Frederic Melton
Pimento cheese is a popular keto food, especially in the American South. It is made with a combination of shredded cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, with added spices and peppers for flavor. The creamy texture and rich taste make it a versatile dip, spread, or filling that can be enjoyed with various foods. While store-bought versions may contain unexpected ingredients, homemade recipes are generally low in carbs, making them keto-friendly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 1-2g per serving |
| Calories | 126-180kcal per serving |
| Protein | 5-6g per serving |
| Fat | 11-16g per serving |
| Saturated Fat | 6g per serving |
| Cholesterol | 31mg per serving |
| Sodium | 237-260mg per serving |
| Potassium | 39mg per serving |
| Fiber | 0-1g per serving |
| Sugar | 1g per serving |
| Vitamin A | 442IU per serving |
| Vitamin C | 4mg per serving |
| Calcium | 146mg per serving |
| Iron | 1mg per serving |
| Storage | Can be refrigerated for up to 10 days or frozen for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Pimento cheese as a dip
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that is perfect as a dip, spread, or topping. It is a great low-carb appetizer and can be served with celery sticks, zucchini sticks, red pepper strips, low-carb crackers, or even on keto-friendly, low-carb bread.
The basic ingredients for pimento cheese dip are shredded cheddar, diced pimentos with their oil, and mayonnaise. However, there are many variations of this recipe. Some people like to add cream cheese, while others might add jalapeños, chipotles, or adobo sauce for some extra spice. If you're making a larger batch, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can be a helpful tool. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's a great option for a party or get-together, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
When choosing your ingredients, it's important to read the labels, as store-bought versions may contain unexpected ingredients and sweeteners. To ensure your pimento cheese is truly low-carb, you might consider making it yourself. Grate your own cheese from a block, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can even dice your own pimentos.
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Pimento cheese as a spread
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. It is also used as a topping for burgers.
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern dip made with cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. It is creamy, cheesy, tangy, peppery, and spreadable. It is a popular side dish and can be used as a dip or ingredient in other recipes. It can be frozen for up to three months, although the flavor may change slightly after thawing.
Pimento cheese can be made with different types of cheese, such as extra-sharp Cheddar, smoked Cheddar, or Gouda. Some recipes include cream cheese, which adds tanginess and spreadability. Other ingredients that can be added to pimento cheese include jalapeños, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Pimento cheese can be served in a variety of ways, such as on crackers, toast points, or crudités. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or grilled cheese. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 10 days or made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container.
Pimento cheese is a keto-friendly option, with only 1 gram of carbohydrates per 2-tablespoon serving. However, it is important to read labels when purchasing store-bought versions, as they may contain unexpected ingredients and sweeteners. Making pimento cheese at home is the best way to ensure it fits within a keto diet.
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Pimento cheese as a topping
Pimento cheese is a delicious and versatile topping that can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some ways to use pimento cheese as a topping:
Burgers
Pimento cheese is an excellent topping for burgers, adding a creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavour. Whether you're grilling burgers at home or serving them at a restaurant, consider offering pimento cheese as a topping option. It's a great way to enhance the flavour and indulge your taste buds.
Sandwiches and Grilled Cheese
Pimento cheese can also be used as a spread in sandwiches and grilled cheese. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to your sandwich, elevating it from the ordinary. For an extra indulgent treat, pair it with keto-friendly bread or toast. This combination is perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.
Vegetables
For a healthier option, use pimento cheese as a topping for vegetables. It pairs well with a variety of veggies, including celery, zucchini, cucumber, and green bell peppers. You can dip or spread the pimento cheese on these vegetables for a tasty and nutritious snack. This option is especially appealing for those who want to increase their vegetable intake while enjoying the creamy goodness of pimento cheese.
Crackers
Pimento cheese is also delightful as a topping for crackers. Whether you're snacking at home or hosting a party, offering pimento cheese with crackers is a simple yet elegant choice. For keto enthusiasts, opt for low-carb crackers to enjoy this tasty treat without compromising your dietary preferences.
Eggs
For a savoury breakfast or brunch option, consider using pimento cheese as a topping for eggs. It can be added to scrambled eggs, omelettes, or even deviled eggs for a creamy and flavourful boost. The combination of cheesy goodness and eggs is sure to satisfy your breakfast cravings.
