Save A fun, shareable twist on classic grilled cheese featuring creamy pimento cheese and spicy jalapeños baked into pull-apart bread—perfect for gatherings or game day.
This recipe quickly became a hit at our family gatherings whenever we want a fun snack to enjoy together.
Ingredients
- Pimento Cheese Spread: 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, 4 oz cream cheese, softened, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Bread: 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 1 lb)
- Jalapeños & Toppings: 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat if desired), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Step 3:
- Using a sharp bread knife, cut the sourdough loaf into a grid pattern: slice both horizontally and vertically, about 1 inch apart, but do not cut all the way through—leave the bottom of the loaf intact to create pull-apart sections.
- Step 4:
- Carefully stuff the pimento cheese mixture into the cuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the loaf.
- Step 5:
- Tuck jalapeño slices between the bread sections alongside the cheese mixture.
- Step 6:
- Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter.
- Step 7:
- Transfer the stuffed loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden.
- Step 9:
- Sprinkle with chopped chives, if desired. Serve warm, pulling apart pieces to enjoy.
Save My family loves gathering around this warm, cheesy pull-apart bread to share stories and laughs during game nights.
Tips for Serving
Serve this pull-apart grilled cheese with a side of tomato soup or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra comforting snack.
Variations
Add crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor or swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra spice.
Storage
Wrap leftovers tightly and reheat in the oven to retain crispness and melted cheese texture.
Save This pimento cheese pull-apart grilled cheese is the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and buttery flavors to enjoy anytime.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prepare the bread for stuffing?
Slice the sourdough loaf into a grid about 1 inch apart, cutting horizontally and vertically without slicing through the bottom, to create pull-apart sections.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, remove jalapeño seeds for less heat or add cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for extra spice.
- → What cheeses work best in this dish?
Sharp cheddar is traditional, but you can substitute pepper jack for a spicier flavor or add cream cheese for smoothness.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Wrap leftovers tightly and reheat in the oven to restore the crispy bread and melted cheese texture.
- → Are there any suggestions for serving or pairings?
This can be enjoyed alone or paired nicely with tomato soup or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.