Impress your Guests

Gourmet Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Caramelized Onions

INGREDIENTS

Pimento Cheese:

• 2 cups (180g) shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 package (8 oz / 250g) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup (56g) mayonnaise

• ¼ cup (53g) pimentos, drained and chopped

• 1 tbsp. onion grated

• salt and pepper to taste

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:

• 1 sourdough loaf, sliced

• Butter

• Several slices of prosciutto

• 1 large, sweet onion, sliced (or 2 small/med)

• 1 tbsp. oil, neutral, high temp

• 2 tbsp. butter

• Salt to taste

• 1 to 2 tbsp. hot honey recipe

  • 3½ cups (350 ml) liquid honey

  • 2 hot chilis, sliced

  • 1 small clove garlic, sliced

  • 1 tbsp. (15 ml) white wine or rice vinegar

  • Pinch of salt

METHOD

1. In a bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, combine the shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and grated onion. Mix until smooth, then taste and season with salt and pepper, mixing once more to fully incorporate.

2. Slice the onions thin and set aside, then measure out the oil, butter, salt, and hot honey.

3. Replace your BBQ’s cooking grids with your griddle insert of choice. Preheat the grill and griddle to medium.

4. Once hot, add oil and some butter to the griddle and caramelize the onions. As they begin to gain color, add more butter and a little salt. Finish the onions with the hot honey, moving them off to the side and turning the burner to low or off.

5. Spread a generous layer of the pimento cheese on both sides of the inside of your sourdough. On the griddle, melt butter and place the bread, pimento side up, into the butter to fry. Lay down some prosciutto.

6. As soon as the prosciutto has some colour, place it onto the pimento cheese, then add the caramelized onions. Place the other slice on top and continue griddling the Pimento Grilled Cheese until golden on the outside and melted.

7. Rest the sandwiches a little before slicing and serving with your favorite sides like chips and cut vegetables.

8. Pair this appetizer, snack, or meal with the signature cocktail of the Masters, the Azalea, a delicious and refreshing combination of vodka, lemonade, and grenadine. Acidic and crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc will cut through the rich combination of cheese and prosciutto. For beer, a Blonde Ale will complement the sweetness of the onions and peppers, while an IPA’s bitter and citrus flavours will cut through the richness of the cheese.

Golden and crisp on the outside, irresistibly melty inside, this sandwich works for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. Pair it with the refreshing Azalea cocktail, a bright Sauvignon Blanc, or a smooth Blonde Ale to round out the richness. However you serve it, this is one sandwich that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

Happy Grilling!