In the realm of Southern cuisine, pimento cheese stands as a culinary treasure, a delectable spread that has captivated taste buds for generations. This creamy, tangy, and utterly addictive concoction, crafted from a harmonious blend of sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, pimentos, and a symphony of seasonings, is a versatile culinary chameleon, gracing sandwiches, crackers, and vegetable platters with equal aplomb.
This article presents a curated collection of pimento cheese recipes that traverse the spectrum of flavors, from classic iterations to contemporary twists that push the boundaries of this Southern staple. Whether you seek the comforting familiarity of Mrs. Mabel's Authentic Southern Pimento Cheese, with its time-honored balance of tang and creaminess, or crave the piquant allure of the Spicy Pimento Cheese, infused with a fiery kick, these recipes will guide you towards pimento cheese perfection.
For those with a penchant for culinary exploration, the article offers a delightful array of variations that redefine the boundaries of this classic spread. The Pimento Cheese with Bacon and Roasted Red Peppers introduces a smoky, savory dimension, while the Pimento Cheese with Herbs and Goat Cheese adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. And for those seeking a lighter, yet equally flavorful option, the Reduced-Fat Pimento Cheese provides a guilt-free indulgence.
With its comprehensive collection of recipes, this article serves as an indispensable guide to crafting the perfect pimento cheese, a Southern delicacy that has captured hearts and palates across generations. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich heritage and boundless creativity of this iconic spread.
SOUTHERN PIMIENTO CHEESE RECIPE
There's one remarkable spread that holds a treasured spot at every Southern table; the legendary pimiento cheese spread. It's a beloved, tried-and-true dish that everyone loves. Whip up a batch of this creamy cheese and stick it in the fridge until guests come over. Our recipe is pretty straight forward, we use two types of cheese: sharp cheddar and sharp white cheddar to create this colorful cheese concoction. But there is one thing that makes our pimiento cheese stand out: the addition of dill pickle juice. Don't knock it until you try it. This tangy addition will win over even the non-pickle eaters. It's important to use a high-quality mayonnaise to bind all of these ingredients together (our personal favorite is Duke's). This loveable spread comes together in just 10 short minutes. It's versatile enough to be served as an appetizer with crackers and celery or can be transformed into a creamy pimento cheese sandwich. The options are truly endless with this one-of-a-kind Southern Pimiento Cheese recipe.
Provided by Southern Living Editors
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir again and add more mayonnaise if needed, as cheese will absorb mayonnaise during refrigeration. Add salt, pepper or cayenne if desired.
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
PIMENTO CHEESE, AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN STYLE
Growing up, all of the ladies in my Southern family used to make and serve it to us kids smushed between two slices of white bread. (Ritz Crackers were fancy and for company only.) My Mama & Papa (Grandparents) owned the largest catering business and several restaurants in Jacksonville, Florida. I called my Mom to get the exact recipe. I wanted the familiarity of fishing with a cane pole, cork bobbers and mushed bread for bait on Dunn's Creek in Palatka with dirty hands and a pimento cheese sandwich. It really is delicious.
Provided by SparkleKristy
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 4 16oz jelly jars
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Rough cut all blocks of cheese into chunks about the size of a 50 cent piece.
- In your food processor with the regular blade, chop the extra sharp cheddar. You may have to do this in batches so you don't get a big lump. Return any removed cheese to the processing bowl and add a couple dollops of mayo and one jar of very well drained pimentos and whir up until blended nicely.
- Scrape the sharp cheddar, mayonnaise and pimento mixture into a large bowl.
- Change your blade to the shredding blade. Shred both the Colby and the sharp cheddar in batches. Put in a separate bowl. (Again, batches will be necessary.).
- Add the shredded cheese to the whirred up cheese folding it in a little at a time. Alternating with dollops of mayo and more of the drained pimentos. Lastly, stir in a smidge of cayenne. You don't want it to be hot, just have personality.
- Don't over stir to mush, but make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Some notes:.
- **Yes, one could use Hellman's instead. But please, no Miracle Whip. Also, no low fat or light mayo. Your already eating a ton of cheese, that light mayo won't help you any.
- **Serve on very fresh white bread or Ritz Crackers if you are feeling fancy or are serving company. One piece of bread folded in half will transport you home, I'm sure. Yes, you could use anything else you like. It's great by the finger full, on hot dogs, hamburgers and crudités too.).
- **If you can't find the chopped pimentos. Go ahead and buy the fancy jarred red bell peppers, drain them well and chop / shred them in the food processor. They are the same thing, just more expensive.
- **This stays good in the refrigerator for up to a month. (If it lasts that long.) Even with mayo? Yes -- How long do you keep your mayonnaise jar in the fridge? Ya'll will know when it's gone bad; the green furry stuff will take over. If it has just a little though, you can scrape it off and its fine. (Now the Food Safety people may disagree with me here, but it never killed any of us, so it's up to you.)
- **This makes four (4) 16oz Ball jelly jars. Enough to keep and some to share.
- **Please, for the love of God above -- don't buy pre-shredded cheese. It is too expensive and has extra ingredients in it that keep the shreds separate. 1 cup by volume of shredded cheese is not the same as 8oz of weight. You could go ALLLLL authentic and grate by hand with a box grater and work off some of the calories you'll eat when tasting for perfection. It's tough though. Please, beg, borrow or all but steal to get a food processor for this one.
- **The mix of cheeses is as similar as you can get to the old government cheese from which this recipe was initially invented. We were just fortunate enough not to be on the list for those 10lb blocks of cheese, but one would find this mixture very similar.
- ** There is no cream cheese in this recipe. You get the creaminess from the way you process the extra sharp cheddar.
- **Fancy cheese is not necessary. Get generic, it's perfectly fine.
- **If you've ever had the kind in the jar and hated it, no worries. This is totally different. That other stuff is chemical in a jar.
- **Please, enjoy with your choice of a Mason jar of sweet tea, some very sweet red Kool-Aid or fruit punch Fla-Vor-Aid! I hope if your familar that it take you back. If it's new to you -- it can be a new tradition. It's like grilled cheese without the grill.
- Lip Smack -- ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy mayonnaise will make all the difference in the flavor of your pimento cheese.
- Don't overcook the vegetables. They should be tender but still have a little bit of crunch.
- Let the pimento cheese chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve pimento cheese with crackers, vegetables, or bread. It's also a great addition to sandwiches and wraps.
Conclusion:
Mrs. Mable's Authentic Southern Pimento Cheese is a classic recipe that is sure to please everyone. With its creamy texture, sharp cheddar flavor, and hint of spice, this pimento cheese is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a party, potluck, or just enjoying it at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy appetizer, give Mrs. Mable's Authentic Southern Pimento Cheese a try!
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