with confidence.
Inspired by the classic Southern pimento cheese sandwiches, these bite-sized tea sandwiches are perfect for any elegant gathering.
These tea sandwiches have bold flavour, and I love adding them to a tea party spread. I serve them along with my smoked salmon tea sandwiches and some sweets for a balanced and satisfying menu.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Simple: With only ingredients you can find in your pantry, these pimento cheese tea sandwiches are easy to whip up in a short amount of time.
- Make-ahead Friendly: The pimento cheese spread can be made a day or two ahead of time, making your life easier when entertaining.
- Flavourful & Creamy: The creamy combination of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and jarred pimentos creates the perfect balance of flavours, with just the right amount of heat from cayenne pepper.
- Elegant & Versatile: These sandwiches are not only perfect for tea parties but also for showers, brunches, or casual get-togethers.
What are Pimentos?
Pimentos are small, heart-shaped, mild peppers that are typically bright red when ripe.
Known for their sweet, slightly tangy flavour, they are commonly used in Mediterranean and Southern cuisines.
Pimentos are often found pickled or canned, and their versatile taste makes them a popular addition to salads, sandwiches, and dips.
In addition to being a key ingredient in pimento cheese, they are also the familiar garnish in green olives.
Ingredients & Substitutions
These simple ingredients come together to make a creamy, tangy pimento cheese filling that’s perfect for tea sandwiches.
Here are the key ingredients and easy swaps:
- Aged Cheddar Cheese: Sharp aged cheddar provides a tangy flavour that really stands out in the filling. Orange cheddar also adds a nice colour to the sandwich, though you can use white cheddar for a more subtle look. If you prefer a milder taste, mild cheddar or a cheese blend can also work well.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the filling a rich, creamy texture. Be sure to let it soften to room temperature before mixing for the smoothest result.
- Mayonnaise: Mayo is essential for creating that creamy base. You can substitute light mayonnaise for a lower-calorie option if desired.
- Pimentos: Jarred pimentos offer a slightly sweet, tangy flavour. If you can't find them, roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute, though the flavour will be a bit different.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a touch of spice. Adjust the amount to your taste, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavour.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a savoury richness that balances the cheese and mayo in the filling. If you don't have it or can't find it, leave it out.
- Bread: Soft, thinly sliced white bread is ideal for this classic tea sandwich. You can also use whole wheat or other soft sandwich breads if preferred, as long as the texture remains delicate.
Remember, while these substitutions can work well, they might slightly alter the recipe's taste, texture, or overall outcome.
See the recipe card for the complete ingredient list and recipe instructions.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as-is, here are some easy variations to switch things up:
- Spicy Pimento Cheese: For an extra kick, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Smoky Pimento Cheese: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky flavour.
- Bacon Pimento Cheese: Stir in crumbled cooked bacon for an extra savoury crunch.
- Pimento Cheese & Cucumber: Layer thin cucumber slices between the pimento cheese for a refreshing crunch.
- Pimento Cheese Bagels: Use bagels instead of bread for a hearty variation that’s perfect for brunch.
Pro Tip: For a festive touch, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes—like hearts for Valentine’s Day or stars for a baby shower.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches (Step-by-Step)
Making these pimento cheese tea sandwiches is quick and easy! Follow these simple steps to assemble them:
Preparing the Pimento Cheese Spread
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
Tip: If your cream cheese is still cold, use a hand mixer to help blend it smoothly with the mayo.
Step 2: Add the cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, granulated onion, and granulated garlic. Mix well to combine.
Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
Step 3: Add the sharp cheddar cheese and stir to combine.
Step 4: Add the drained pimentos, and still to combine.
Assembling the Sandwiches
Step 5: Lay out your slices of bread. Spread a generous amount of the pimento cheese mixture onto one slice of bread (about 1 tablespoon).
Step 6: Place the second slice of bread on top. Use a sharp knife to trim off the crusts. Cut the sandwich into triangles or 1-inch wide rectangles.
Tips for Success
- Use soft, thin bread: This will ensure that the sandwiches are delicate and easy to bite into.
- Don’t overfill the sandwiches: A thin layer of pimento cheese filling is enough to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Trim the crusts: For a classic tea sandwich look, always trim the crusts before serving.
Make-Ahead
Pimento cheese tea sandwiches are perfect for preparing ahead of time. Here’s how to make them in advance:
Make the Cheese Filling in Advance
The pimento cheese spread can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it onto the bread for the best consistency.
Make the Sandwiches Ahead of Time
If you want to prep the full sandwiches in advance:
- Make the spread and assemble the sandwiches as usual.
- Do not trim or cut them yet. Instead, wrap them in wax paper and place them in the fridge under a damp tea towel (just be sure the towel doesn’t touch the bread directly, or it can become soggy).
- Just before serving, unwrap the sandwiches and trim the crusts. Cold bread is easier to cut cleanly!
- Slice the bread into the desired shapes and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Pro Tip: To prevent soggy sandwiches, lightly butter each slice of bread before spreading on the filling. This creates a barrier between the bread and the moist filling.
Serve With
Pimento cheese sandwiches pair wonderfully with a pot of black tea, such as English Breakfast or Orange Pekoe. These classic teas complement the creamy, savoury filling of the sandwiches.
If you want to brush up on your brewing technique, check out my guide on how to brew loose leaf tea, or explore the different varieties of tea in my guide to loose leaf tea for beginners.
Looking to expand your menu? Browse more tea sandwich recipes to create a well-rounded spread with a mix of flavours and textures your guests will love.
As for a sweet treat, I recommend something with a bit of brightness to balance the richness of the pimento cheese, like my lemon and jam tarts or sweet citrus tarts. The zesty flavour will offer a delightful contrast to the creamy sandwiches, rounding out your tea party spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also makes a great dip for crackers or veggies!
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavour profile.
You can assemble the sandwiches up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge (see my butter tip above!). Let the sandwiches come up to room temperature before serving.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below—I'd love to hear from you!
And if you’re planning a tea party or special brunch, don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it later!
Recipe
Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches
Ingredients
- ¼ cup plain cream cheese
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (I used Hellman's)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon granulated onion
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- salt to taste
- 2 cups sharp aged cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup jar diced pimentos drained well
- 14 slices white sandwich bread or whole wheat
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Large Spoon or spatula, for mixing
- Offset spatula for even spreading (optional)
- Sharp Bread Knife
- Cutting Board
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
- Add the cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, granulated onion, and granulated garlic. Mix well to combine.
- Add the sharp cheddar cheese and stir to combine.
- Add the drained pimentos and still to combine.
- Lay out your slices of bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of the pimento cheese mixture onto each slice of bread.
- Place one slice of bread with filling on top of another to assemble the sandwich. Use a sharp knife to trim off the crusts and cut the sandwich into triangles or 1-inch wide rectangles.
Riaz says
This recipe was really easy to make! Also the ingredients weren't hard to find at the grocery.
Shareba Abdul says
Thanks! I’m so glad it was easy to make and shop for!
Shareba Abdul says
This is one of the recipes I've had the most time to refine. I've been making it since 2013! The blend of sharp cheddar and pimentos is super satisfying to eat. This recipe works equally well for an afternoon tea party or just a quick tasty snack. I hope you give it a try!