Delicious Food Pairings For Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that is perfect on its own but also works well with other dishes. It is a simple condiment made by combining shredded cheese, chopped pimentos, mayonnaise, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic, or onion powder. It is often served as a dip with crackers, vegetables, or pita chips, or as a spread on sandwiches, toast, or grilled cheese. Pimento cheese can also be used as a filling in stuffed peppers, mac and cheese, or even grilled peaches. For a spicier version, you can substitute jalapeños or roasted red bell peppers for the pimentos.

Pimento cheese with crackers or bread

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple and is perfect on its own or as an addition to other dishes. It is a simple condiment, often served as a dip or spread, or used as a filling in sandwiches, stuffed vegetables, and mac and cheese.

Pimento Cheese with Crackers

Pimento cheese is a versatile dip or spread that can be served with a variety of crackers. Here are some cracker options to consider:

• Water crackers
• Rustic whole wheat flatbread dipped in herbs and flaky salt
• Buttery crackers like Club crackers or Townsend crackers
• Pita chips
• Saltines
• Pretzel crisps
• Wheat Thins
• Ritz crackers
• Garlic naan crackers
• Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed Jalapeno

Pimento Cheese with Bread

Pimento cheese can also be enjoyed with bread in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Pimento cheese sandwiches: a classic option, served cold or grilled
• Pimento cheese crostini: melted and browned pimento cheese topped with crispy bacon
• Pimento cheese grilled cheese: combine with butter and bread for a heavenly sandwich
• Pimento cheese biscuits: warm cheddar herb biscuits are a perfect pairing
• Pimento cheese toast: try grilled peaches and pimento cheese on toast for a unique flavour combination

Pimento Cheese Charcuterie Board

Creating a charcuterie board with pimento cheese is a great way to offer a variety of options for your guests. In addition to crackers and bread, you can include:

• Vegetables: celery, baby carrots, cucumber slices, mini bell peppers
• Meats: a variety of sliced meats or cured meats
• Nuts: cashews, peanuts, or any other type of nut

Customising Your Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese can be customised to your taste preferences by adding different ingredients. Here are some ideas to elevate your pimento cheese:

• Spices: cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce
• Vegetables: minced onions, jalapeños, or grilled red peppers
• Bacon: crumbled bacon adds a salty, crispy texture
• Pickles: for a tangy, crunchy addition

Pimento cheese as a sandwich filling

Pimento cheese is a versatile sandwich filling that can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas to elevate your pimento cheese sandwich:

Choose the Right Bread

Start with selecting a bread that complements the creamy texture of the pimento cheese. A crusty bread , such as a baguette or sourdough, can provide a satisfying crunch. Alternatively, opt for a softer option like a brioche bun or Texas toast for a more indulgent treat.

Add Some Crunch

Consider adding a layer of crisp vegetables to your sandwich. Sliced cucumbers, buttered and toasted saltines, or even celery sticks can add a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the pimento cheese. You could also try a BLT with pimento cheese for an extra flavour kick.

Meat Lovers

For those who enjoy a heartier sandwich, adding a layer of meat can take your pimento cheese sandwich to the next level. Crispy bacon, sliced ham, or even fried chicken can be delicious additions. If you're feeling adventurous, try a bacon jam with your pimento cheeseburger for a sweet and savoury bite.

Spice it Up

If you like your sandwiches with a kick, incorporate some jalapeños or spicy pickles. The mild tanginess of pimento cheese pairs well with a touch of heat. Alternatively, you can spread some pimento cheese on a slice of bread and top it with a spicy bread and butter pickle for a unique flavour combination.

Grilled to Perfection

Take your pimento cheese sandwich to the next level by grilling it. The melted cheese will create a gooey, decadent texture that is sure to satisfy any comfort food craving. You can also try a grilled cheese sandwich with pimento cheese and candied bacon for an extra special treat.

Creative Combinations

Don't be afraid to get creative with your pimento cheese sandwich. Try pairing it with ingredients like scrambled eggs, fried green tomatoes, or even mac and cheese. The versatility of pimento cheese means you can experiment with different flavours and textures to find your perfect combination.

