Delicious Foods To Eat With Pimento Cheese Dip

Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread or dip that's traditionally made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling. But what goes with pimento cheese dip? Well, the options are endless! You can serve it with crackers, veggies like carrot and celery sticks, crostini, crunchy pretzels, or even use it as a filling for sandwiches. Some people like to get creative and use pimento cheese dip as a topping for grilled chicken or in a BLT. Others stick to the classics and pair it with good old Saltines. So, whether you're looking for a quick snack or an appetizer to impress your guests, pimento cheese dip is a great option!

Crackers

Other crackers that are commonly paired with pimento cheese dip include Ritz crackers, Wheat Thins, and Triscuits. For a spicier option, try Triscuits with banana peppers. If you're looking for something buttery, try Club crackers, Townsend crackers, or pita chips. For a healthier option, go for whole-wheat flatbreads or crackers with seeds, such as Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed Jalapeño.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own crackers to serve with your pimento cheese dip. TV chef Carla Hall, for example, makes her own salt-and-pepper butter crackers to serve with her pimento cheese spread.

Burgers

Pimento Cheese on Burgers

Pimento cheese is a delightful blend of sharp cheddar, pimentos, and creamy mayo, and is a Southern staple. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including burgers. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate pimento cheese into your next burger creation:

Classic Cheeseburger with a Twist

Add a generous dollop of pimento cheese to your burger patty before grilling. As the burger cooks, the pimento cheese will melt, creating a creamy and tangy centre. Serve the burger on a toasted bun with your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and red onion.

Bacon Jam Cheeseburger

This burger takes inspiration from chef Edward Lee's "Pimiento Cheeseburgers with Bacon Jam". Start by making a delicious bacon jam by cooking down bacon pieces with onions, brown sugar, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Then, form your burger patties and cook them to your desired doneness. Top each patty with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese and a generous scoop of pimento cheese. As the cheese melts, the flavours will combine to create a heavenly, messy bite. Serve the burgers on toasted buns with a smear of the bacon jam and your choice of toppings.

Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Burger

Take your burger game to the next level by stuffing your patties with pimento cheese. Form the ground beef into thin patties and place a spoonful of pimento cheese in the centre of each. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, ensuring it is completely enclosed. Grill the burgers until they are cooked to your liking, being careful not to overcook the cheese filling. Serve these juicy, cheese-stuffed burgers on toasted buns with your favourite toppings and a side of crispy fries.

Southern-Style Burger

Create a Southern-inspired burger by topping your patty with a slice of fried green tomato and a generous helping of pimento cheese. The tanginess of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese. You can also add a slice of crispy bacon and some shredded lettuce for a true Southern experience. Serve it on a soft brioche bun to complete this delicious burger creation.

Veggie Burger Option

For a vegetarian option, try making black bean burgers and topping them with pimento cheese. The creaminess of the cheese will complement the slightly spicy and earthy flavours of the black bean patties. Serve these veggie burgers on toasted buns with avocado slices, pickled red onions, and a side of sweet potato fries.

Salads

Shrimp Louie Salad

This salad, with its succulent shrimp, crisp lettuce, and tangy dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of pimento cheese. The lightness and freshness of the salad balance the rich and robust flavour of the cheese, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Cucumber Salad

A cucumber salad is a perfect choice to serve alongside pimento cheese dip. The crisp, fresh cucumbers dressed in a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the creamy and hearty cheese dip. This combination ensures a refreshing and flavourful meal, balancing the richness of the dip.

Grilled Asparagus Salad

Consider pairing the pimento cheese dip with a grilled asparagus salad. The smoky, slightly charred asparagus provides a unique flavour and texture that complements the creamy and tangy cheese dip. Serve the asparagus warm, topped with a generous dollop of the dip for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Tomato-based Salads

Pimento cheese dip also goes well with tomato-based salads. The bright, acidic notes of fresh tomatoes can balance the richness of the dip. You can create a simple tomato salad with cucumbers, onions, and a vinaigrette dressing. Alternatively, try a caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and basil, adding a dollop of the dip on top or serving it on the side.

Green Salads

Green salads, such as a classic garden salad or a mixed greens salad with a variety of vegetables, can also be a good pairing. The crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and other vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and tangy dip. You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs to your green salad to make it more substantial.

Fries

Pimento Cheese Dip with Fries

Preparation and Serving Suggestions

When it comes to preparation, there are two main approaches: using the pimento cheese dip as a topping for the fries or serving it on the side as a dip.

Topping

For a truly indulgent experience, follow the lead of chef Jonathon Sawyer and broil your fries with a generous helping of pimento cheese on top. Start by baking your fries until they're browned and crisp. Then, add the pimento cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and browned in spots. This method creates a decadent, cheesy fry that's hard to resist.

Dip

If you prefer to keep your fries crisp and dip them as you go, simply serve the pimento cheese dip on the side. This option allows you to control the amount of cheese on each fry and can be less messy for certain occasions.

Customization Ideas

Whether you choose to use the pimento cheese as a topping or a dip, there are endless ways to customize this dish to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Spiciness: Add some heat with cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or finely chopped jalapeños.
• Meat: Include some crispy bacon bits or chorizo crumbles on top for an extra savoury punch.
• Vegetables: Try garnishing with chopped green onions or chives for a touch of freshness and colour.
• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese in your pimento cheese dip. While cheddar is traditional, you could try mixing in some Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for a slightly different flavour profile.
• Sides: Don't forget to serve your pimento cheese fries with some delicious sides. Classic options include ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a side of chili to dip your fries into.

Pimento cheese dip and fries are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you opt for the decadent topped fry or the classic fry and dip combination, this pairing is sure to satisfy your cravings for something cheesy, crispy, and downright delicious. So, fire up your oven, whip up a batch of pimento cheese, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food.

Sandwiches

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. Here are some sandwich ideas to go with pimento cheese:

BLT

A BLT sandwich with pimento cheese is a delicious combination. The salty, crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes pair well with the creamy, tangy cheese.

Grilled Cheese

For a classic comfort food option, use pimento cheese as the filling in a grilled cheese sandwich. The melted cheese will be extra gooey and delicious.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

This hearty sandwich is a great choice to serve with pimento cheese. The tangy cheese adds a burst of flavor to the savory, tender pork.

Pimento Cheeseburger

Take your cheeseburger to the next level by using pimento cheese as the topping. The sharp, creamy cheese will complement the beef patty perfectly. You can even add some bacon jam, as chef Edward Lee suggests, for an indulgent treat.

Pimento Cheese and Fried Green Tomatoes

For a true Southern experience, serve pimento cheese sandwiches with fried green tomatoes. The tartness of the tomatoes will cut through the richness of the cheese.

Pimento Cheese and Bacon

Try a pimento cheese sandwich with crispy bacon for added texture and flavor. The saltiness of the bacon will enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.

Pimento Cheese and Tomato

A simple yet delicious option is to pair pimento cheese with fresh sliced tomatoes in a sandwich. The juicy tomatoes will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cheese.

Frequently asked questions