Pin It 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 favorite at my family get-togethers thanks to its bold flavors and easy pull-apart presentation.
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.
Pin It This dish brings smiles every time I serve it during family game nights and casual gatherings.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese cream cheese butter) and gluten (bread). Contains eggs (in mayonnaise). May contain mustard (check mayonnaise and bread ingredients). Always check ingredient labels if you have specific allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340. Total Fat: 21 g. Carbohydrates: 26 g. Protein: 11 g per serving.
Required Tools
Bread knife Mixing bowl Baking sheet Pastry brush Parchment paper Aluminum foil
Pin It Enjoy this flavorful twist on a classic comfort food for your next gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prep the sourdough loaf for filling?
Cut the loaf into a grid pattern about 1 inch apart horizontally and vertically without slicing through the bottom, creating pull-apart sections for even filling distribution.
- → Can I adjust the heat level from jalapeños?
Yes, removing seeds reduces heat, or you can omit jalapeños for a milder version while retaining the creamy cheese filling.
- → What alternatives exist for pimento cheese filling?
Swap sharp cheddar with pepper jack for added spice or add cooked bacon crumbles for smoky flavor variations.
- → How do I achieve the perfect melt and crust?
Cover the stuffed loaf with foil for the first 15 minutes to melt cheese, then bake uncovered to brown the bread crust.
- → Is there a best way to serve this pull-apart bread?
Serve warm, allowing guests to pull pieces apart easily; it pairs wonderfully with tomato soup or fresh chives sprinkled on top.
- → Can this dish be made ahead?
Prepare in advance and reheat wrapped in foil to preserve moisture while warming the cheese filling evenly.