Save 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.
I first served this to my family during football season and it quickly became our go-to snack for 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 This is always a hit when we gather as a family it brings everyone together!
Required Tools
Bread knife Mixing bowl Baking sheet Pastry brush Parchment paper Aluminum foil
Allergen Information
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 Serve warm pulled-apart pieces for the best experience.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I prepare the bread for stuffing?
Use a sharp bread knife to cut the sourdough loaf in a grid pattern about an inch apart horizontally and vertically, ensuring not to cut all the way through so the loaf remains intact at the bottom.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, remove seeds from jalapeños for milder heat or omit cayenne pepper from the cheese mixture to reduce spiciness while keeping flavor.
- → What cheese combinations work best?
Sharp cheddar and cream cheese create creamy, tangy richness, but substituting pepper jack cheese adds extra spice and depth.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Wrap leftover pull-apart bread tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness and remelt melted cheese.
- → Are there suggested accompaniments?
This pull-apart snack pairs wonderfully with tomato soup or fresh vegetable dips for a balanced appetizer or snack spread.
- → Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Consider sprinkling chopped fresh chives on top or adding crumbled cooked bacon before baking for added flavor and texture.