Snacks
Augusta National's pimento cheese sandwich delivers the ultimate Southern comfort, blending sharp cheddar, sweet pimentos, and creamy mayo into a spread that's become a golf course legend. 🌟 This isn't just a sandwich—it's a tradition, a taste of the Masters Tournament that brings warmth to every bite with its rich, tangy-sweet balance.
The secret lies in the cheese blend: sharp cheddar for depth, pimentos for that signature sweetness, and just the right amount of mayo to create a spread that's smooth yet substantial.
I've perfected this recipe to stay true to Augusta's version while making it easy enough for home cooks to recreate that iconic flavor profile. The bread choice matters too—sourdough or white bread, lightly toasted, becomes the perfect vessel for this creamy masterpiece.
What makes this sandwich special is how the flavors come together: the sharpness of the cheese cuts through the richness of the mayo, while the pimentos add a subtle sweetness that makes every bite irresistible. It's the kind of sandwich that feels like a hug—comforting, familiar, and impossible to resist.
Whether you're serving it at a golf outing or enjoying it as a midday pick-me-up, this recipe delivers that authentic Augusta National taste.
Pair it with crisp pickles or smoked bacon for extra layers of flavor, or keep it classic with just the cheese spread. The beauty of this sandwich is its versatility—it's perfect chilled for a picnic or lightly warmed for an even richer experience. Let's make this Southern staple at home!
Ingredients for augusta national pimento cheese sandwich
Sharp cheddar, sweet pimentos, and creamy mayo—this legendary spread is pure Southern magic.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp White Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 1 ½ cups | Freshly grated, block preferred |
| Pimento-Stuffed Green Olives 🫒 | ½ cup | Chopped, sweet and ripe |
| Mayonnaise 🥫 | ½ cup | High-quality, full-fat preferred |
| Sour Cream 🧀 | ¼ cup | Full-fat for creaminess |
| Dijon Mustard 🍯 | 1 tbsp | For subtle tang |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly cracked preferred |
| White Bread Loaf 🍞 | 1 whole | Sliced, lightly toasted |
| Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Unsalted, softened for spreading |
| Crispy Bacon 🥓 | 4 slices | Optional, for extra flavor |
| Dill Pickle Slices 🥒 | 4 slices | For tangy contrast |
| Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
The cheddar is non-negotiable—sharp white cheddar from a block (not pre-shredded) gives that iconic Augusta National bite. Whole Foods or Kroger carry great options, but any quality cheddar works. Pimentos? Look for ripe, sweet olives—the ones in the can labeled 'pimento-stuffed' are perfect. Freshly grated cheese makes all the difference, so grab a box grater. For the mayo, Hellmann's or Duke's are my go-tos—they're rich and consistent, but any high-quality mayo will do. The sour cream adds that creamy texture without overpowering the sharpness of the cheese.
No pimento olives? Chopped roasted red peppers at half the amount works in a pinch, though it won't be exactly the same. Short on mayo? Greek yogurt at the same quantity keeps it tangy but lighter. The bread should be soft but sturdy—Texas Toast or sourdough are great choices if you want to get fancy. For the bacon, thick-cut smoked bacon adds the best flavor, but any crispy bacon will do. If you're feeling extra, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the spread for a little extra depth—trust me, it's worth it.
This spread keeps beautifully for 5-7 days in the fridge, sealed tightly in an airtight container. The bread? Toast it fresh the morning you plan to serve—it's best when it has that slight crunch. For a crowd, double the recipe and store the spread separately. It reheats well too—just microwave for 20-30 seconds to warm through. The magic of this sandwich is how it gets better as the flavors meld, so make it ahead if you can.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Assembly: I swear, this comes together faster than my coffee order at Starbucks. Just chop the olives, shred the cheese, and mix—no fancy techniques, no waiting for anything to marinate. The pimento-stuffed olives add that signature Augusta bite without extra effort.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: That sharp white cheddar melts into a creamy, tangy spread, while the briny olives cut through the richness. The Dijon mustard adds just enough kick to make it feel special, not heavy—like a Southern hug in sandwich form.
