Kamil Perry
Cheese pimiento is a popular dish in the Philippines and the US. It is a combination of cheese and pimiento peppers, along with other ingredients, that create a spread that can be used in sandwiches, as a dip, or as a topping for grilled meats. The spread is creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet, with a vibrant colour and bold flavours. In its most basic form, it is made with cheddar cheese, pimiento peppers, and mayonnaise. However, there are many variations and additional ingredients that can be added to suit one's taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Southern, Filipino |
| Ingredients | Sharp cheddar cheese, pimiento peppers, mayonnaise, jalapeños, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, green olives, cream cheese, blue cheese, garlic powder, Sriracha, olive oil, evaporated milk |
| Preparation | Grate the cheese, add the pimiento peppers and other ingredients, mix together |
| Serving suggestions | Sandwiches, crackers, grilled meats, toast, chips, veggies, bagels, burgers, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes |
| Storage | Can be frozen for up to three months, can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
The choice of cheese is a key factor in making a delicious pimiento spread. While the classic combination is sharp cheddar cheese, pimiento peppers, and mayonnaise, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred taste and texture.
Cheddar cheese is the traditional choice for pimiento spread, and it is important to select a sharp variety to ensure a robust flavour. Freshly grated cheese is also recommended, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the spread. If you are using a food processor to grate the cheese, be sure to use a hand grater for the best results.
Some cooks choose to mix cheddar with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and cream cheese, to create a smoother and milder flavour profile. However, others argue that these milder cheeses can dilute the overall taste, resulting in a blander spread. If you want to add a sharper edge to your pimiento spread, consider adding some blue cheese, which melts perfectly when used in toasted sandwiches.
For those who are unable to consume cow's milk dairy, there are alternative options. Goat cheese, specifically English goat cheddar, can be a delicious substitute, providing a unique twist on the traditional pimiento spread.
Additionally, Filipino-style pimiento spreads often feature mild or red cheddar cheese, contributing to the creamy and cheesy characteristics of this variety. Ultimately, you can use your favourite brand or variety of cheddar cheese, as the spread is versatile and can accommodate different types of cheese.
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Preparing the pimiento peppers
Pimiento peppers are small red peppers that are not spicy. They are often called cherry peppers when sold fresh in grocery stores. Pimiento peppers are even milder than red bell peppers. You may recognise them as the little red peppers stuffed inside green olives.
When preparing the pimiento peppers, it is important to ensure they are well-drained. You can purchase diced pimientos, or chop up the sliced or whole ones. If you are using jarred pimiento peppers, you can save the jar, which is perfect for storing and serving your cheese pimiento.
To prepare the peppers, you can roast them to bring out their flavour. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce to taste. If you want to add a little extra, you can include a few chopped green olives, but don't stray too far, or it won't be pimiento cheese anymore.
Once you have prepared your pimiento peppers, you can add them to a bowl with the grated cheese and other ingredients, and mix together.
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Adding spices and condiments
The basic ingredients for a cheese pimiento are sharp cheddar cheese, pimiento peppers, and mayonnaise. However, you can add spices and condiments to elevate your dish.
You can add a dash of garlic powder, a pinch of cayenne, or a few chopped green olives, but don't go overboard with the embellishments. You could also add a few dashes of hot sauce, such as Frank's Hot Sauce, to give it a kick. If you're omitting jalapeños, add a bit more cayenne or black pepper to compensate. You can also roast the jalapeño before adding it to your cheese pimiento. If you like your dish extra spicy, add a splash of Sriracha.
If you're making a Filipino-style cheese pimiento spread, you can add a little sweetness with some evap milk. This spread is usually made with mild or red cheddar cheese, but you can use your favourite brand of cheddar.
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Mixing the ingredients
To make a classic pimiento cheese spread, you'll need sharp cheddar cheese, pimiento peppers, and mayonnaise. You can also add a dash of garlic powder, cayenne, or a few chopped green olives. Some people like to add cream cheese, jalapeños, or roasted red peppers for extra flavour.
Before you begin, make sure to grate the cheddar cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that will prevent your pimiento cheese from achieving the correct texture. You can use a food processor to grate the cheese, but a hand grater is easier to clean.
Once you have grated your cheese, it's time to mix the ingredients. Place the cheese in a medium bowl and add the diced pimientos, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of garlic powder, cayenne, or chopped green olives if you like. Mix everything together with a fork. Mixing with a fork will help to retain the texture of the shredded cheese.
If you're making a Filipino-style pimiento cheese spread, you'll add all the ingredients to a saucepan and heat them over low heat until they're melted. Then, let the mixture cool down before transferring it to a sterilized jar. This spread will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, but it will harden, so you'll need to bring it to room temperature or heat it in the microwave before serving.
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Serving suggestions
Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It is a popular dip for crackers, vegetables, or bread. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or grilled cheese. For a more substantial meal, it can be served with fried green tomatoes or on a burger.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try spreading it on a buttermilk biscuit with a swipe of pepper jelly. Or, for a true Southern experience, serve it on a soft white bread sandwich. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add some jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix.
Pimento cheese can also be served as part of a platter with small hollowed-out peppers, carrot and celery sticks, and olives. It can be a great addition to a potluck or get-together, and it can be made ahead of time, stored in an airtight container, and served at room temperature.
For a lighter option, pimento cheese can be paired with white cheddar rice cakes, providing a low-carb, high-flavor combination.
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