Masters' Iconic $1.50 Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe Revealed

The secret to replicating the beloved tournament tradition at home

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:30pm

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A highly stylized, brightly colored silkscreen print featuring a single pimento cheese sandwich repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the iconic status of this humble Southern staple.The Masters' iconic $1.50 pimento cheese sandwich, a simple yet beloved tradition that has endured for decades.Aiken Today

For decades, the simple yet beloved pimento cheese sandwich sold at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia has become a cherished tradition. Now, the recipe for this iconic $1.50 sandwich has been cracked, allowing fans to recreate the creamy, tangy dip at home using common grocery store ingredients.

Why it matters

The Masters' pimento cheese sandwich has become a beloved part of the tournament's identity, representing the event's commitment to tradition and affordability. Replicating this classic Southern staple allows golf enthusiasts to bring a taste of Augusta National to their own kitchens.

The details

The original pimento cheese sandwiches were made by caterer Nick Rangos using a secret recipe, but in 1998 the tournament changed vendors. The current in-house recipe is said to closely resemble a 2005 version from the Junior League of Augusta cookbook, featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack or Colby, cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, onion, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

  • The Masters tournament takes place every April.
  • Nick Rangos made the sandwiches for 40 years before the tournament changed vendors in 1998.

The players

Nick Rangos

A caterer from Aiken, South Carolina who made the original pimento cheese sandwiches for the Masters tournament for 40 years.

Junior League of Augusta

A cookbook published in 2005 by the Junior League of Augusta is said to contain a recipe closely resembling the current Masters' pimento cheese sandwich.

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What they’re saying

“Part of the appeal is just how unchanged it feels. For decades the Masters' has kept its famously affordable menu largely intact. And the sandwich itself stays true to its roots, a creamy, tangy mix of cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and a few other grocery store ingredients, tucked between slices of soft white bread.”

— Charlyne Mattox, Author

What’s next

Golf fans can now recreate the iconic Masters' pimento cheese sandwich at home using the revealed recipe, allowing them to enjoy a taste of the tournament's tradition year-round.

The takeaway

The enduring popularity of the Masters' pimento cheese sandwich highlights the power of simplicity and tradition in the world of sports and food. This humble, affordable sandwich has become a cherished part of the tournament's identity, demonstrating that sometimes the most beloved culinary experiences are the ones that stay true to their roots.