- Tailgate-Ready Magic: Between us, this is my go-to for game days, picnics, or even a lazy Sunday. It holds up in the heat (yes, even in Georgia humidity) and tastes just as good cold as it does warm. Pack it in a cooler or eat it straight from the fridge—no judgment.
- Budget-Friendly Staples: Honestly, the ingredients won’t break the bank. Cheddar, mayo, and olives are pantry basics, and a little sour cream stretches the filling for multiple sandwiches. Leftovers? I freeze them—perfect for quick lunches or a last-minute snack when hunger strikes.
Step-by-step instructions for Augusta National pimento cheese sandwich
Here's how to assemble the ultimate Southern sandwich with that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors.
👨🍳 Step 1: Mix the Pimento Cheese Spread
In a medium bowl, combine the 1.5 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (block preferred for best texture) with the 0.5 cup chopped pimento-stuffed green olives. I like to use my hands for this—it's easier to get that perfect, smooth consistency. Mash the olives slightly with your fingers to break them up while mixing.
Add the 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 0.25 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until completely smooth and well combined. Here's the thing—don't rush this step. You want the cheese to fully melt and emulsify with the other ingredients, creating that signature creamy texture. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning with the 0.25 tsp salt if needed.
🍳 Step 2: Prepare the Bread and Optional Additions
Slice the 1 whole white bread loaf into 8 even pieces (2 slices per sandwich). Lightly toast the slices until they're just barely golden—this prevents sogginess when the cheese spread gets added. While the bread toasts, spread 1 tbsp softened butter on the outer surface of 4 slices (the ones that will show on the outside of your sandwich).
For that Augusta National touch, add 4 slices crispy bacon and 4 slices dill pickle slices to the unbuttered sides of the bread. The bacon adds a smoky depth while the pickles cut through the richness. Arrange them neatly—this is where presentation matters. If you're feeling fancy, you can even create a simple pattern with the pickles and bacon slices.
🥘 Step 3: Assemble the Perfect Sandwich
Spread a generous layer of the pimento cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices—about 1-2 tablespoons per slice. Be bold here; this isn't the time to be shy with the spread. Top each with another slice of bread, butter-side out, creating a classic double-decker sandwich.
Press down gently on each sandwich to help the cheese adhere to the bread. I like to wrap them in plastic wrap and chill for 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the flavors meld together and makes the sandwiches easier to handle. The cheese will firm up slightly, holding everything together perfectly when you're ready to serve.
🍽️ Step 4: Serve with Southern Hospitality
Unwrap the sandwiches and slice each one diagonally into two triangles for that classic Southern presentation. Serve immediately with a side of crisp pickles or a simple green salad. The contrast of cool, crunchy vegetables against the warm, creamy sandwich is pure perfection.
Here's where it gets fun—watch your guests as they take their first bite. The combination of sharp cheddar, sweet olives, tangy pickles, and smoky bacon creates a symphony of flavors that's pure Southern comfort. And remember, the best pimento cheese sandwiches are enjoyed with good company and maybe a cold glass of sweet tea.
Pro Tips For Making Augusta National Pimento Cheese Sandwich
- GRATE THE CHEESE FRESH: I learned this the hard way—pre-shredded cheddar has anti-caking agents that make pimento cheese watery. Grab a box of sharp white cheddar, grate it yourself, and pat it dry with paper towels before mixing. The texture stays smooth and creamy, not soupy.
- CHOP OLIVES SMALLER THAN YOU THINK: Pimento-stuffed olives lose their pimento filling when chopped roughly. Use kitchen shears to snip them into tiny pieces—about 1/8-inch chunks—so the flavor distributes evenly without clumps. No one wants a bite with a surprise olive core.
