Bushra Griffith
Pimento cheese is a Southern dish that is often served as a spread, dip, or sandwich filling. It is made with cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Some recipes also include cream cheese, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Pimento cheese is known for its tangy, peppery flavor and creamy texture. It can be served in a variety of ways, including on crackers, celery, corn chips or tortilla chips, or as a topping for hamburgers, hot dogs, or fries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Food | Spread or dip |
| Cuisine | Southern |
| Main Ingredients | Cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise |
| Other Ingredients | Cream cheese, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, jalapeños |
| Consistency | Chunky paste or creamy |
| Taste | Tangy, peppery, spicy |
| How to Eat | On crackers, celery, tortilla chips, hamburgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, crudité platter, buttermilk biscuit |
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What You'll Learn
Pimento cheese ingredients
Pimento cheese is a Southern classic that is commonly served as a spread, dip, or sandwich filling. It is made with a few simple ingredients that can be mixed together to form a chunky paste. The base recipe typically includes grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimento peppers. However, there are many variations and additional ingredients that can be added to suit individual preferences.
The cheddar cheese used in pimento cheese is preferably of good quality and extra sharp variety. Grating the cheese by hand using a box grater is recommended for the best texture and flavour. Some recipes also include cream cheese, which enhances the tanginess and spreadability of the pimento cheese.
The pimento peppers, also known as pimientos, give the spread its signature red flecks and a slight tang. They can be chopped or drained from a jar. While some recipes omit spicy peppers, others include jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Mayonnaise is another key ingredient in pimento cheese, and the type of mayonnaise can vary according to taste and preference. Some people prefer the flavour of Duke's Mayonnaise, while others opt for homemade mayonnaise.
In addition to the base ingredients, various seasonings and regional ingredients can be added to pimento cheese. These may include cayenne pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, onions, garlic, and black pepper. Family recipes and personal preferences often dictate the specific ingredients and quantities used.
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Cheddar cheese
Pimento cheese is typically made with grated or shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimento peppers (also known as pimientos). The cheddar cheese is usually sharp, extra-sharp, or a similar variety to ensure that its flavour stands out. It is grated by hand using a box grater to achieve the best texture and avoid the powder coating found on pre-shredded cheese, which can mute the flavour and affect the texture.
Some recipes also include cream cheese, which enhances the flavour of the cheddar and makes the pimento cheese tangier and creamier. Other common ingredients are jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and various seasonings like garlic, onion, and black pepper. Regional ingredients and variations may include horseradish, Louisiana-style hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dill pickles, and more.
Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as on hamburgers, hot dogs, grits, deviled eggs, or even as a dip for fries or a spread on biscuits. It is a beloved Southern comfort food that has been associated with family recipes, traditions, and cultural heritage.
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Pimento peppers
Pimento cheese is a Southern classic that is often served as a spread, dip, or sandwich filling. It is typically made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimento peppers. The addition of pimento peppers gives the spread its signature red flecks and a slight tang.
The pimento peppers used in the cheese can be jarred or canned, providing convenience and a longer shelf life. Jarred pimento peppers are particularly known for giving the spread its characteristic red specks. Canned pimentos, on the other hand, were historically associated with luxury and are still used in pimento cheese recipes today.
While the basic recipe for pimento cheese remains consistent, there are regional variations and personal preferences that influence the additional ingredients used. Some people like to add cream cheese to make the spread smoother and creamier. Others may include ingredients such as hot sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, and jalapeños to adjust the spice level and add more depth of flavour.
The versatility of pimento cheese is part of its appeal, as it can be enjoyed in various ways, including as a dip with crackers or vegetables, as a spread on sandwiches or biscuits, or even as a topping for hamburgers or hotdogs.
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Mayonnaise
Pimento cheese is a popular dish in the Southern United States, and is often called the "pâté of the South" or "Carolina caviar". It is typically served with crackers or vegetables, or spread between pieces of bread to make sandwiches. It can also be used as a dip, or served on burgers, in grits, or in quesadillas.
The dish is made by mixing grated cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. The cheese is usually cheddar, but other varieties such as cream cheese, gouda, and Velveeta cheese are also used. The pimentos are a variety of large, red, heart-shaped chili peppers that are typically 3-4 inches long and 2-3 inches wide. They can be purchased canned or jarred, or freshly roasted.
In addition to the core ingredients, pimento cheese can be flavoured with a variety of other ingredients, such as jalapeños, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Some recipes also include cream cheese, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dill pickles, or green onions.
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Serving suggestions
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. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
Crackers and Breads
Pimento cheese is often served with crackers, such as Ritz crackers, pretzels, or baguette slices. It can also be used as a spread on different types of bread, such as white bread or a bagel, or in sandwiches, especially grilled cheese sandwiches. For a more substantial sandwich, add sliced cucumber, dill pickles, tomato, sprouts, or arugula. You can also add a fried egg to your sandwich for a heartier meal.
Vegetables
Pimento cheese pairs well with a variety of vegetables, such as celery, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and sweet mini peppers. It can also be served with hollowed-out peppers, either on the side or filled with the pimento cheese mixture.
Chips
Try scooping pimento cheese with tortilla chips, corn chips, or Fritos. It can also be used as a topping for hamburgers or hot dogs.
Appetizers and Snacks
Pimento cheese can be served as an appetizer or snack, such as in deviled eggs or mixed into biscuits. It can also be added to grits, quesadillas, or used as a dip for fried green tomatoes.
Creative Combinations
For those who like spice, add jalapeños or a splash of Sriracha to your pimento cheese. You can also mix in some cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or adobo sauce for a creamier texture and a tangy flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Pimento cheese is made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise.
The cheese used in pimento cheese is typically cheddar, but other varieties such as Gouda, smoked cheddar, or white cheddar can also be used.
Pimento peppers, also known as pimientos, are sweet peppers that give the spread its signature red flecks.
Yes, family recipes often vary, and additional ingredients can include cream cheese, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, and jalapeños.
Pimento cheese is a versatile spread that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be used as a dip for crackers, celery, or chips, or as a sandwich filling. It can also be added to hamburgers, hot dogs, or deviled eggs.
