Frederic Melton
Pimento cheese is a popular dish in the US, especially in the South. It is made with a combination of cheeses, mayonnaise, and pimentos, which are small, red, sweet bell peppers. This dish is often used as a dip, spread, or topping for burgers. Pimento cheese is also keto-friendly due to its high fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content. However, it is important to note that not all store-bought pimento cheese is keto-friendly, as some brands may contain unexpected ingredients and sweeteners. Therefore, making pimento cheese at home is the best way to ensure it aligns with keto diet requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 1-2g per serving |
| Protein | 10-11g per serving |
| Fat | 25-26g per serving |
| Saturated Fat | 11g per serving |
| Cholesterol | 58mg per serving |
| Sodium | 587mg per serving |
| Potassium | 69mg per serving |
| Fiber | 0-1g per serving |
| Sugar | 0-1g per serving |
| Vitamin A | 741IU per serving |
| Vitamin C | 8mg per serving |
| Calcium | 279-614mg per serving |
| Iron | 1mg per serving |
| Calories | 274-285kcal per serving |
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What You'll Learn
Pimento cheese nutritional value
Pimento cheese is a keto-friendly dish due to its high fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content. In a 100g serving, pimento cheese contains 1.63g of net carbs, 31.2g of total fat, and 22.13g of protein. It is also a good source of essential amino acids and several micronutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K2. These nutrients contribute to overall health and bone health.
The ketogenic diet aims to shift the body into a metabolic state called 'ketosis', where it primarily uses fats instead of carbohydrates for energy. This means that it is important to maintain a low carb intake to stay in ketosis. Pimento cheese's low carb count makes it a suitable option for those following a keto diet.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, pimento cheese is also a versatile dish. It can be used as a dip or spread, served with low-carb crackers or vegetables, or used as a topping for burgers or stuffed chicken breasts. It can also be made at home to ensure it adheres to keto guidelines and personal preferences.
While pimento cheese is keto-friendly, it is important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced and nutrient-dense ketogenic diet. The nutritional value of pimento cheese may vary depending on the ingredients used, so it is always a good idea to read labels and be mindful of portion sizes.
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Keto-friendly ingredients
Pimento cheese is a keto-friendly dish due to its high fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content. The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb diet that shifts the body into a metabolic state called 'ketosis', where it uses fats instead of carbohydrates for energy.
Meat and Poultry
Meat and poultry are considered staple foods on the keto diet. They contain no carbs and are rich in B vitamins and several minerals, such as potassium, selenium, and zinc. They are also a great source of high-quality protein, which may help preserve muscle mass when following a low-carb diet. Examples include chicken, pork, steak, ground beef, lamb, bacon, turkey, ham, and sausage.
Seafood
Seafood is another excellent option for keto dieters. Fish, in particular, are nearly carb-free. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fats, which offer various health benefits, such as managing blood sugar levels and lowering insulin levels for people with diabetes. Shellfish are also keto-friendly, but their carb count varies by type, so it's important to track carb intake when consuming them.
Dairy
Dairy products like cheese, cream, and yogurt are all keto-friendly options. Cheese has zero carbohydrates and is high in fat and protein, making it an excellent fit for the ketogenic diet. Cream cheese, in particular, is a low-carb, high-fat option with only 1.6g of net carbs per 28g serving. Full-fat and higher-fat yogurts are also keto-friendly, as they can help keep you full for longer and add gut-loving bacteria to your intestines.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are keto-friendly due to their high-fat, low-carb nature. They are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, depression, and other chronic diseases. Some of the best nuts for the keto diet include macadamias, almonds, pecans, and walnuts. As for seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds are great choices.
Vegetables
Not all vegetables are low in carbs, but some keto-friendly options include celery sticks, zucchini sticks, red pepper strips, and avocado. Avocados are especially notable for their high monounsaturated fat and potassium content. Berries are also an exception among fruits, as they are naturally more keto-friendly due to their lower carb and sugar content.
