Bushra Griffith
Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that typically includes shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. It is known for its distinct orange hue and creamy, tangy, and peppery flavour. While it can be spicy, the heat level varies depending on the recipe and additional ingredients used. Pimento cheese is commonly served as a sandwich spread, a dip for vegetables, or as a topping for crackers or crostini.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy, light, chunky, spreadable, easily serve-able, and flavorful |
| Taste | Tangy, peppery, spicy, sweet, smoky, sharp, cheesy, rich, savory |
| Color | Orange |
| Ingredients | Shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, cream cheese, jalapeno peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, minced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, pickles, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salad dressing, pepper jack, red wine vinegar, cayenne pepper sauce, hot sauce |
| Serving suggestions | Sandwiches, crackers, crostini, vegetables, grits, deviled egg mixture, avocado toast, burgers, fries, biscuits, macaroni and cheese, tortilla chips, tea sandwiches, celery, carrots, pretzels, pita chips, buttery crackers, spicy gingersnaps, red pepper jam |
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What You'll Learn
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple
Pimento cheese is a versatile dish, and can be used in a variety of ways. It can be added to burgers, omelettes, grilled cheese, biscuits, grits, or macaroni and cheese to give them a Southern twist. It can also be used as a dip for fries, or as a spread on avocado toast or tuna melts.
While it is a Southern staple, pimento cheese did not originate in the South. It came about in the 1870s when New York farmers began making a soft, unripened cheese that eventually became known as cream cheese. At the same time, Spain started exporting canned red "pimiento" peppers to the United States. By the turn of the century, the spelling had changed to "pimentos". In 1908, a Good Housekeeping recipe combined these two ingredients, creating the first pimento cheese.
Today, pimento cheese is widely available in grocery stores across the South, and can also be easily made at home. It is a popular and well-loved dish, with a unique and addictive flavour that keeps people coming back for more. While there are many variations, the key to a good pimento cheese is finding the right balance of sharp cheddar flavour and tangy, spicy pimento kick.
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It's a spread, dip, or sandwich filling
Pimento cheese is a versatile spread, dip, or sandwich filling. It is a Southern staple and can be used in a variety of ways, from spreading on crackers or crostini to dipping vegetables like celery or carrots. It is also commonly used as a condiment to add a Southern twist to dishes such as burgers, omelets, grilled cheese, biscuits, grits, and macaroni and cheese.
Pimento cheese is a creamy and tangy spreadable cheese mixture with a distinct orange hue. It typically includes shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise, with the option to add cream cheese, jalapeno peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, minced onion, or minced garlic. The result is a spread that is tangy, peppery, and spicy, with a sharp cheddar flavour.
The texture of pimento cheese is well-mixed and spreadable, with a consistency that is light and slightly chunky. It is often described as "highly snackable" and can be purchased or made at home. When making pimento cheese at home, it is important to grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that can mute the flavour.
Pimento cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, such as stuffing a chicken breast, coating it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then frying it. It can also be added to a tuna melt sandwich or drizzled over store-bought fries for a decadent treat.
Pimento cheese is a unique and flavourful addition to any dish, whether spread, dip, or sandwich filling. It is a popular choice for those seeking a creamy, tangy, and spicy cheese option with a distinct Southern flair.
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It's made with cheddar, cream cheese, and pimentos
Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that is commonly served on sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip for vegetables. It is made with three essential ingredients: shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. However, some variations include additional ingredients such as cream cheese, jalapeño peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, minced onion, and minced garlic.
The taste of pimento cheese can vary depending on the ingredients and their proportions. The cheddar cheese provides a sharp and tangy flavour, while the cream cheese adds a creamy texture and taste. The pimentos, a type of chili pepper, contribute a fragrant, tangy, and slightly spicy kick to the spread. The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Some people prefer their pimento cheese with a stronger cheddar flavour and a sharper, tangier profile. This can be achieved by using extra-sharp cheddar cheese and adding ingredients like pickles, lemon juice, or Worcestershire sauce. Others may enjoy a sweeter and milder version, which can be created by using American cheese and salad dressing instead of mayonnaise.
