Patrick Oconnell
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple and a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways. It is a creamy spread made by combining shredded cheese, chopped pimentos, and mayonnaise, along with seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. The key to a great pimento cheese is using a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese and freshly grated cheese for the best texture. Pimento cheese can be served as a dip with crackers or vegetables, used as a sandwich spread or filling, or added to dishes like mac and cheese, scrambled eggs, or grilled chicken for an extra burst of flavour. With its tangy and mildly spicy notes, pimento cheese is a delightful addition to any meal or gathering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Condiment, spread, dip, sandwich filling, topping |
| Flavour | Tangy, mildly spicy, creamy, rich, smoky |
| Texture | Creamy, spreadable |
| Colour | Red flecks from pimentos |
| Ingredients | Cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, cream cheese, spices, seasonings |
| Cheese Type | Sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar, smoked Gouda, Irish White Cheddar, Greek cream cheese |
| Spices and Seasonings | Salt, pepper, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, dill, adobo sauce, Dijon mustard |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, bread, bagels, pita chips, celery sticks, red peppers, hamburgers, chicken, broccoli, eggs, sausages, hash browns, mac and cheese |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
As a dip with crackers, pretzel chips, or veggies
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple and a versatile delicacy that can be served as a dip with crackers, pretzel chips, or veggies. Here are some tips and suggestions for serving pimento cheese in this style:
Choosing the Right Crackers
While pimento cheese can be served with a variety of crackers, there are a few types that are particularly well-suited to this dip. Saltines, for example, are a great option as they have a neutral flavour and a crispy texture that is perfect for spreading or scooping. They also provide just the right amount of saltiness to enhance the pimento cheese. Alternatively, water crackers or rustic whole wheat flatbreads dipped in herbs and flaky salt can also be used. These options offer a contrasting texture and flavour that complements the creaminess of the pimento cheese.
Pretzel Chips and Other Options
In addition to crackers, pretzel chips or soft pretzels are excellent choices for dipping into pimento cheese. The salty, chewy texture of pretzels pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese dip. For a more indulgent option, you can melt the pimento cheese and use it as a dip for pretzel bites or even a pretzel bagel.
Vegetables
Pimento cheese also goes well with a variety of vegetables. You can serve it with celery sticks, either classic or "ants on a log" style with raisins. Other popular choices include sliced cucumbers, sweet mini peppers, cherry tomatoes, and green onions. Pimento cheese can also be used as a dip for fried green tomatoes or served alongside a variety of other vegetables of your choice.
Customization and Presentation
Pimento cheese can be customized to your taste preferences by adding various ingredients. For a spicier version, you can include jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Freshly grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos are the traditional base ingredients, but you can also experiment with additional ingredients like cream cheese, Greek yogurt, spices, pickles, or sweet pickle relish. When serving, consider garnishing your pimento cheese dip with ingredients such as paprika or green onions for added flavour and visual appeal.
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As a sandwich filling or topping
Pimento cheese is a popular sandwich filling or topping, especially in the Southern US, where it is sometimes called the "pâté of the south". It is commonly served as a simple sandwich between two slices of soft white bread.
You can also make a grilled pimento cheese sandwich by spreading the pimento cheese evenly over one slice of bread, topping it with a second slice, and spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich before toasting it in a skillet or on a griddle. Cook over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
For a more indulgent option, try a pressed pimento cheese sandwich made in a panini press. You can also make a quesadilla by using tortillas instead of bread and serving it hot with jalapeños or Sriracha for an extra kick.
If you're looking for a more substantial sandwich, try adding pimento cheese to a fried chicken sandwich or a BLT. You can also add toppings such as lettuce, tomato, bacon, or avocado to your pimento cheese sandwich for added texture and flavour.
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In mac and cheese
Using Pimento Cheese in Mac and Cheese
Pimento mac and cheese is a combination of two Southern comfort dishes: pimento cheese and mac and cheese. Pimento cheese is a spread for sandwiches, crackers, and vegetables, made with shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and pimientos. It is rich, creamy, and tangy.
