Kamil Perry
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty that is traditionally made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways. You can use it as a spread for crackers or sandwiches, a dip for vegetables, or a topping for burgers, chicken, or BBQ. It can also be added to mac and cheese or served with fried green tomatoes. For a spicy kick, include jalapeños or cayenne pepper in your pimento cheese spread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Consistency | Spreadable, creamy, fluffy, thick |
| Flavour | Tangy, peppery, spicy, salty, cheesy |
| Colour | Reddish hue |
| Ingredients | Cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, jalapeños, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, pickle juice, scallions, fresh dill, paprika, hot sauce |
| Serving suggestions | Crackers, crudités, sandwiches, grilled cheese, burgers, chicken, pulled pork, fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese, potato chips, celery, red peppers, white bread |
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What You'll Learn
As a dip with potato chips or crackers
Pimento cheese spread is a popular dish in the southern United States, often referred to as "caviar" or "pâté of the South". It is a versatile dish that can be served as a dip with potato chips or crackers, as a spread, or as a filling. Here are some ways to serve pimento cheese spread as a dip with potato chips or crackers:
Potato Chips
Pimento cheese spread can be served as a dip with potato chips, also known as crisps in British English. This combination is a classic Southern way to enjoy the spread. When serving with potato chips, it is recommended to use old-fashioned ridged potato chips or even truffle potato chips. For those who enjoy spicy food, ghost pepper potato chips or salt and vinegar chips can be a tasty pairing.
Crackers
Pimento cheese spread is commonly served with crackers, and the type of cracker can vary depending on personal preference. Here are some specific types of crackers that are commonly paired with pimento cheese spread:
- Saltines: These are widely recommended as the best cracker to pair with pimento cheese spread. They have a crispy yet not too sturdy texture that is perfect for spreading or scooping.
- Sourdough crackers: These crackers provide a tangy flavour that can complement the spread.
- Ritz crackers: These are mentioned as a possible pairing for pimento cheese spread.
- Wheat thins: These crackers are thin and crispy, which can be ideal for spreading or scooping the spread.
- Water crackers: These crackers have a neutral flavour that can complement the spread without overwhelming it.
- Rustic whole wheat flatbreads: This type of cracker provides a heartier base for the spread and can be dipped in herbs and flaky salt for added flavour.
- Buttery club crackers: The buttery flavour of these crackers can add a rich dimension to the pimento cheese spread.
- Pita chips: These chips (or crisps) are made from pita bread and provide a crunchy texture to contrast with the creamy spread.
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In a grilled cheese sandwich
Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that's traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with pimento cheese, you can use any bread you like, such as white, wheat, gluten-free, sourdough, or even a bread roll. You can prepare the pimento cheese spread ahead of time (it lasts in the fridge for up to one week), but you should spread it onto the bread and grill the sandwich right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making a grilled pimento cheese sandwich:
- Heat a skillet or cast iron griddle over medium-low heat.
- Spread the pimento cheese evenly over one slice of bread.
- Top with a second slice of bread.
- Thinly spread the top and bottom of the sandwich with mayonnaise or butter.
- Place the sandwich on the heated skillet or griddle.
- Cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
You can also add extra ingredients to your grilled pimento cheese sandwich. Some suggestions include sliced tomato, crispy bacon, grilled ham, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
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As a topping for burgers
Pimento cheese spread is a popular topping for burgers in and around Columbia, South Carolina, where it is often called a "PC burger". The creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy spread is made with cheddar, pimentos, mayo, and spices. When dolloped on a hot grilled patty, the cheese spread melts beautifully, blending with the charred beef to create a flavourful burger.
To make the pimento cheese spread, mix together the cheddar, mayonnaise, onion, pimentos, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper according to your taste. You can also add other ingredients like cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dijon mustard, and Cayenne pepper.
For the beef patties, season the ground beef with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like Old Bay Seasoning, R Butts R Smokin’ R Beef Rub, or a combination of salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form the seasoned beef into patties. Grill the patties on a charcoal or gas grill, or in a cast-iron skillet, until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Finally, assemble the burger by spreading 2-3 tablespoons of the pimento cheese spread on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings, such as onion, pickles, or bacon. Place the beef patty on top and add another dollop of the pimento cheese spread. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately while the burger is still hot.
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In a classic sandwich
Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that's traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's commonly served as a sandwich filling. You can make a simple pimento cheese sandwich on white sandwich bread, or you can elevate it by grilling it. Here's how:
Preparation
You can prepare the pimento cheese spread ahead of time; it lasts in the fridge for up to one week. However, you should spread it onto the bread and grill the sandwich right before serving, otherwise, your bread will be very soggy.
Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Pimentos
- Minced jalapeño (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
Method
Place the Cheddar in an even layer in a large mixing bowl. Scatter the cream cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and seasonings over the Cheddar. Using a spatula, mix the pimento cheese until it is smooth and spreadable.
Assembly
Butter one side of your bread (some people butter both sides of the bread, which is also an option) and place it butter-side-down in a pan. Spread the pimento cheese onto the slice. Place the other slice of bread (butter one or both sides) on top and allow the bottom slice to brown. Brown both sides to perfection.
Variations
You can add some crispy bacon, grilled ham, sliced tomato, and/or jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also add sliced cucumber (or dill pickles), sprouts or arugula, and even a fried egg to build a more substantial sandwich.
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As a spread on a smash burger
Pimento cheese spread is a popular topping for smash burgers in the southern United States, particularly in North Carolina and South Carolina. It is often called a "PC burger" in Columbia, South Carolina, where it is a common menu item.
To make the pimento cheese spread, you will need the following ingredients:
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Mayonnaise
- Pimento peppers, drained and chopped
- Cayenne pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional ingredients include:
- Worcestershire sauce
- White cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, or gouda
- Piquillo peppers, roasted red peppers, or pickled peppadews (as substitutes for pimentos)
- Chopped pickled jalapeños or hot sauce
- Chopped scallions or fresh dill
- Cream cheese
Combine the cheese, mayonnaise, and any other soft ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Add the pimentos and any other solid mix-ins, and season with cayenne and salt (and black pepper, if desired). Stir until well combined. You can chill the spread for at least 30 minutes before using, or even make it several days in advance.
To assemble the smash burger, divide the meat into 8 portions and form each portion into a loosely packed round, similar to a meatball. Heat a grill to two-zone cooking and toast the burger buns over high heat, setting them aside when they're ready. Heat a large griddle or skillet over direct heat and add two beef rounds to the skillet at a time, seasoning each with salt. When some fat has pooled at the bottom of the burgers, use a large flat spatula to press down hard on each patty for 2 minutes. The burgers should be super thin and wider than the bun. When the juices in the middle of the burgers start to bubble up, flip the burgers and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Top each patty with a generous spoonful of pimento cheese, stack two patties together, and add the top and bottom buns.
You can also add other toppings to your smash burger, such as lettuce, tomato, bacon, or pickles.
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