Patrick Oconnell
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern dish, but its exact origins are a mystery. While it is often assumed to be a Southern invention, some speculate that it originated in the North around the beginning of the 20th century. The combination of cream cheese and pimento was first introduced in a 1908 Good Housekeeping recipe, and it quickly became popular across the country. Georgia played a significant role in the spread of pimento cheese, as it was a leading producer of pimento peppers in the 1920s through the 1940s. Today, pimento cheese is considered a classic Southern dish, enjoyed by people of all social classes and featured in various recipes and gatherings. In Georgia, Deana Tanner Bibb, also known as the queen of pimento cheese, has gained recognition for her delicious pimento cheese recipe, which can be found at various locations throughout the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pimento cheese origin | The origin of pimento cheese is disputed, with some sources claiming it was created in the South, while others argue it originated in the North. |
| Georgia's role | Georgia played a significant role in the popularity of pimento cheese due to its position as the centre of pimento production in the early 20th century. |
| Georgia-made pimento cheese | Georgia-made pimento cheese is available from brands like Proper Pepper and Home Grown Restaurant. |
| Ingredients | Common ingredients in pimento cheese include sharp cheddar, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and various seasonings. |
| Variations | Some variations of pimento cheese include cream cheese, mustard, chives, jalapeno, and cottage cheese. |
| Popularity | Pimento cheese is considered a Southern staple and is enjoyed by people of all social classes. |
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What You'll Learn
Pimento cheese's origins and history
Pimento cheese is a spread that combines shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and diced red pimentos. It is most closely associated with Southern cuisine and has been referred to as the "pâté of the South" and "Carolina caviar". Pimento cheese sandwiches have been served at the Masters Tournament, a golf tournament, since the 1940s.
The origins of pimento cheese can be traced back to the late 1800s in New York, where farmers began making a soft, unripened cheese that eventually evolved into cream cheese. At the same time, Spain began sending canned red peppers or "pimiento" to the United States. In 1908, a Good Housekeeping recipe combined cream cheese and minced pimentos for the first time. The combination was so popular that it began to be mass-produced, primarily in the South.
Georgia played a significant role in the development of pimento cheese. In the 1930s, Georgia was the pimento capital of the world, with 90% of the pimento peppers grown in the US coming from the state. Georgia farmers began to grow their own pimentos to reduce the cost of importing them, and soon they were sending out as many as 10 million cans of pimentos per year. This abundance of pimentos inspired Southern cooks to experiment with the pimento cheese recipe, substituting cream cheese with more affordable and piquant cheddar cheese.
After World War II, the popularity of pimento cheese decreased in most of the US, but it remained a beloved staple in the South. Home cooks started making their own pimento cheese, adding their own unique twists and turning it into a signature dish of the region. Today, pimento cheese is a beloved part of Southern culture and cuisine, appearing at church picnics, school potlucks, and even some of the finest restaurants in the region.
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Georgia's role in popularising pimento cheese
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern dish, but its exact origins are a mystery. While it is often assumed to be a Southern invention, it is speculated that it was first created in New York in the 1870s when a European-style cream cheese was combined with canned pimentos, which were being imported from Spain. However, Georgia played a significant role in popularising this delicious combination.
In the early 20th century, Georgia became a major player in the pimento industry. By 1929, it is estimated that 90% of the pimento peppers grown in the US came from Georgia. The state's favourable climate and dedicated farmers, such as S.D. Riegel and his sons, contributed to this success. They cultivated high-quality pimentos and supplied them across the nation. This abundance of pimentos in Georgia and the surrounding states made them more accessible and affordable for Southern cooks.
The availability of affordable pimentos, along with the popularity of cheddar cheese in the South, inspired Southern cooks to experiment and create their own version of pimento cheese. They swapped cream cheese for the sharper and more affordable cheddar, and added a generous amount of mayonnaise to bind all the ingredients together. Thus, the iconic Southern pimento cheese was born.
