Welcome to JayPo’s Penalty Boxed Lunch, where we explore food from around the country! This week’s 16th official entry comes to us from one of the best “food states” there is, but does their pimento cheese sandwich stack up?
Food History!
First you might be asking yourself, “what the heck is a pimento?” Well, they are essentially a variety of a bell pepper, but much more flavorful. The other essential component of the pimento cheese is the…cheese. This is usually some combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar. From there you chop your pimentos, combine with the cheese, add mayo and a variety of spices to get this southern classic. The pimento cheese sandwich is infamously served at the PGA Master’s Tournament in Georgia each year.
How I Made It!
I didn’t stray too far from tradition here. My version of pimento cheese included chopped pimentos, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, mayo, cayenne, garlic powder, garlic powder and pepper. I served it up two ways, one on white bread (with the crust cut off of course) and the other grilled like a traditional grilled cheese. This is definitely more of a “finger food” than a full-on sandwich for a meal, but I have to say the grilled version was my favorite.
Rude of Shoprite not to have the pork shoulder I wanted for Cubanos, so we made Georgia’s pimiento cheese sandwiches! Tried it two ways and the grilled version was infinitely better (as it always is). Stay tuned for the 45th sandwich of this long journey this week! pic.twitter.com/g2sNa2wKTu
— Jason Polinsky (@Jay_Poozle) October 17, 2021
What Does a Local Think? (Thanks to Jeanna from TheFalcoholic.com)
Do you think pimento cheese sandwich represents your state accurately?
Yes, I’d say a pimento cheese sandwich is very Georgia.
How do you make your sandwich?
I think you did great! I’d encourage you to consider taking the pimento cheese sandwich one step further and making a pimento cheeseburger. Toast up your bun, cook your burger the way you like it, slap some pimento cheese on there and let it melt. It’s magical.
How did I do?
I think you did great! My favorite pimento cheese is Palmetto cheese, which is actually out of South Carolina, but it’s so good.
Where do you order your favorite pimento cheese?
My favorite pimento cheese is Palmetto cheese, which is actually out of South Carolina, but it’s so good. They have a jalapeño variety and a bacon one, too, and both are spectacular.
