Delicious Pairings For Pimento Cheese Spread: Elevate Your Appetizer Game

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that's perfect for spreading on crackers, crudités, sandwiches, or even burgers. It's traditionally made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos, but there are many variations to this classic recipe. For example, some recipes include crumbled bacon, olives, dried onion, or house seasoning salts. Others might use a combination of cheeses like gouda, smoked gouda, or pepper jack.

Whether you're looking for a dip to bring to a party or a tasty addition to your next sandwich, pimento cheese is a delicious and versatile option.

Crackers and crudités

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 great dip for crackers and crudités. It's a Southern classic and the ultimate no-bake cheese dip. It's tangy, creamy, and cheesy—the perfect combination for a snack.

When serving with crackers, opt for a sturdy variety that can withstand the weight of the dip, such as buttermilk biscuits, toast points, or seeded crackers. For crudités, consider thickly sliced bell peppers (any colour but green), cucumber, or celery. You could also serve the pimento cheese with strips of pepper, cucumber, or celery to lighten up your party spread.

If you want to get creative, try spreading the pimento cheese on a buttermilk biscuit with a swipe of pepper jelly. Or, for a more indulgent option, add some crispy bacon to the mix.

Fried green tomatoes

Ingredients

• 2-3 green tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup flour, or more as needed
• 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs or more as needed
• 1/8 cup milk for egg wash
• Enough cooking oil to fill a large skillet to a depth of 1/2 inch
• 8-12 slices of pork belly bacon or thick-sliced apple-smoked bacon, cooked crisp and drained
• 12 ounces pimento cheese spread, homemade or purchased
• 3 pounds of tomatoes (a combination of regular and Roma tomatoes)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method

For the Fried Green Tomatoes:

• Lightly salt and pepper both sides of the green tomato slices.
• Make an egg wash with one or more eggs and a little milk in a bowl large enough to accommodate the biggest tomato slice.
• Mix the flour with a little salt and pepper in another bowl, and pour the panko crumbs into a third bowl.
• Flour both sides of the tomato slices, then coat thoroughly with the egg wash, and dip in the panko crumbs. Place on a large platter.
• Heat the oil in a large deep skillet until the surface is shimmery. Place several slices in the pan without crowding and fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and fry until golden brown on the other side.
• Remove the slices to a paper towel-covered baking tray and place in a warming oven while you continue with more batches if necessary.
• Place the fried green tomatoes on a platter.

For the Toppings:

• Top each tomato with a dollop of pimento cheese spread and one strip of bacon, cut in half and criss-crossed.
• Finish with a spoonful of tomato jam.

Tomato Jam

• Peel the tomatoes by placing them in boiling water for about 1.5 minutes and then moving them to an ice water bath in a large bowl. After they cool, you can easily remove the skin by hand.
• Cut the tomatoes into a medium coarse chop and place them in a large pot.
• Add the sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all together and let it sit for half an hour to generate some liquid before heating.
• Bring the mixture to a boil uncovered while stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to a heavy simmer. Continue to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
• It may take up to an hour for the jam to thicken. Keep an eye on it and remove from the heat once it has reached a jammy consistency.

Burgers

Pimento Cheese on Burgers

Pimento cheese is a versatile spread that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes, and burgers are no exception. Here are some tips and suggestions for incorporating pimento cheese into your next burger creation:

Choosing the Right Burger

When it comes to selecting the perfect burger for your pimento cheese creation, opt for a juicy, thick patty. A beef burger, whether it's a classic option or something more indulgent like wagyu, will provide a hearty base for the pimento cheese. However, you can also experiment with other proteins like turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option. Just make sure the burger patty has a good amount of flavour and moisture to stand up to the creamy and tangy cheese spread.

Preparing the Pimento Cheese

While store-bought pimento cheese is convenient, making your own allows you to customise the flavour and texture to your liking. The basic ingredients include sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, but feel free to add your own twist. Some popular additions include cream cheese for extra creaminess, garlic powder for depth of flavour, cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or even crumbled bacon for a smoky, savoury note. Play around with different combinations to find your signature pimento cheese blend.

Assembly Tips

When constructing your burger, consider toasting the bun to add a bit of crunch and provide a sturdy base for the juicy patty and toppings. Spread a generous amount of pimento cheese on the bottom bun, followed by a bed of arugula or lettuce. Place the burger patty on top, and if you're feeling adventurous, add a slice of melted cheese—cheddar or American work well. Now, here's where the magic happens: add another layer of pimento cheese on top of the burger. This double dose of pimento cheese ensures every bite is packed with flavour. Finish with sliced tomato, red onion, and a drizzle of your favourite burger sauce.

Serving Suggestions

For a true Southern-inspired meal, serve your pimento cheese burger with a side of crispy, golden fries or tater tots. Don't forget to offer extra napkins, as this burger will likely be a messy (but delicious) endeavour! If you want to go beyond the traditional burger and fries duo, consider pairing your burger with a side of fried green tomatoes or a simple salad of mixed greens and crudités.

Customisation Options

Customise your pimento cheese burger to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños to your burger or incorporate chopped pickled jalapeños directly into your pimento cheese blend.
• Go beyond the bun: Experiment with different types of bread, such as a brioche bun, a pretzel roll, or even a toasted baguette for a more sandwich-style burger.
• Indulge with bacon: In addition to incorporating crumbled bacon into your pimento cheese, you can also top your burger with crispy bacon strips for added texture and flavour.
• Get creative with toppings: Try different combinations of toppings like sliced avocado, caramelised onions, fried eggs, or even a dollop of chilli relish to complement the creamy cheese spread.

Remember, the beauty of pimento cheese is its versatility, so don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination. Enjoy crafting your ultimate pimento cheese burger!

Grilled cheese sandwiches

Pimento grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the tangy, peppery flavour of pimento cheese. The quick-melting nature of pimento cheese makes it an ideal filling for grilled cheese sandwiches, creating a lighter, less greasy sandwich.

Ingredients

For a classic pimento grilled cheese sandwich, you will need:

• Pimento cheese
• Bread (white bread, brioche, or Texas toast are popular choices)
• Mayonnaise
• Butter or oil for cooking

Optional Extras

Some recipes suggest adding sliced green onions, pickles, or jalapeños to the sandwich for an extra kick of flavour. You can also experiment with different types of bread or cheese to find your preferred combination.

Method

To make a pimento grilled cheese sandwich:

• Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place the desired amount of pimento cheese on one slice of bread.
• Add any optional extras of your choice.
• Top with the remaining slice of bread, mayonnaise-side up.
• Cook the sandwich in a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes on each side.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Celery

Preparation:

First, rinse and dry the celery stalks thoroughly, as dirt tends to build up at the bottom of the stalk. Then, cut the celery into 3-4 inch pieces. This length is ideal as it is big enough to hold a generous amount of pimento cheese spread while still being small enough to serve as a finger food.

Serving Suggestions:

The simplest way to serve pimento cheese with celery is to spoon the pimento cheese spread directly onto the celery pieces. You can use store-bought pimento cheese spread or make your own by mixing various types of shredded cheese with pimentos and other seasonings. To make the spreading easier, slightly soften the cheese beforehand.

For a more sophisticated presentation, you can fill the celery with a mixture of cream cheese and pimentos. This combination is a classic side dish or appetizer and goes well with turkey, ham, corn, potatoes, beans, and cranberry salad. You can also get creative and add other ingredients to the cream cheese and pimento mixture, such as garlic, onion, paprika, or hot sauce.

Storage:

If you are not serving the pimento cheese and celery right away, it is best to keep them chilled until ready to serve. The prepared celery with pimento cheese spread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Frequently asked questions