With its versatility and rich flavour, pimento cheese is a fantastic topping option for those seeking a creamy, tangy, and cheesy addition to their meals. Whether you're preparing burgers, sandwiches, or looking for a snack with crackers and veggies, pimento cheese is a delightful choice that will impress your taste buds.
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Pimento cheese as a filling
Pimento cheese is a great option for a low-carb diet, and it can be used as a filling in various dishes. It is a Southern delicacy, often made with freshly shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise. Some recipes also include garlic, onion powder, and spices to enhance the flavour.
When making pimento cheese at home, it is recommended to use a food processor to mix the ingredients. The basic steps involve combining mayonnaise and cream cheese until smooth, followed by the addition of shredded cheddar cheese, pimentos, and any desired seasonings. This spread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
As a filling, pimento cheese is incredibly versatile. It can be used as a sandwich filling, spread on keto-friendly bread, or stuffed inside blanched collard leaves for a low-carb option. For a more substantial meal, try using pimento cheese as a filling for peppers, lettuce wraps, or eggs. It can also be used as a topping for burgers, adding a creamy and flavourful twist.
Pimento cheese is a popular choice for those on a keto or low-carb diet. It is a delicious and creamy spread that can be served as an appetizer with vegetables or low-carb crackers. With just 1 net carb per serving, it is a great option for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
When using pimento cheese as a filling, the possibilities are endless. It can be added to stuffed jalapeños or olives, deviled eggs, or even mixed with ground beef to make juicy, flavourful burgers. For a more indulgent treat, spread it on keto-friendly bread and grill it for a pimento grilled cheese sandwich. The versatility of pimento cheese makes it a perfect addition to any low-carb meal.
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Pimento cheese as an ingredient
Pimento cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavour and creaminess. It is a Southern classic and can be used as a dip, spread, or topping. Here are some ways to use pimento cheese as an ingredient:
- As a dip: Pimento cheese is an excellent dip for low-carb crackers, celery sticks, zucchini sticks, red pepper strips, or crudités. It can also be used as a dip for pork rinds or served with toast points.
- In sandwiches: Pimento cheese can be spread between two slices of bread to make a traditional grilled cheese sandwich. For a keto-friendly option, use keto bread. You can also add extra ingredients like jalapeños, shredded cheddar, or chipotles with adobo sauce to your pimento cheese sandwich.
- As a topping: Pimento cheese can be used as a topping for burgers, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or an open-faced toasted bagel. It adds a creamy, cheesy flavour to these dishes.
- In stuffed dishes: Pimento cheese can be used as a stuffing for jalapeños, olives, or a lettuce wrap BLT. It adds a creamy texture and flavour to these stuffed dishes.
- In egg dishes: Pimento cheese can be mixed with eggs to make a delicious and creamy dish. It can also be used to make devilled eggs, adding a tangy flavour.
- In slow cooker dishes: Pimento cheese can be used as an ingredient in slow cooker recipes, such as a Crock Pot Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower casserole. It adds creaminess and flavour to the dish.
When making pimento cheese at home, it is important to use quality ingredients to avoid preservatives. Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as the latter can mute the flavour and affect the texture. You can also add cream cheese to enhance the flavour and ensure the spreadability of the pimento cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pimento and cheese is low carb. The main base ingredients of cheese and mayo are low-carb staples, and the peppers themselves add a lot of flavor without contributing many carbs to the macros.
Here is a simple recipe for low-carb pimento and cheese:
- Place mayonnaise, cream cheese, and diced pickled jalapenos (with liquid) into a mixing bowl.
- Combine using a spatula or spoon until creamy.
- Add minced garlic, pimentos, chives, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Continue mixing until the ingredients are evenly dispersed.
- Add shredded cheddar and shredded smoked gouda and stir until well-combined.
- Taste and add salt as needed.
There are endless ways to eat low-carb pimento and cheese. You can eat it on its own, as a dip with low-carb crackers, veggies, or pork rinds, in a sandwich, or as a filling for peppers, lettuce wraps, or eggs.
Low-carb pimento and cheese will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
You can find many low-carb pimento and cheese recipes online. Some websites with recipes include kicking-carbs.com, recipesthatcrock.com, lowcarbsosimple.com, and agirlcalledadri.com.
