Classic Panini: Pimento Cheese

Name: Classic Panini: Pimento Cheese
Yield: Serves 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: hot-pepper sauce 1–2 dashes; dill pickle 1, thinly sliced; mayonnaise 1 tbsp; fresh lemon juice 1 tsp; cream cheese 1 oz (30 g), room temperature; jarred piquillo pepper 1, drained; olive oil 1 tbsp; sharp cheddar cheese ¼ lb (125 g), coarsely grated; pain de mie 4 slices, each about ½-inch (12-mm) thick

Preparation info

Serves
2

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Perfect Panini

By Jodi Liano

Published 2013

About

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, and every mom has her own version. This rendition stands up well to a sandwich grill. Use a roasted red bell pepper in place of the piquillo, if you like.

Ingredients

pain de mie 4 slices, each about ½-inch (12-mm) thick
olive oil

Europe
Italy
Vegetarian
Street Food
cheese
Mediterranean

Method

In a food processor, add the cheddar, cream cheese, piquillo pepper, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and hot-pepper sauce. Process until combined, taste, and season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a small bowl. (The pimento cheese can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before using.)
Preheat the sandwich grill.