Nana Jo calls these her game-day lifesavers because you can pile them high and nobody misses the bread. They’re just deli ham, a good scoop of pimento cheese, and crisp romaine leaves, stacked up on paper plates on the counter so folks can grab them as they wander past the TV. This is the kind of low-carb, no-fuss recipe that fits right into our Midwestern potluck roots—familiar flavors, simple ingredients, and plenty of room to feed a crowd without turning on the oven.
Serve these ham and pimento cheese lettuce sandwiches on sturdy paper plates, just like you would at a tailgate or big game day. Add a tray of cut-up veggies (celery, cucumber, bell pepper strips) and a bowl of pickles so people can nibble between bites. A crockpot of chili or a pot of soup on the stove makes this feel like a full meal, and for drinks, iced tea or cold beer fits the mood. Keep the sandwiches piled high on the counter so everyone can help themselves as the game goes on.
Low Carb Ham and Pimento Cheese Lettuce Sandwiches
Servings: 6
Ingredients
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup jarred pimentos, drained and finely chopped
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1/4 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 to 2 tsp pickle juice or apple cider vinegar (optional, to taste)
1 1/2 lb thinly sliced deli ham
2 heads romaine lettuce, outer leaves separated, washed, and well dried
12 toothpicks (optional, for securing)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Make the pimento cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir with a sturdy spoon until everything is well mixed and spreadable. If you like a little tang, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of pickle juice or apple cider vinegar, tasting as you go.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the pimento cheese and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. The mixture should be thick but easy to spread with a spoon. If it feels too stiff, add a small spoonful of mayonnaise to loosen it up.
Prep the romaine: Separate the romaine leaves, choosing the larger, cup-shaped outer leaves for your “sandwich buns.” Rinse and pat them very dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Any extra moisture will make them slippery, so take a minute to dry them well.
Lay out your game-day station: On a clean butcher block countertop or large cutting board, set out 3 paper plates. Arrange a pile of romaine leaves on one side, the deli ham slices on another, and place the bowl of pimento cheese in the middle with a spoon for scooping.
Build the first layer: Take one large romaine leaf and lay it on a paper plate, curved side up like a boat. Place 2 to 3 slices of deli ham inside the leaf, folding or ruffling them so they fit nicely and give a little height.
Add the pimento cheese: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pimento cheese over the ham, spreading it gently toward the edges but not all the way to the rim so it doesn’t spill over when picked up.