The texture of pimento cheese is also variable. It can range from creamy and spreadable to slightly chunkier, depending on personal preference. Homemade pimento cheese typically has a more well-mixed and less creamy consistency than store-bought varieties. It is recommended to let homemade pimento cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to achieve the ideal spreadable texture.
Pimento cheese is a versatile and delicious spread that can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be spread on sandwiches, crackers, or crostini, or used as a dip for vegetables like celery or carrots. It can also be used as a condiment to add a Southern twist to dishes like burgers, omelets, grilled cheese, biscuits, or macaroni and cheese.
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It's creamy, tangy, and spicy
Pimento cheese is a creamy, tangy, and spicy delight. It's a spreadable cheese mixture with a few essential ingredients and a whole lot of variations.
The three key components are shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. The cheddar is usually sharp or extra sharp to make the flavour stand out. The pimento peppers provide a tangy, peppery kick, and the mayonnaise binds it all together.
But there are many ways to customise your pimento cheese. Some like to add cream cheese, sour cream, or yoghurt for extra creaminess. For a spicier version, you can add jalapeno peppers, cayenne pepper, paprika, or hot sauce. Other popular additions include garlic powder, onion powder, pickles, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pimento cheese is often served as a spread on sandwiches, crackers, or crostini, or as a dip for vegetables like celery or carrots. It's a versatile condiment that can be added to burgers, omelettes, grilled cheese, biscuits, grits, or macaroni and cheese.
While it's commonly found in the Southern United States, pimento cheese has spread across the country, with some people swearing by specific brands or recipes. It's a delicious, creamy, tangy, and spicy treat that's perfect for any occasion.
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It's versatile and pairs well with many foods
Pimento cheese is a versatile spread that can be used in a variety of dishes. While it is commonly served as a sandwich filling between two slices of white bread, there are numerous other ways to enjoy it. For a simple snack, it can be spread on crackers, crostini, or celery and carrot sticks. For a more indulgent treat, try it on a burger, grilled cheese, or even drizzled over fries. It can also be used as a condiment to add a Southern twist to dishes like omelets, biscuits, grits, or macaroni and cheese.
Pimento cheese is also a great addition to recipes. For example, it can be used as a filling for chicken breast—simply butterfly the chicken, spread the pimento cheese inside, roll it up, coat it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then fry it. It can also be added to a tuna melt or used as a dip for vegetables like celery or carrots.
The versatility of pimento cheese extends beyond its use in various dishes; it also allows for customization in its preparation. While the essential ingredients are shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise, there are numerous add-ins that can be used to create different flavor profiles. For a spicier kick, include ingredients like jalapeño peppers, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. For a tangier profile, add in some pickles, lemon juice, or Worcestershire sauce. Other popular add-ins include cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, minced onion, and minced garlic.
The adaptability of pimento cheese makes it a popular choice for those seeking a creamy, cheesy, and tangy spread with a slight kick. Its versatility in pairing with various foods, as well as its ability to be customized during preparation, contributes to its popularity.
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Frequently asked questions
Pimento cheese is a tangy, peppery, and creamy spread that can be spicy depending on the add-ins. It is commonly served as a spread on sandwiches, crackers, or crostini, or as a dip for vegetables.
Pimento cheese is made with shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Other popular add-ins include cream cheese, jalapeno peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, minced onion, and minced garlic.
Pimento cheese is available at most grocery stores in the spread or cheese section. You can also find it at some restaurants, such as Bo-Jangles, which offers a 15-ounce family-sized tub of their pimiento cheese spread.
To make pimento cheese at home, simply mix shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. You can also add in other ingredients such as cream cheese, jalapeno peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika to taste.
Pimento cheese is a spreadable cheese mixture that is made with shredded cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. It has a tangy, peppery, and creamy flavour that is distinct from other types of cheese.