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Pimento cheese's ingredients and recipe
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty and a classic, creamy, and tangy spread. It is simple to make and requires no cooking. The basic recipe calls for only three ingredients: cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise. However, some variations include additional ingredients like cream cheese, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, jalapeños, onions, garlic, or dill pickles.
For the cheese, it is best to use a good-quality sharp cheddar cheese and grate it yourself for the best texture. You can also use other types of cheese like Colby, white cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, or Gouda. The pimentos can be purchased jarred or canned, and they give the spread its signature red flecks. Mayo is also a key ingredient, and some prefer the flavor of Duke's Mayonnaise for this Southern dish.
To make the pimento cheese, simply grate the cheese and combine it with the mayonnaise, chopped pimiento peppers, and any additional ingredients you choose. You can leave it with more texture or pulse the spread in a food processor to make it smoother. Season with salt and pepper, and then refrigerate until ready to serve. Pimento cheese can be served as a dip with crackers, vegetables, or crostini, or used as a spread on sandwiches, burgers, or even pasta.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces pimiento peppers, drained and chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Combine the grated cheese, mayonnaise, pimiento peppers, and any optional ingredients in a large bowl.
- Stir until well combined and season with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Enjoy as a dip or spread with your favorite crackers, vegetables, or bread.
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How to serve pimento cheese
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern staple, often served as a dip with crackers, celery, or pretzel thins. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches, or as a topping for sausage balls, fried chicken sandwiches, or even mac and cheese. For a more elegant appetizer, try stuffing it into hulled-out cherry tomatoes.
Pimento cheese is a combination of shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and spices. It is creamy, cheesy, tangy, and peppery. The key to a good pimento cheese is to grate the cheese yourself, ensuring it is as fresh as possible. It is best served at room temperature, so if you have been storing it in the fridge, remember to take it out 30 minutes before serving.
Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It is a great appetizer or snack and can be made gluten-free. It is a staple at Southern gatherings, from funerals to holiday parties, and is beloved by all.
- Combine shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and finely chopped pimentos in a bowl.
- Mash together with a fork until well-mixed.
- Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Where to buy pimento cheese in Georgia
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern dish, and while it may not have originated in the South, it certainly became a staple there. In the 1920s and 1930s, Georgia was the pimento capital of the world, with 90% of pimento peppers grown in the US coming from the state. This abundance of pimentos, along with their superior quality, inspired Southern cooks to perfect the recipe for pimento cheese.
So, where can you buy pimento cheese in Georgia today? One option is Proper Pepper Pimento Cheese, made by the Ken Bibb family. Proper Pepper is a brand that celebrates all things Georgia and Southern, from seersucker suits to Coca-Cola. You can contact the company by phone or email to find out where to buy their product.
Another option is to make your own pimento cheese! The classic Southern recipe combines sharp Cheddar, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise (preferably Duke's). You can find the full recipe on the Southern Living website.
Finally, while it is not a specific location in Georgia, the website visitmacon.org suggests that the city of Macon, Georgia, is responsible for the glory of pimento cheese. The website tells the story of how Georgia farmers worked with a congressman from Macon to obtain the best pimento pepper seeds from Spain, leading to the creation of the iconic dish. So, if you're looking to buy pimento cheese in Georgia, Macon may be a good place to start your search.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pimento cheese is made in Georgia. In fact, in Sandersville, GA, Deana Tanner Bibb, the chief batch maker for Proper Pepper Pimento Cheese, is known as "the queen of pimento cheese."
Pimento cheese is a spread made by blending grated cheddar or a similar firm cheese with diced pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and various seasonings.
The origin of pimento cheese is unclear, but it is believed to have started in the late 1870s in New York, where farmers in the dairy industry needed new ways to market their products. However, pimento cheese became popular in the South, and Georgia was the center of the nation's pimento growing and canning industry.
The classic recipe for pimento cheese typically includes sharp cheddar, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise.
You can buy pimento cheese at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Cheeses & Mary in Milton, Decatur Market, Local Provisions in Newnan, Lucy's Market in Buckhead, and Southern Belle Farm in McDonough.
