Patrick Oconnell
Pimento cheese is a popular snack food in the American South, with a creamy, spreadable texture and a flavourful kick. The recipe is a source of pride for many Southerners, each of whom has their own variation on the real pimento cheese. This cheesy dip is made with a combination of cheeses, pimentos, mayonnaise, and other ingredients, and can be served with crackers or vegetables, or spread on a sandwich. But how many calories are in homemade pimento cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1 oz of pimento cheese contains 106 calories. Cheddar cheese (1 oz) contains 114 calories, Kraft Mayo Light Mayonnaise (1 tbsp) contains 35 calories, and pimentos (14.18 grams) contain 3 calories. |
| Macronutrients | Pimento cheese is composed of 2% carbs, 75% fat, and 24% protein. |
| Serving Suggestions | Pimento cheese can be served as a dip with crackers or vegetables, used as a sandwich spread, stuffed in burgers, or grilled atop a burger. |
| Storage | Pimento cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days but is not recommended for freezing. |
| Variations | Pimento cheese can be made with different types of cheese, such as cream cheese or a combination of cheddar and pepper Jack. Some people add ingredients like crumbled bacon, olives, dried onion, or house seasoning salts. |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in cheddar cheese
The calorie count of cheese depends on the type of cheese, the fat content of the milk used, how it's processed, and its age. Harder cheeses like cheddar tend to have higher calories than softer cheeses.
Cheddar cheese is calorie-dense, which increases its satiation factor. An ounce of cheddar cheese contains 114 calories. Cheddar is also a great source of protein, with 7 grams per ounce. This accounts for more than 30% of the cheese's calories.
Despite its high-calorie count, new research suggests that the saturated fat in whole foods like cheese may not have the detrimental effects on heart health previously believed. In fact, removing fat from dairy products may make them more likely to cause weight gain, making full-fat cheese a better choice for weight management.
Cheddar cheese also offers several nutritional benefits. An ounce provides 200mg of calcium (20% of your daily value), 10% of your daily vitamin A recommendation, 14% phosphorus, and small amounts of zinc, selenium, and riboflavin. However, it is relatively high in sodium, with 190mg per ounce.
Overall, while cheddar cheese is high in calories, it can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
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Calories in mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a famously fatty condiment, and its calorie count can vary depending on the type and brand. One tablespoon (tbsp) of regular mayonnaise with salt contains approximately 94 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 0.3% carbs, 99% fat, and 1% protein. The same amount of light mayonnaise, which has one-third fewer calories, contains 35 calories. Reduced-fat mayonnaise options are also available, typically containing 25% less cholesterol and 2 grams of saturated fat or less compared to their full-fat counterparts. Per tablespoon, reduced-fat mayonnaise provides 25 calories and 2 grams of fat, with no saturated fat.
For specific types of reduced-fat mayonnaise, the calorie counts differ slightly. Canola oil mayonnaise and avocado oil mayonnaise contain 100 calories per tablespoon, with 11 grams of fat and 0.5 grams and 1.5 grams of saturated fat, respectively. On the other hand, reduced-fat olive oil mayonnaise has a lower calorie count of 45 calories per tablespoon, with 4 grams of fat and no saturated fat.
When it comes to homemade pimento cheese, the calorie contribution of mayonnaise is significant. In a recipe for homemade pimento cheese, one tablespoon of light mayonnaise (Kraft Mayo Light) contributes 35 calories per serving. This lighter option helps reduce the overall calorie count of the dish without compromising flavour.
While mayonnaise is indeed a fatty and calorie-dense food, it can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Instead of using excessive amounts, sticking to a recommended serving size of one tablespoon per person can help manage calorie intake. Additionally, for those conscious of their calorie intake or seeking alternatives, various light and reduced-fat mayonnaise options are available in the market. These alternatives offer lower calorie counts while retaining the flavour and mouthfeel that mayonnaise lovers enjoy.
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Calories in pimentos
Pimento cheese is a popular spread and dip in the American South, with a variety of recipes and strong personal preferences. The calorie count of homemade pimento cheese depends on the ingredients used and their quantities.
