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.
This is one of my favorite recipes to make when friends come over because everyone can grab a piece and enjoy the melty cheese and spicy jalapeño combo.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Cheese Spread:
- 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.
- Score Bread:
- 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.
- Stuff Loaf:
- Carefully stuff the pimento cheese mixture into the cuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the loaf.
- Add Jalapeños:
- Tuck jalapeño slices between the bread sections alongside the cheese mixture.
- Brush Butter:
- Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter.
- Bake Covered:
- Transfer the stuffed loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped chives, if desired. Serve warm, pulling apart pieces to enjoy.
Save to Pinterest When my family gathers around this dish, it always brings laughter and sharing as everyone pulls apart their own cheesy piece.
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 per serving.
Save to Pinterest This grilled cheese is an effortless crowd-pleaser and guaranteed to be the highlight of any snack time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prepare the bread for pulling apart?
Use a sharp knife to cut a grid into the sourdough loaf about 1 inch apart, slicing horizontally and vertically without cutting through the bottom, creating sections that pull apart easily after baking.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, removing jalapeño seeds reduces heat, or you can add cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for extra spice control.
- → Is there a recommended cheese substitution?
Pepper jack cheese can be swapped in for sharper cheddar to add a bit more spice and meltiness while keeping the creamy texture.
- → What serving suggestions complement this dish?
Pairing with tomato soup enhances its savory flavors, making it a perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings.
- → Can leftovers be saved?
Wrap any leftover portions and reheat gently in the oven to refresh the melted cheese and maintain crispness.