Save to Pinterest 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.
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 to Pinterest Required Tools
Bread knife, Mixing bowl, Baking sheet, Pastry brush, Parchment paper, Aluminum foil
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
Save to Pinterest This pull-apart grilled cheese is perfect for sharing and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Cutting the loaf with a sharp knife and not slicing all the way through helps contain the filling, preserving the bread's structure. Baking at the right temperature also melts the cheese evenly without overly soaking the bread.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, remove the jalapeño seeds to reduce heat or omit the cayenne pepper. Substituting milder peppers or adding extra pimento cheese can also balance the spice.
- → What type of bread works best?
A large round sourdough loaf is recommended for its firm crust and chewy interior, which holds fillings well and bakes to a golden finish.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the loaf in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow additional baking time if baking chilled to ensure thorough heating.
- → What toppings can enhance this dish?
Chopped fresh chives add a subtle onion flavor and bright color. For extra richness, melted butter brushed on top before baking provides a golden crust.