Save A fun, shareable twist on classic grilled cheese featuring creamy pimento cheese and spicy jalapeños baked into pull-apart bread&mdashperfect for gatherings or game day.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family game nights because everyone loves pulling apart the cheesy bread and enjoying the spicy kick from jalapeños.
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&mdashleave 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 Making this recipe always brings joy as family members gather around the table to pull apart the cheesy bread and share stories.
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 This recipe shines when served warm fresh from the oven. Enjoy pulling apart each cheesy bite!
Common Questions
- → How do I prepare the bread for stuffing?
Use a sharp bread knife to cut a grid pattern about 1 inch apart on the sourdough loaf, slicing horizontally and vertically but leaving the base intact to create pull-apart sections for even filling.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat or add cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for extra spice according to preference.
- → What cheeses are used in the filling?
The filling combines sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese, blended smoothly with mayonnaise and seasonings for creamy, flavorful results.
- → Are there suggested add-ins to enhance flavor?
Consider adding crumbled cooked bacon before baking or swapping in pepper jack cheese to create a spicier variation.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Wrap leftover portions tightly and reheat in the oven to retain crispy bread exterior and melted filling texture.