- MIX IT LOW AND SLOW: Dumping everything into a bowl and stirring aggressively traps air, which makes the cheese spread grainy. Instead, combine mayo and sour cream first, then fold in the cheese and olives in three additions. Stir gently with a rubber spatula—think "blend, don’t beat."
- SALT THE CHEESE BEFORE ASSEMBLING: Sharp white cheddar needs extra salt to cut through the richness of mayo and sour cream. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of flaky sea salt directly into the cheese mix and let it sit for 5 minutes before spreading. This guarantees seasoning, not just on the surface.
Essential equipment for augusta national pimento cheese sandwich
Cheese Grater Essentials
You’ll need a box grater with medium holes for that perfect, smooth texture from freshly grated sharp cheddar. I swear by the Microplane for its efficiency, but a Kirkland Signature grater from Costco works just as well for about half the price.
Avoid pre-shredded cheese—it’s coated with anti-caking agents that make the spread grainy and less flavorful. 🧀
Mixing Tools
A medium-sized mixing bowl is your best friend here, but I prefer using my hands for the initial cheese and olive mix—it’s faster and helps break up the olives evenly.
For the final blend, a wooden spoon or rubber spatula works best to scrape every last bit of spread from the bowl. If you’re making a big batch, a stand mixer with paddle attachment on low speed saves time and effort.
Bread Preparation
Invest in a sharp serrated bread knife like the Chicago Cutlery brand to slice your loaf cleanly into even pieces. For toasting, a toaster with adjustable browning settings gives you control over that perfect golden hue.
If you’re feeling fancy, a griddle pan lets you toast the bread while adding butter for extra richness. 🍞
Optional Extras
For the bacon, a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan crisps it to perfection. I love thick-cut smoked bacon from Applewood or hickory for that authentic Augusta National smokiness. If you’re adding pickles, a mandoline slicer ensures uniform slices, but a sharp chef’s knife works too.
Keep a small bowl of ice water nearby to stop the pickles from getting too soft.
Storage Containers
Store your pimento cheese spread in an airtight glass container—I use Pyrex with a snap-on lid—to keep it fresh for up to 5-7 days. For the assembled sandwiches, parchment paper-wrapped in a plastic container prevents sogginess.
If you’re making ahead, freeze the spread in silicone molds for easy portioning later. ❄️
Serving Essentials
A large cutting board makes slicing sandwiches diagonally a breeze, and a sharp chef’s knife ensures clean cuts. For presentation, I like to serve on a wooden board with a side of crisp pickles and a pitcher of sweet tea.
Don’t forget a small bowl of extra pimento cheese for dipping—it’s a crowd-pleaser! 🍽️
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this pimento cheese sandwich without mayo?
Swap the mayo for ½ cup Greek yogurt or ¼ cup sour cream to keep it creamy but lighter. For extra richness, use ¼ cup cream cheese instead—it adds a tangy depth that works beautifully with the sharp cheddar. The texture will be slightly thicker, but the flavor remains just as delicious.
What's the best bread for this sandwich?
White sandwich bread is classic, but don't be afraid to experiment! Sourdough adds a tangy contrast, while Texas Toast or brioche gives a richer, buttery base. For a lighter option, try challah or even baguette slices. Just toast it lightly—this prevents sogginess and keeps the sandwich structure perfect.
How do I fix pimento cheese that's too thick?
Add 1-2 teaspoons of milk or buttermilk at a time while stirring until smooth. If it's still too thick, a splash of mayonnaise (about 1 teaspoon) helps thin it out while keeping the flavor rich. Avoid adding too much liquid at once—you want to maintain that signature creamy texture without making it runny.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sandwiches (without slicing) and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing. For the best texture, toast the bread fresh before serving—this keeps it crispy and prevents sogginess.
What's the Augusta National connection?
This sandwich became legendary at the Masters Tournament, where it's served as a fan favorite. The club's version features sharp cheddar, sweet pimentos, and a creamy spread—perfect for golfers needing a quick, satisfying bite between holes. The tradition dates back decades, making it a staple of Augusta's Southern hospitality.