**Pimento Cheese: A Southern Delight**
Pimento cheese, a Southern staple and party favorite, is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful spread made from shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and a blend of seasonings. Its origins can be traced back to the early 1900s in the Appalachian region of the United States, and it has since become a beloved dish across the country. This versatile spread can be enjoyed as a dip with crackers or vegetables, as a sandwich filling, or even as a topping for burgers and hot dogs. With its rich and savory flavor, pimento cheese is sure to be a hit at any gathering. This article provides three unique recipes for pimento cheese: a classic version, a spicy version, and a vegetarian version. Each recipe offers a slightly different take on this Southern classic, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy.
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.
PIMIENTO CHEESE SPREAD
Steps:
- Puree 1/3 cup sliced pimientos (drained) in a blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Add 3 cups finely grated sharp cheddar and beat with a mixer until combined. Beat in 1/4 cup mayonnaise.
SOUTHERN PIMIENTO CHEESE SPREAD
A classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. -Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 10m
Yield 1-1/4 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Combine cheese, pimientos and mayonnaise. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with crackers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 116 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 144mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.
THE LEE BROTHERS' PIMENTO CHEESE
A decidedly Southern spread with Northern roots, pimento cheese is a simple mix of Cheddar, red bell pepper and mayonnaise that can be found on sandwiches from work sites to garden parties across the 16 states below the Mason-Dixon line. This recipe came to The Times from the Charleston, S.C.-bred cookbook authors and occasional contributors to The Times Matt Lee and Ted Lee.
Provided by The New York Times
Categories quick, dips and spreads
Time 5m
Yield About 1 1/2 cups, enough for 4 sandwiches
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, place the cheddar cheese in an even layer. Scatter the cream cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise and chile flakes over the cheddar cheese. Using a spatula, mix the pimento cheese until it is smooth and spreadable, about 1 1/2 minutes.
- Transfer the pimento cheese to a plastic container or bowl, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Pimento cheese keeps in the refrigerator for 1 week.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 240, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 320 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your pimento cheese spread.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the flavor and texture of your spread.
- Use a variety of cheeses. This will add depth and complexity to the flavor of your spread.
- Don't overmix the spread. Overmixing can make the spread rubbery.
- Let the spread chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve the spread with a variety of crackers, vegetables, or bread.
Conclusion:
John's Pimento Cheese Spread is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, a snack, or a sandwich spread, this recipe is sure to please everyone. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy recipe that's packed with flavor, give John's Pimento Cheese Spread a try.
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