Pimento cheese as a dip for vegetables

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 is a versatile dip that can be served with a variety of vegetables. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Celery: Cut celery stalks into sticks or slices and use them as dippers for pimento cheese.
• Bell Peppers: Slice up bell peppers of any colour (except green) into strips and use them as dippers. You can also stuff mini bell peppers with pimento cheese and enjoy them as bite-sized snacks.
• Cucumber: Cut cucumbers into slices or sticks and use them as dippers. You can also hollow out small cucumbers and fill them with pimento cheese for a more substantial snack.
• Carrots: Baby carrots or carrot sticks are a healthy and crunchy option for dipping into pimento cheese.
• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or sliced larger tomatoes can be paired with pimento cheese for a refreshing and tasty snack.
• Green Beans: Blanched or roasted green beans can be dipped into pimento cheese for a unique and tasty combination.

These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different vegetables. Pimento cheese is a versatile dip that can complement a variety of flavours and textures.

Additionally, you can serve pimento cheese with a variety of crackers, breads, and other sides. Here are some ideas:

• Crackers: Try it with Ritz crackers, wheat thins, pita chips, or any other type of cracker you prefer.
• Breads: Pimento cheese can be spread on toast, bagels, or bread slices for a simple and tasty snack.
• Pretzels: Soft pretzels or pretzel crisps can be dipped into pimento cheese for a salty and crunchy treat.
• Pickles: Spicy bread and butter pickles or other types of pickles can be a tasty accompaniment to pimento cheese.
• Meats: Pimento cheese can be served with fried green tomatoes, bacon, or other types of meat for a heartier snack.

Pimento cheese in stuffed vegetables

Pimento cheese is a popular dish in the South, often served at gatherings and made with a combination of cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and spices. It is typically served with crackers, bread, or celery, but it can also be used as a filling for stuffed vegetables.

Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

One popular option for pimento cheese-stuffed vegetables is to use sweet mini peppers. This dish is simple to prepare and can be made in advance, making it a great choice for parties or picnics. To make this dish, simply slice the peppers in half, remove the seeds and ribs, and fill them with pimento cheese. If desired, the peppers can be baked in the oven for a warm appetizer.

Other Vegetable Options

In addition to peppers, pimento cheese can be used to stuff other vegetables such as celery, mini bell peppers, or cucumbers. For a more substantial dish, pimento cheese can also be used as a filling for larger vegetables such as tomatoes or squash. When using larger vegetables, it is important to hollow them out before filling to make room for the cheese.

Customizing Your Dish

There are many ways to customize pimento cheese-stuffed vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Some people like to add a kick of spice to their pimento cheese by incorporating jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Others may prefer to lighten up the filling by substituting half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

Pimento cheese-stuffed vegetables can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish. They are often well-received at parties or gatherings, as they offer a delicious and unique twist on traditional stuffed vegetables. When serving, consider providing a variety of dipping sauces or garnishes to further enhance the flavors.

Pimento cheese in mac and cheese

Pimento cheese is a Southern delicacy, often referred to as "the caviar of the south". It is a simple yet highly revered condiment, typically a combination of cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and spices, served with celery, crackers, or pretzel thins.

Pimento Mac and Cheese

Pimento Mac and Cheese combines two Southern comfort foods into one extra cheesy, creamy, and salty dish. It is an easy skillet mac with the legendary flavours of pimento cheese folded in.

Ingredients

The ingredients for Pimento Mac and Cheese are simple and similar to those for traditional macaroni and cheese. They include:

• Macaroni noodles
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk (preferably whole milk)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, colby jack, or a combination)
• Pimento cheese
• Optional: cream, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or garlic salt

Method

The steps to make Pimento Mac and Cheese are similar to those for traditional macaroni and cheese:

• Make a white sauce or béchamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour and milk, and bringing the mixture to a boil.
• Combine cooked noodles, white sauce, pimento cheese, and shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese.
• Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips

• For the best flavour, grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
• Make the pimento cheese from scratch for a tangier taste. Store-bought pimento cheese often contains only mayonnaise as a binder, while homemade recipes may include additional ingredients like cream cheese or Boursin cheese.
• Play around with different types of shredded cheese to find your favourite combination. Mild or sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or any melting cheese will work well.
• Top the mac and cheese with a crumb topping, such as Ritz cracker crumbs, for added texture.

Frequently asked questions