Tackling Augusta’s signature dish: What is the pimento cheese sandwich like?

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It’s THE food choice of thousands of Masters patrons. But what is it, and what does it taste like? Don’t say Steve Carroll never does anything for you…

pimento cheese sandwich

I’m instinctively suspicious about food I probably should google to find out what’s in it. You can’t come to the Masters, though, without sinking your teeth into the famed pimento cheese sandwich.

It’s as part of a visit to Augusta National as queuing in the gift shop, or having your photo taken at Amen Corner (practice rounds only, of course).

But though you’ll have read plenty about it, and probably seen a tweet from every reporter that’s ever managed to get onto the grounds of the Georgia course, please allow me to give you the benefit of my taste buds. My vote is the one that counts…

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pimento cheese sandwich

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What is a pimento cheese sandwich?

There is a full list of ingredients on the back of this packaging that would probably take me about 500 words to write out. But these are the keys: Extra sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimentos, onion, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, on white bread.

That’s quite a lot going on, I think you’ll agree. Three types of cheese. A particularly sweet kind of chili pepper, and the prospect of a very creamy texture. You don’t expect it to be bland, that’s for sure.

What does the pimento cheese sandwich taste like?

Look, I’m no Jay Rayner so you’ll have to bear with me here. It is a curious sensation. It’s quite rich and then the tang of the pimento hits the back of the throat. It’s spicy, but it’s gentle – more of a warming sensation – rather than anything that’s hot. But it gives you a kick.

The white bread cushions the volume of that, but I couldn’t say I could separate the various cheeses. It’s certainly a heavy texture. It fills the bread.

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Well, what’s the verdict on the Masters sandwich?

The pimento cheese sandwich is marmite to quite a lot of patrons. Some of you would definitely find it an acquired taste. But I liked it. I eat a lot of cheese with chilli anyway, so I’m used to a sharp sensation, and it’s quite a pleasant experience.

What’s even better is the price. You’ll only fork out $1.50 for it at a Masters concession stand. At that price, there is really not a whole lot that can go wrong.

What’s for sure is that if you ever find yourself on the grounds at Augusta National, you’re just compelled to give it a try.

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Now have your say on the Masters sandwich

Have you ever sampled the pimento cheese sandwich? What did you make of it? Let me know your thoughts by leaving me a comment on X.

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About the author

Steve Carroll
Steve Carroll

A journalist for more than 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long.

A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A’s prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.

Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men’s Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.

A part of NCG’s Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He’d like to tell you he floats around 10. The reality is more like 13.

Steve plays at Sandburn Hall, in York, and is a country member at Close House in Newcastle. He has served on various club committees during his time in the game, and is the current Rules Secretary at Sandburn.

Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NCTJ exams at Darlington College of Technology. He began his career working on weekly papers in Newcastle, before joining the York Press in 2001. After five years as a news reporter, he joined the sports desk – specialising in horse racing and snooker – and was Digital Sports Editor when he joined National Club Golfer in 2016.

What’s in Steve’s bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; Caley 01T irons 4-PW; TaylorMade Hi-Toe wedges, Odyssey 2Ball Microhinge putter.

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