The Perfect Pairings For Pimento Cheese: A Southern Classic

Pimento cheese is a beloved staple in the South, with a creamy texture and a tangy taste. It's made with extra-sharp cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise, and can be served in a variety of ways. While it's commonly used as a spread for sandwiches and crackers, it can also be melted in grilled cheese, used as a topping for burgers, or served with vegetables for dipping.

Crackers

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, and it is often served with crackers. The crackers that go best with pimento cheese are those that are lightly salted, without any additional seasoning. The crackers should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the pimento cheese spread, but not so thick that they overwhelm the flavour of the cheese.

Saltine crackers are a popular choice, as they have a neutral flavour and a satisfying crunch. They are often used as the vehicle for pimento cheese spreads during taste tests. Other types of crackers that can be paired with pimento cheese include water crackers, wheat crackers, and rice crackers.

When choosing crackers to serve with pimento cheese, it is important to consider the texture and thickness of the crackers. Thinner crackers, such as rice crackers or wheat crackers, can be a good option if you want a lighter snack. Thicker crackers, such as water crackers or wheat crackers, can provide a more substantial base for the pimento cheese.

In addition to crackers, pimento cheese can also be served with fresh-cut celery sticks or strips of bell pepper (any colour but green), cucumber, or other vegetables.

Celery sticks

If you want to make the pimento cheese from scratch, you can use a combination of sharp Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese, along with chopped pimiento, grated onion, garlic powder, and black pepper. Process the cream cheese until smooth, then add the remaining ingredients and pulse until combined.

Once you have your pimento cheese or filling, simply spoon it onto the celery pieces. You can chill the celery sticks until you are ready to serve them. This is a simple and delicious snack that is perfect for parties, cookouts, family gatherings, or even just a fun twist on the classic "ants on a log" snack from your childhood.

Burgers

Pimento Cheese on Burgers

Pimento cheese is a beloved staple in the South, and it's no surprise that it goes well with burgers. Here are some tips and suggestions for using pimento cheese to elevate your burger game:

Choosing the Right Pimento Cheese

When selecting a pimento cheese for your burger, opt for a brand that has a good balance of cheesiness and tanginess. Look for options with extra sharp cheddar or a mix of multiple cheeses to get that creamy and tangy flavour. If you're making your own pimento cheese, be sure to use quality ingredients like freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese and well-drained pimento peppers.

Preparing the Burger

To prepare the perfect pimento cheese burger, start by grilling or cooking your burger patty to your desired doneness. Once the patty is cooked, place it on a bun and top it with a generous amount of pimento cheese. You can also lightly toast the bun to give it a slight crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, try spreading some pimento cheese on the bun before placing the patty on it. This will create a delicious, cheesy base for your burger.

Additional Toppings

While pimento cheese is a star ingredient on its own, you can also experiment with additional toppings to create a unique and mouth-watering burger. Here are some suggestions:

• Cucumber slices or dill pickles: The crispness and tanginess of cucumbers or pickles can complement the creaminess of the pimento cheese.
• Tomato: Adding a slice of fresh tomato can provide a juicy contrast to the rich pimento cheese.
• Arugula or sprouts: For a touch of freshness and a slight peppery flavour, add a handful of arugula or sprouts.
• Fried egg: If you're feeling indulgent, top your burger with a fried egg. The runny yolk will mix with the pimento cheese, creating a decadent sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pimento cheese burger with a side of crispy fries or a refreshing salad. For a true Southern experience, pair your burger with a glass of sweet iced tea. Don't forget to have extra napkins on hand, as this burger will likely be juicy and messy in the best way possible!

Remember, the key to a great pimento cheese burger is to find a balance between the flavours and textures of the pimento cheese, burger patty, and any additional toppings you choose. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste buds!

Sandwiches

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern staple and is a popular sandwich filling. It is a combination of cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise, with some recipes adding cream cheese to the mix.

The Classic Sandwich

Pimento cheese, spread thick on white bread, and nothing else. This is the classic sandwich, and a popular one at that.

The Pimento Grilled Cheese

A pimento grilled cheese sandwich is a must-try. The melted cheese adds a whole new dimension to the sandwich.

The Burger Topper

Pimento cheese can be added to a burger for a spicy, tangy kick.

The Substantial Sandwich

For a more substantial sandwich, pimento cheese is great with sliced cucumber (or dill pickles), tomato, sprouts or arugula, and even a fried egg.

The Pimento BLT

A Pimento BLT is another option, adding a creamy, spicy kick to the traditional BLT.

The Club

For a heartier sandwich, pimento cheese can be added to a club sandwich, with the addition of chicken or turkey, bacon, and sliced tomato.

Grilled cheese

Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich

A grilled pimento cheese sandwich is a delightful combination of tangy, creamy, and savoury flavours. It is a beloved Southern staple that can be enjoyed as a quick bite, a hearty meal, or even as a savory brunch option. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the perfect grilled pimento cheese sandwich:

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of soft white or sourdough bread (you can also use wheat bread or gluten-free bread)
• ⅓ to ½ cup of pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (preferably Duke's or a similar good-quality brand)
• Sliced tomatoes (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat.
• Spread the pimento cheese evenly over one slice of bread. If desired, add sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese.
• Top with the second slice of bread.
• Spread mayonnaise evenly on the top and bottom of the sandwich.
• Place the sandwich on the heated skillet or griddle.
• Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Let the sandwich rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting and serving.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy sandwich, spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter.
• Keep the heat at a medium-low temperature to ensure the cheese melts and the bread becomes golden without burning.
• If desired, serve the grilled pimento cheese sandwich with a side of potato chips, fresh fruit, a salad, or a bowl of soup.
• For an extra kick of flavour, add some crispy bacon, grilled ham, or sliced jalapeños to your sandwich.

Pimento Cheese Ingredients:

If you want to make your own pimento cheese, here's what you'll need:

• Extra-sharp cheddar cheese (grated by hand for the best texture)
• Cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
• Pimento peppers or roasted red peppers (drained and chopped)
• Mayonnaise (again, Duke's is a popular choice)
• Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and/or fresh jalapeño pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

Simply combine these ingredients, and your pimento cheese is ready to be used in your grilled cheese sandwich!

Frequently asked questions