Frederic Melton
Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that is traditionally made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling. Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be used in various recipes, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, deviled eggs, quesadillas, and more. It can also be served as an easy appetizer or snack, spread on crackers or toast points, or even eaten straight from the bowl. Making pimento cheese from scratch is easy and allows for customisations in terms of ingredients and spice levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, cream cheese, cayenne pepper, jalapeño, dill, bacon, Dijon mustard, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, gouda, piquillo peppers, roasted red peppers, pickled peppadews, scallions, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt |
| Preparation | Mix all ingredients together, chill for a couple of hours, serve cold |
| Uses | Can be used as a spread for crackers, sandwiches, grilled cheese, burgers, eggs, tacos, flatbreads, wraps, pizza, baked potatoes, omelets, casseroles, popcorn, stuffed avocados, deviled eggs, fritters, empanadas, wonton, bruschetta, chicken salad, sausage balls, mac and cheese, pasta salad, potato salad, tea sandwiches, dips, appetizers, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Pimento cheese as a dip
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that can be used as a dip for crackers, toast points, crudité, or chips. It is made with cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. The dip can be made spicier with the addition of cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or chipotle peppers. It can also be made with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or gouda for a smokier flavor.
Pimento cheese dip is best when made with freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese is coated in powder that mutes the flavor and interferes with its creamy texture. The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. However, it should be allowed to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
When serving pimento cheese dip, it can be garnished with diced green onions or paprika. It can also be served with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or sweet mini peppers on the side. For a heartier snack, pimento cheese dip can be served with hollowed-out mini peppers, celery, or olives.
Pimento cheese dip is a versatile and easy-to-make appetizer that can be customized to your taste preferences. It is a great option for a party or get-together and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and tasty choice for hosts.
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Pimento cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches
Pimento cheese is a Southern classic and a popular sandwich spread and dip. It is made with cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. The peppers give the dip a mild pepper flavour and a reddish hue.
Pimento cheese is a popular filling for grilled cheese sandwiches. To make a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, you will need two slices of soft white or sourdough bread, 1/3 to 1/2 cup of pimento cheese, and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
First, spread the pimento cheese evenly over one slice of bread and top with the second slice. Then, spread mayonnaise evenly on the top and bottom of the sandwich. Place the sandwich on a heated skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
You can also add toppings to your grilled pimento cheese sandwich. Some popular options include sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, sliced jalapeños, and pickles.
For an extra crispy sandwich, some people recommend spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter before toasting. This creates a golden brown crust without any greasiness.
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Pimento cheese as a spread
Pimento cheese is a popular spread, dip, and sandwich filling. It is made with cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise, and often includes cream cheese, too. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it a convenient option for entertaining or a flavorful addition to lunch.
Pimento cheese is a versatile spread that can be used in many ways. It can be served as a dip with crackers, vegetables, or chips. It can also be used as a spread on grilled cheese sandwiches, tea sandwiches, or flatbread sandwiches. For a more substantial meal, pimento cheese can be spread on pizza dough instead of tomato sauce, mixed into mac and cheese, or stirred into pasta salad.
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, pimento cheese can be made with jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. It can also be customized with additions like crispy bacon, scallions, dill, or garlic powder.
Pimento cheese is a popular and well-loved Southern spread that can be served in a variety of ways, from appetizers to main courses. It is a flavorful and creamy option that can be made at home with high-quality ingredients, avoiding the preservatives found in store-bought options.
Whether served as a dip, spread, or filling, pimento cheese is a delicious and versatile option that can be tailored to individual tastes and used in a variety of dishes.
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Pimento cheese as a topping
Pimento cheese is a versatile topping that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for using pimento cheese as a topping:
Pimento Cheese as a Burger Topping
Spread a generous scoop of pimento cheese on your burger patty to take it to the next level. The creamy cheese and spicy peppers create a delicious combination that will impress your taste buds.
Pimento Cheese on Grilled Cheese
Add a twist to the classic grilled cheese sandwich by using pimento cheese as the filling. The melted pimento cheese oozing out of the toasted bread is a heavenly sight and an even better taste experience.
Pimento Cheese Bruschetta
For a unique take on the traditional Italian appetizer, spread pimento cheese on toasted bread slices and top with your choice of fresh ingredients. The combination of creamy cheese and crunchy bread makes for a delightful texture contrast.
Pimento Cheese on Flatbread Sandwiches
Move over, boring sandwich spreads! Use pimento cheese as a spread on your flatbread sandwiches for an explosion of flavor. It's a great way to elevate your lunch or picnic experience.
Pimento Cheese on Baked Potatoes
Take your baked potatoes from plain to extraordinary by topping them with pimento cheese. The creamy cheese blends perfectly with the fluffy potato, creating a comforting and indulgent dish.
Pimento Cheese Popcorn
For a cheesy snack, drizzle pimento cheese over freshly popped popcorn. The spicy notes of the pimento peppers add an unexpected kick to your movie night or game-day snack.
Pimento cheese is a versatile topping that can be used on a variety of dishes beyond these suggestions. Its creamy texture and spicy kick make it a perfect addition to many recipes, adding flavor and texture.
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Pimento cheese in recipes
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.
Pimento Cheese as a Spread
The creamy texture and tangy flavour of pimento cheese make it an excellent spread for sandwiches, grilled cheese, tea sandwiches, burgers, flatbread sandwiches, crackers, toast, and bruschetta. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables, chips, and crudités.
Pimento Cheese as a Filling
Pimento cheese can be used as a filling for stuffed peppers, stuffed avocados, empanadas, deviled eggs, wontons, fritters, and jalapeño poppers. It adds a creamy and cheesy element to these dishes.
Pimento Cheese in Salads
For a savoury and creamy addition to salads, pimento cheese can be mixed with shredded chicken for a chicken salad or incorporated into a potato salad. It can also be used as a topping for salad wraps, providing a tangy and spicy twist to your meal.
Pimento Cheese in Baked Goods
Adding pimento cheese to scone dough creates a savoury treat. It can also be mixed with sausage for savory sausage balls or baked into a casserole for a bubbly, cheesy dish.
Pimento Cheese as a Topping
Pimento cheese can be used as a topping for baked potatoes, omelets, eggs benedict, tacos, popcorn, and meatloaf. It adds a generous amount of cheese and a slight spicy kick to these dishes.
Pimento Cheese with Pasta
For a creamy and flavourful pasta dish, pimento cheese can be stirred into mac and cheese or tossed with pasta and vegetables for a pasta salad.
Pimento Cheese with Proteins
Pimento cheese can be spread on grilled chicken sandwiches, giving them a Southern twist. It can also be mixed with ground sausage for savory sausage balls or combined with shredded chicken for a savoury chicken salad.
Customising Pimento Cheese
When making pimento cheese, you can adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences. For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce. For a smokier flavour, include adobo sauce or chipotle peppers. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as extra-sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, or gouda.
Remember, pimento cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Pimento cheese is a popular spread and dip. It can be used in sandwiches, grilled cheese, burgers, eggs, omelets, wraps, tacos, flatbreads, pizza, pasta, casseroles, and many more dishes.
Some unique ways to use pimento cheese include popcorn topping, stuffed avocado, deviled eggs, empanadas, fritters, and wonton filling.
Traditional pimento cheese is made with cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Some recipes also include cream cheese, cayenne pepper, and jalapeños.
