Best Breads To Compliment Pimento Cheese: A Guide

Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern dish, and for good reason. The combination of tangy flavour and creamy texture makes it a delight to eat. But what bread goes best with it?

There are several options to choose from, each offering a unique twist on the classic sandwich. Toasted white or wheat bread holds up well against the creamy cheese, while sourdough, rye, and focaccia can add interesting flavour profiles to the mix. For a softer option, brioche is a tasty choice. Ultimately, the best bread comes down to personal preference and what you have on hand.

Now, go forth and enjoy the ooey-gooey perfection that is a pimento cheese sandwich!

Sourdough, rye, or focaccia for a different flavour profile

While plain white bread is the most common choice for pimento cheese sandwiches, you could opt for sourdough, rye, or focaccia to create a different flavour profile.

Sourdough bread is made with a fermented dough that gives it a tangy flavour and chewy texture. The tanginess of sourdough can complement the creaminess of pimento cheese, creating a unique taste and texture combination.

Rye bread, on the other hand, has a distinct earthy and slightly nutty flavour. The nuttiness of rye bread can enhance the sharpness of cheddar in the pimento cheese, resulting in a more robust and complex flavour profile.

Focaccia, an Italian flatbread, is often infused with olive oil and can have a soft and airy texture. The richness of olive oil in focaccia can add a new dimension to the pimento cheese sandwich, making it more indulgent and luxurious.

Each of these bread options can elevate the classic pimento cheese sandwich by introducing new flavours and textures. They offer a departure from the traditional choice of white bread, providing a more adventurous culinary experience.

Toasted white or wheat bread holds up well against creamy cheese

Toasted white or wheat bread is a great choice to pair with pimento cheese. Pimento cheese is a creamy, tangy, and light spread that goes well with many types of bread. Toasting the bread can add a nice crunch and texture to complement the creaminess of the cheese.

White bread is a classic choice for pimento cheese sandwiches and can be easily found in most households. It provides a neutral flavour that lets the pimento cheese shine. Toasting white bread can add a bit of texture and make it less "squishy", as described by one source.

Wheat bread, on the other hand, offers a slightly nuttier flavour and a denser texture. Toasting wheat bread enhances its flavour and gives it a nice, crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior. This can create a delightful contrast when paired with the creamy pimento cheese.

When it comes to toasting the bread, there are a few options. You can simply toast the bread in a toaster or oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Another option is to grill the bread, which can add a unique flavour and texture to the sandwich. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular choice for pimento cheese, as the grilling process creates a crispy exterior and prevents the bread from becoming soggy from the creamy cheese.

In conclusion, toasted white or wheat bread is an excellent choice to pair with pimento cheese. Both types of bread can hold up well against the creamy cheese, providing a nice contrast in textures and flavours. The toasting process adds a crunch and enhances the overall sandwich-eating experience.

Gluten-free bread is an option for those who are gluten intolerant

Gluten-free bread can be store-bought or homemade. Some popular store-bought options include Canyon Bakehouse, Schar, Rudi's Gluten-Free, Three Bakers, Aldi's Live GFree, Simple Truth, and Sam's Choice. These breads vary in terms of ingredients, taste, texture, and price. For example, Canyon Bakehouse offers a variety of gluten-free products, including buns, rolls, bagels, and English muffins. On the other hand, Schar's products tend to contain a lot of corn, sunflower oil, and soy. Rudi's Gluten-Free bread has a soft texture similar to white bread but contains hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a synthetic cellulose.

When it comes to homemade gluten-free bread, there are also several options available. For instance, "Mama Knows Gluten Free" provides a recipe for gluten-free bread that can be made in the oven or a bread machine. The recipe includes gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, gluten-free baking powder, rapid-rise yeast, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, warm water, and egg whites. This bread is dairy-free and can be stored at room temperature or frozen for up to 3 months.

In terms of taste and texture, gluten-free bread can vary depending on the ingredients and brand. Some gluten-free breads may have a sweet taste, a firm texture, or a crumbly consistency. Overall, gluten-free bread is a great option for those who are gluten intolerant, and there are many options available to suit different preferences and needs.

Brioche is a good choice for a softer roll

While there is no single "best" bread to use for pimento cheese sandwiches, and indeed, any bread you have on hand will work perfectly, there are certain types of bread that are particularly well-suited to this Southern delicacy. One such option is brioche, which is a good choice for those who prefer a softer roll.

Brioche is a French bread that is known for its rich, buttery flavour and soft, fluffy texture. It is made with eggs and butter, which give it a delicate crumb and a golden crust. When used as a sandwich roll, brioche provides a wonderful contrast of textures with the creamy, tangy pimento cheese. The softness of the bread also ensures that each bite is perfectly bite-sized and easy to eat, making it a convenient choice for picnics, backyard barbecues, or packed lunches.

In addition to its sensory appeal, brioche also has some practical advantages. Its slightly sweet flavour pairs well with the mild spice of pimento cheese, and its rich, buttery taste can enhance the overall flavour profile of the sandwich. Furthermore, the softness of the bread makes it ideal for soaking up the flavours of the pimento cheese spread without becoming soggy too quickly. This is especially beneficial if you are serving the sandwiches at a party or gathering, as it ensures that your guests can enjoy the sandwiches at their best even if they have been prepared in advance.

When choosing brioche for your pimento cheese sandwiches, you can opt for traditional brioche buns or rolls, which are typically round or oval in shape. Alternatively, you could use brioche bread loaves and slice them to your desired thickness. To add a bit of crunch to your sandwich, you could also lightly toast the brioche before spreading on the pimento cheese. This will create a delightful textural contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft interior of the bread, making your sandwich even more indulgent and enjoyable.

Multigrain bread pairs well with pimento cheese

Multigrain bread is a delicious option for those looking to enjoy a pimento cheese sandwich with a twist. The soft multigrain bread is made with a combination of grains, such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley, and is enriched with oil or butter to give it a soft texture and flavour. This type of bread is often used for sandwiches as its soft texture makes it easy to spread condiments on the slices.

The nutty flavour of the grains in the multigrain bread complements the sharp and tangy pimento cheese filling. Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern dish made with a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. It has a tangy flavour and a light, creamy texture.

When making a pimento cheese sandwich with multigrain bread, it is important to consider the texture and flavour of the bread. The multigrain bread has a soft and fluffy texture, similar to regular white sandwich bread, but with a heartier and more satisfying flavour. This makes it a great option for those who want a nuttier taste and a chewier texture.

To make the perfect pimento cheese sandwich, spread the pimento cheese filling on one slice of multigrain bread. You can also add toppings such as thinly sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or pickles to enhance the flavour and texture of the sandwich. Finally, top it with another slice of multigrain bread to complete your delicious and hearty sandwich.

Multigrain bread is a versatile option that can be used for various dishes. In addition to sandwiches, it can be enjoyed plain or with a spread of butter. It can also be used for toast or French toast in the morning or as an accompaniment to soups and salads at lunchtime.

Frequently asked questions