Oils and Condiments
When it comes to cooking oils, keto-friendly options include canola oil, soybean oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. For condiments, it's important to choose those without added sugar. Unsweetened sparkling water, for example, can be a great keto-friendly alternative to soda.
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How to make keto pimento cheese
Pimento cheese is a keto-friendly dish due to its high fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content. It offers essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K2, which contribute to overall health.
Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Cream cheese
- Smoked gouda
- Garlic
- Pimentos
- Sea salt
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
Steps:
- Mix mayonnaise and cream cheese in a food processor until well combined. If you don't have a food processor, you can do this by hand, but make sure your cream cheese is very soft.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients: smoked gouda, garlic, pimentos, sea salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- You can serve it immediately or chill it for 2-3 hours before serving for the best flavor.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Feel free to customise the recipe by adding different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar, or including roasted red peppers instead of pimentos. You can also make your own mayonnaise with avocado oil for a healthier option.
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Serving suggestions
Pimento cheese is a keto-friendly dish with high fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content. It is a great source of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K2. Here are some serving suggestions for pimento cheese:
As a Spread or Dip
Pimento cheese can be served as a spread on keto-friendly bread, crackers, or toast points. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables like celery sticks, zucchini sticks, red pepper strips, cucumber, or bell pepper strips.
As a Topping
Pimento cheese can be used as a topping for burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, or fried green tomatoes. It can also be added to a BLT lettuce wrap or used as a filling for deviled eggs.
As a Stuffing
This versatile cheese can be used to stuff chicken breasts, olives, or jalapeños. It can also be mixed into mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs.
As an Appetizer
Pimento cheese can be served as part of a charcuterie board or as an appetizer with low-carb crackers and vegetables. It is a popular dish to bring to potlucks, BBQs, and get-togethers.
Variations
You can add your own twist to pimento cheese by including spices such as cayenne pepper, black pepper, or garlic powder. For a spicier version, include jalapeños or sriracha. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, cream cheese, gouda, or a combination of these.
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Alternative keto dips
Pimento cheese is a keto-friendly dish with a low net carb content and a high total fat content. It is also a good source of protein and micronutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K2.
However, if you are looking for alternative keto dips, there are several options available:
Guacamole
A blend of ripe avocados, cilantro, lime juice, and salt, guacamole is a great keto-friendly dip with a high-fat content and moderate protein levels. It can be used as a dip for keto-friendly veggie sticks or as a topping for grilled meat or fish.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is another low-carb, high-fat option with only 1.6g of net carbs per 28g serving. It can be used as a spread or as a stuffing for chicken breasts, adding a creamy texture and rich taste to your dishes.
Hummus
While classic hummus is quite high in carbs due to its carbohydrate-rich chickpea content, there are keto-friendly alternatives. These include replacing chickpeas with low-carb substitutes like cauliflower and avocado or using high-fat nuts such as almonds, macadamia nuts, or cashews.
Almond Pesto
A tasty and creamy dip, almond pesto is low-carb, keto-friendly, and can be made gluten-free and paleo-friendly. It goes well with veggies and crackers.
Avocado Mustard Dip
This dip has strong flavors and pairs well with meat. It has a bright toxic color, but don't let that put you off!
In addition to these options, there are several other keto-friendly dips to explore, such as baba ganoush, tzatziki, and various nut butter fruit dips. So, whether you're looking for a healthy snack or a flavorful addition to your keto meals, these alternative keto dips are worth trying!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pimento cheese is keto-friendly due to its high fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content.
Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be used as a dip, spread, or topping. You can serve it with keto-friendly options like low-carb crackers, celery sticks, zucchini sticks, red pepper strips, or use it as a topping for burgers or lettuce wraps.
Guacamole is a keto-friendly alternative to pimento cheese, offering a good dose of potassium and fiber. Cream cheese is another low-carb, high-fat option that can be used as a spread or stuffing for chicken breasts.