A typical recipe for homemade pimento cheese includes cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. Cheddar cheese contributes the most calories, with 114 calories per ounce. Mayonnaise also adds calories, with 35 calories per tablespoon of light mayonnaise. Pimentos themselves have very few calories, with only 3 calories per 14.18 grams.
The macronutrient breakdown of pimento cheese is mostly fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates. In a typical recipe, the cheese and mayonnaise contribute the majority of the calories, while the pimentos add flavour and texture with minimal caloric impact.
The calorie count can be adjusted by altering the quantities of the ingredients. For example, using a smaller amount of cheese or mayonnaise would reduce the overall calorie count. Additionally, using low-calorie or light versions of the ingredients, such as light mayonnaise, can also reduce the calorie content.
It's important to note that the calorie information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and measurements used in different recipes. The nutritional value of pimento cheese can also be enhanced by adding ingredients like crumbled bacon, olives, dried onion, or house seasoning salts.
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Nutritional value
Pimento cheese is a popular spread and dip in the American South, with a creamy texture and a lot of flavours. It is made with a combination of cheeses, mayonnaise, and pimentos, which are mild peppers that are usually sold in jars. The nutritional value of homemade pimento cheese will depend on the ingredients used and their quantities.
A recipe that uses cheddar cheese, Kraft Mayo Light Mayonnaise, and pimentos has the following nutritional values per serving: 114 calories from cheddar cheese (1 oz), 35 calories from mayonnaise (1 tbsp), and 3 calories from pimentos (14.18 grams). This gives a total of approximately 152 calories per serving, excluding any other ingredients that may be added.
The macronutrient breakdown for pimento cheese is generally high in fat and protein, with a smaller proportion of carbohydrates. For example, 1 oz of pimento cheese (pasteurized process) contains 106 calories, with 75% from fat, 24% from protein, and 2% from carbohydrates.
The nutritional value of homemade pimento cheese can be adjusted by using different types of cheese, mayonnaise, or additional ingredients. Some variations include using a combination of cheddar and pepper Jack cheese, cream cheese, or adding ingredients like crumbled bacon, olives, dried onion, or seasoning salts. The choice of mayonnaise can also impact the nutritional value, as some brands may have added sugars or other ingredients.
It is important to note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in a homemade recipe. The nutritional content of pimento cheese can be adjusted to fit within specific dietary needs or preferences by modifying the ingredients accordingly.
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Variations of pimento cheese
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that is often served as a spread on crackers or celery, scooped onto corn chips or tortilla chips, or served as a sandwich filling. It can also be mixed with mashed yolks for deviled eggs, added to grits, or used as a topping for hamburgers or hotdogs. Here are some variations of pimento cheese:
Spicy Pimento Cheese
For those who like their food with a kick, jalapeños are a popular addition to pimento cheese. Roasting the jalapeño before adding it to the mixture can enhance the flavour. Other spices and seasonings that can be added include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. A splash of Sriracha can also be added for extra heat.
Creamy Pimento Cheese
Some pimento cheese recipes include cream cheese, which enhances the flavour of the cheddar and ensures that the spread is tangy and creamy. Mayonnaise can also be added to lend a silky texture and additional flavour.
Regional Variations
Regional ingredients can be added to pimento cheese to create unique flavours. For example, horseradish, Louisiana-style hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onions, garlic, and dill pickles can be added to give the pimento cheese a distinct flavour profile.
Pimento Cheese Dishes
Pimento cheese can be used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. It can be added to mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or grilled cheese sandwiches. It can also be served alongside fried green tomatoes or used as a topping for bagels, with extra shredded cheddar melted on top.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 114 calories per serving of homemade pimento cheese, which includes 1 oz of cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp of light mayonnaise, and 14.18 grams of pimentos.
Pimento cheese is a spreadable dip or sandwich filling that is popular in the American South. It is made with a base of cream cheese or cheddar cheese, to which pimentos (a type of mild pepper) are added, along with other ingredients such as mayonnaise, garlic powder, and sometimes bacon or olives.
1 oz of pimento cheese contains approximately 106 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 2% carbs, 75% fat, and 24% protein.
Homemade pimento cheese will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if stored in a tightly covered container. Freezing is not recommended.
