The Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

If you're throwing a Masters watch party this spring, you absolutely need these Masters pimento cheese sandwiches on the menu. They're the most iconic food at Augusta National, and honestly, they're just as good (if not better!) made right at home.

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You’ll love these Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

They're a Masters classic. The pimento cheese sandwich has been served at Augusta National since the late 1940s and has become just as iconic as the green jacket itself. Now you can bring that tradition right to your living room.

They're easy to make. Mix everything together in one bowl, spread it on bread, and you're done. It really is that simple.

They're the perfect appetizer. Whether you're hosting a full Masters party spread or just making a fun snack for two, these little sandwiches are always a hit. Serve them as finger food, cut them into quarters for a sandwich platter, or keep them whole for the full Augusta experience.

Ingredients

Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Sharp cheddar is the backbone of this pimento cheese spread. It gives it that classic, bold, cheesy flavor that makes these sandwiches so good. Block cheese that you shred yourself is always going to give you the creamiest texture. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in a starch that keeps it from clumping, which also keeps it from getting that smooth, spreadable consistency you want here.

Cream Cheese. Softened cream cheese is what makes this spread rich and extra creamy. Set it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start so it mixes in nice and smooth.

Mayonnaise. Mayo is non-negotiable in pimento cheese. If you want that true Southern flavor, reach for Duke's. It's tangier and less sweet than most brands and makes a real difference in the final flavor!

Diced Pimentos. The star of the show! You'll find these in small jars, usually in the canned vegetable or pickle aisle at most grocery stores. Drain them well before adding them to your bowl.

Garlic Powder. ​​Just a little garlic powder adds a subtle savory depth to the spread without overpowering anything.

Onion Powder. Same story here! Onion powder keeps the flavor well-rounded and balanced.

Salt. Season to taste and don't skip it! A pinch of salt brings all the other flavors together.

Sugar. This is the little secret ingredient that makes this pimento cheese taste so authentically Masters-style. Just a pinch of sugar balances out the tang from the pimentos and mayo and gives the spread that slightly sweet, addictive quality you can't quite put your finger on.

How to make Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

1. Soften your cream cheese. Leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you get started. This makes it SO much easier to mix and gives you that smooth, creamy texture.
2. Mix the spread. Add the shredded sharp cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until well combined. You want the mixture to be smooth and spreadable with the pimentos evenly distributed throughout. Taste and adjust the salt or sugar as needed!
3. Chill the pimento cheese. This step is optional but highly recommended. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour before assembling. The flavors meld together so beautifully when it has time to sit, and the spread gets even creamier. If you're in a hurry, you can serve it right away and it's still delicious!
4. Assemble the sandwiches. Spread a generous layer of pimento cheese onto one slice of soft white bread. Top with the second slice, press lightly, and cut diagonally. That's it!
5. Place on a platter, serve, and enjoy! Serve cold, just like they do at Augusta.

Substitutions and variations

Bread. Traditional Masters sandwiches are served on soft, fluffy white bread, and that's absolutely the way to go for the most authentic experience. But if you want to mix it up, this pimento cheese spread is delicious on a croissant, stuffed into a toasted brioche bun, or served on crackers as a dip-style appetizer.

Cheese. Sharp cheddar is the classic choice here, but you can also do a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a slightly milder, creamier spread. If you like a little heat, try swapping some of the cheddar for pepper jack!

Butter. Not a traditional Masters move, but an incredibly delicious one: butter the outside of your bread and grill the sandwiches in a skillet until golden and toasty. A grilled pimento cheese sandwich is a whole new level of comfort food and honestly might be better than the original. Try it and report back.

Tips for prepping Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwiches ahead of time

Good news: this recipe was practically made for prepping ahead. Here are a few tips to make your Masters party prep as stress-free as possible:

Make the pimento cheese spread up to 3 days ahead. Mix everything together, transfer to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavor actually gets better the longer it sits, so making it the night before or a couple of days ahead is a great move.

Wait to assemble the sandwiches until closer to serving time. If you assemble too far ahead, the bread can get a little soggy from the spread. Aim to put them together about 1 to 2 hours before your guests arrive. Keep them covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Cut and serve cold. Masters pimento cheese sandwiches are served cold at Augusta, and that's really the best way to enjoy them at home, too. Pull them out of the fridge right before serving.

Double or triple the batch. This recipe is super easy to scale up for a crowd. See the big batch notes below!

FAQs

What's on the pimento cheese sandwich at the Masters?

The Masters pimento cheese sandwich is made with a creamy pimento cheese spread served on soft white bread. The spread itself is a Southern classic made from shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and a few simple seasonings. The exact recipe has been a closely guarded secret for decades, but this copycat version gets you pretty darn close to the real thing!

What is the famous cheese sandwich at the Masters?

The pimento cheese sandwich is the most famous food at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. It's been a staple at the tournament since the late 1940s, when a husband and wife team made the sandwiches from their home kitchen and sold them to spectators for just a quarter. Today, they still sell for only $1.50 and are wrapped in the tournament's signature green cellophane wrappers. The sandwich has become just as iconic as the tournament itself, and every spring, golf fans and food lovers alike try to recreate the famous Augusta recipe at home.

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Want more recipes for your Masters party?

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• The Azalea Cocktail Recipe
• Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade