The Best Cheeses To Pair With Pimento Cheese

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.

While the classic recipe calls for these three ingredients, some variations include shredded onion, Worcestershire sauce, cream cheese, jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic.

Some recipes recommend adding a combination of mild and sharp Cheddar, while others suggest using extra-sharp Cheddar for a stronger flavour.

Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a dip, spread, or even enjoyed on its own. It's a true crowd-pleaser and a staple at gatherings, from potlucks to tailgates.

What is pimento cheese?

Pimento cheese is a spread or dip commonly associated with the cuisine of the Southern United States. It is typically made with a combination of shredded cheddar or processed cheese, mayonnaise, and sweet pimento peppers, though cream cheese is also a common ingredient. It is usually served with crackers or vegetables, or as a sandwich filling.

Pimento cheese is said to have originated in the Northern United States in the early 20th century, with recipes from 1908 and 1909 calling for soft cream cheese and minced pimentos. By 1910, commercial versions were being advertised in the north. However, it is the Southern United States that pimento cheese is most closely associated with, and it has been referred to as the "pâté of the South", "Carolina caviar", and "the caviar of the South".

Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, including as a spread on crackers or celery, scooped onto corn chips or tortilla chips, mixed in with mashed yolks for deviled eggs, added to grits, or used as a topping for hamburgers or hotdogs. It is also often served as a sandwich filling, sometimes as a cocktail finger food or rolled up and cut into pinwheels.

There are many variations on the classic pimento cheese recipe, with some recipes including crumbled bacon, olives, dried onion, or house seasoning salts. Some recipes also use a combination of cheeses, such as pepper Jack or a blend of mild and sharp Cheddar.

What does pimento cheese taste like?

Pimento cheese is a tangy, creamy cheese spread. It is often referred to as the "pâté of the South". The spread is made from a combination of sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and jarred pimentos. The base flavour of pimento cheese comes from the sharp cheddar, which is complemented by the hint of sweet pepper from the pimento peppers. The mayonnaise binds the ingredients together, making the spread smooth and creamy.

The pimento pepper, also known as the cherry pepper, is a small, round, red pepper. It is milder than a bell pepper and is known for its sweet and aromatic flavour. The pimento pepper is not hot and spicy, so it adds a subtle tang to the cheese spread without any heat.

Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It is commonly used as a spread for crackers and sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables. It can also be added to burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, deviled eggs, or baked potatoes for an extra layer of flavour.

Some variations of pimento cheese include adding shredded onion, Worcestershire sauce, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, or even pickles. These additional ingredients enhance the flavour and give it a kick.

Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern dish that is perfect for potlucks, tailgates, and get-togethers. It is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture and tangy, cheesy flavour.

What are pimento peppers?

Pimento peppers, also known as pimiento or cherry peppers, are a variety of large, heart-shaped chilli peppers. They are typically red, but can also be yellow, green, or maroon. Pimentos are sweet and aromatic, with very little heat, and are the least spicy on the Scoville scale. They are usually found canned or jarred in grocery stores and are commonly used as a stuffing for green olives. They can also be dried and ground to make paprika.

Pimentos are a versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are commonly used to make pimento cheese, a popular Southern spread made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. Pimento cheese is often served with crackers, vegetables, or as a sandwich filling.

In terms of taste and appearance, pimento peppers are similar to red bell peppers but milder and sweeter. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre.

Fresh pimento peppers may be hard to find in regular grocery stores, but they can be purchased in larger supermarkets or farmers' markets. They can also be grown at home, preferably in climates conducive to outdoor growing.

How to make pimento cheese

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.

Ingredients:

• Cheese: Shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. You can use a mix of mild and sharp Cheddar.
• Mayonnaise: A key ingredient in traditional pimento cheese.
• Cream cheese: This makes the pimento cheese extra decadent and tangy.
• Pimentos: Use jarred pimentos.
• Jalapeños: Minced jalapeño is optional, but it's great if you like spicy food.
• Spices and seasonings: Garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can also add onion powder, paprika, and hot sauce.

Method:

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
• Mix until thoroughly combined. You can use a stand mixer, a hand mixer, or a food processor.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to one week.

How to serve pimento cheese

Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve pimento cheese:

As a Spread

Pimento cheese is commonly served as a spread on crackers, celery sticks, or other fresh veggie dippers. It can also be used as a sandwich filling, especially for grilled cheese sandwiches. For a more substantial sandwich, pimento cheese goes well with sliced cucumber, dill pickles, tomato, sprouts, or arugula. You can even add a fried egg!

As a Dip

Pimento cheese can be served as a dip with crackers, chips, or vegetable sticks. It is a perfect dish to bring to potlucks, tailgates, and other get-togethers.

As a Topping

Pimento cheese can be added as a topping to burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, baked potatoes, deviled eggs, or even scrambled eggs. It can also be stirred into macaroni and cheese or chili for an extra cheesy kick.

On Its Own

In the South, pimento cheese is often enjoyed simply by itself, sometimes even by the spoonful!

Frequently asked questions