To make pimento mac and cheese, you can either use store-bought pimento cheese or make your own from scratch. Most store-bought varieties contain only mayonnaise as the binder, so the mac and cheese will not have the same tang as a recipe with cream cheese and other cheeses.
- Preheat your oven to between 325°F and 400°F.
- Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Make a white sauce or a cheese sauce. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir to combine. Whisk in milk a little at a time and continue to whisk until all the milk has been added and the ingredients are blended and smooth. Continue to simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, cream cheese, salt & pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Keep stirring until all the cheeses are melted and incorporated.
- Add the cooked macaroni and the pimentos to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. You can top the mac and cheese with more shredded cheese or cracker crumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.
If you want to make the dish spicy, you can add hot paprika, hot sauce, or Worcestershire sauce.
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As a topping for burgers, chicken, or BBQ
Pimento cheese is a popular topping for burgers, especially in Columbia, South Carolina, where it is often called a "PC burger". The creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy cheese spread blends beautifully with the charred beef, adding so much flavour to the burger that you may not need ketchup or mustard.
To make a pimento cheese burger, you can start by making the pimento cheese spread. For this, you will need shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Combine these ingredients in a bowl and set them aside. Next, form your beef patties and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like Worcestershire sauce or Old Bay Seasoning to amp up the flavour.
Once your patties are ready, fire up your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Grill or fry the burgers for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit for a medium burger. When the burgers are almost done, top each patty with a generous spoonful of pimento cheese and allow it to melt.
To assemble the burger, spread some pimento cheese on the bottom bun, followed by lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings. Place the burger patty on top, add more cheese if desired, and then cover with the top bun. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and enjoy the ultimate cheeseburger experience!
In addition to burgers, pimento cheese can also be used as a topping for chicken or BBQ. It can be slathered on grilled chicken sandwiches, adding a creamy and tangy dimension to the classic sandwich. For BBQ, pimento cheese can be served as a side dip for grilled meats or vegetables. The slightly spicy and creamy cheese pairs well with the smokey flavours of BBQ, offering a unique and delicious contrast.
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As a filling for stuffed vegetables
Pimento cheese is a versatile Southern staple that can be used as a filling for stuffed vegetables. It is a creamy spread made by combining shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimentos, along with various seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
One popular way to use pimento cheese as a vegetable filling is to make stuffed mini peppers. This simple recipe only requires a few ingredients: sweet mini peppers, pimento cheese spread, and cilantro. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick spray. Cut the mini peppers in half, remove the seeds and ribs, and stuff each half with pimento cheese. Place the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until softened. For an extra touch, broil them for an additional minute. Top with fresh chopped cilantro and serve warm.
You can also get creative and experiment with different types of peppers or vegetables to stuff with pimento cheese. Try using bell peppers, celery sticks, or even hollowed-out tomatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, add some minced jalapeños or chopped green onions to your pimento cheese mixture for an extra kick.
When making your pimento cheese, it's important to use high-quality, freshly grated sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. You can also add cream cheese to make the spread extra rich and creamy. Don't forget to season to your taste preferences!
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Frequently asked questions
Pimento cheese is a creamy spread or dip made by combining shredded cheese, chopped pimentos, and mayonnaise. Various seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and cream cheese are often added to enhance the flavour and texture.
Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It is commonly used as a dip with crackers, pretzel chips, or vegetables like celery sticks and sliced peppers. It can also be spread on sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, or used as a filling in stuffed vegetables or mac and cheese.
It is recommended to use a high-quality, sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese for pimento cheese. Grating the cheese yourself from a fresh block is preferable to using pre-shredded cheese, as it ensures a better texture and avoids dry ingredients.
Yes, pimento cheese can be made ahead of time and stored. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator if covered and stored properly. It can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Absolutely! Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be customised with various ingredients. Some popular additions include grilled peppers, jalapenos, Greek yogurt, garlic, onion, cream cheese, and spices. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour.
