In the realm of Southern cuisine, pimento cheese stands tall as a quintessential delicacy, a harmonious blend of sharp cheddar cheese, tangy mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and a symphony of spices that ignite the palate. This iconic spread, boasting a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, has captivated taste buds across generations, earning its place as a beloved staple at gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. It's a culinary chameleon, gracing sandwiches, crackers, and vegetable platters with equal aplomb. Our culinary journey takes us through a diverse selection of pimento cheese recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic spread. From the traditional to the unexpected, these recipes showcase the versatility of pimento cheese, inspiring you to create your own signature version. Indulge in the classic recipe that stays true to the Southern roots of this dish, or embark on an adventure with variations that incorporate bacon, roasted red peppers, or even a touch of sweetness from honey.
Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!
BASIC PIMIENTO CHEESE RECIPE
This classic recipe works as a dip, spread, or all by itself.
Provided by Southern Living Editors
Time 15m
Yield Makes 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Stir together pimiento, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, onion, and cayenne in a large bowl.
- Stir cheeses into pimiento mixture until well combined. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
OUR FAVORITE PIMENTO CHEESE
One of the first dishes Southern cooks master is homemade pimento cheese. Every hostess may have her own special twist on the classic party dish, but this version will never let you down. Our best pimento cheese recipe gets a signature crunch from toasted pecans and a dash of heat from ground red pepper. Blended together with creamy mayonnaise and sharp Cheddar cheese, it's a combination that keeps guests coming back for seconds. Pimiento cheese dip may be an easy appetizer for entertaining, but there's just one way to mess up the recipe: pre-shredded cheese. In a dish this simple, texture is important. The time you take to pull out your box grater and shred by hand will pay off in taste. Can't wait for your next gathering to whip up a batch of Southern pimento cheese? Brighten up lunchtime with a hearty pimento cheese sandwich- we'll take ours with garden-fresh tomato slices on the side!
Provided by Southern Living Editors
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Make the mayo mixture. In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, diced pimiento, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, and ground red pepper until blended.
- Toast the pecans. Toasting brings out the rich flavor of the nuts. Preheat your oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. (Stirring helps to ensure even browning.)
- Shred the cheese. Trust us - texture matters. Using the small side of a box grater, finely shred extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. Then use the large side of the grater to coarsely shred sharp Cheddar cheese. Fresh cheese makes a difference.
- Stir and enjoy. Add pecans and shredded cheeses to mayo mixture, stirring until blended. You can store it in the refrigerator up to 1 week. Serve with celery sticks and assorted crackers, or make a grilled pimento cheese sandwich in a skillet or panini press.
EASY PIMIENTO CHEESE
Every good Southerner has their own easy pimiento cheese recipe. It's wonderful on crackers, in a sandwich with a fresh summer tomato, inside a grilled cheese sandwich or plain with some crackers. -Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 15m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients. Add cheeses and stir to combine. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 calories, Fat 23g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 29mg cholesterol, Sodium 286mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 7g protein.
SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE
This wonderful version of pimento cheese can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches, as a spread for crackers, or served alongside your favorite fried green tomatoes.
Provided by QUEENREYNEY
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes Cold Cheese Dip Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place the Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, minced jalapeno, and pimento into the large bowl of a mixer. Beat at medium speed, with paddle if possible, until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 207.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 44.2 mg, Fat 19.9 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 229 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
QUICK AND EASY PIMENTO CHEESE
I just threw this together one day for a party where I knew there wouldn't be any sandwiches for us non meat eaters. Definitely not for the Vegan. This is a quick and yummy alternative to store bought pimento cheese spread.
Provided by PLUVOID
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian
Time 5m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a medium bowl combine Cheddar cheese, Colby cheese, pimentos, creamy salad dressing, salt and pepper. Add more or less creamy salad dressing to achieve desired texture. Mix well.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 315.6 calories, Carbohydrate 6.2 g, Cholesterol 65.8 mg, Fat 26 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 14.1 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 583.3 mg, Sugar 4.8 g
EASY PIMENTO CHEESE
Provided by Sunny Anderson
Categories appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, combine cheeses, pimentos and pimento juice, onion, mayonnaise, garlic, paprika, and celery seed. Mix well and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Transfer the cheese spread to a serving bowl and serve with the bread.
PIMIENTO AND CHEESE SPREAD
This pimiento and cheese spread is a spicy, modern version of my mother's delicious recipe. Serve it stuffed in celery or spread on crackers or a sandwich. -Elizabeth Hester, Elizabethtown, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 15m
Yield 2-3/4 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Shred cheese; transfer to a large bowl. Add cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne; beat on low speed until blended. Drain pimientos, reserving 2 tablespoons juice. Stir in pimientos and reserved juice. Serve with crackers and vegetables.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 90 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 150mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 5g protein.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use a sharp cheddar cheese.
- If you don't have any pimentos, you can substitute roasted red peppers.
- Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- For a creamy spread, add some cream cheese or sour cream.
- Serve pimento cheese with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Pimento cheese is a delicious and versatile Southern spread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its creamy texture and sharp flavor, pimento cheese is a perfect appetizer or snack. It can also be used as a sandwich spread or dip. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, pimento cheese is sure to be a hit. Pimento cheese is a classic Southern dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great appetizer or snack, and it can also be used as a sandwich spread or dip. Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, so be sure to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find the perfect combination for you. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy appetizer or snack, give pimento cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!
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