Bushra Griffith
Pimento cheese is a spread that is commonly served on crackers, vegetables, or in sandwiches. It is typically associated with Southern cuisine, although it originated in the Northern United States in the early 20th century. The spread is made with a combination of cheeses, mayonnaise, and pimentos, with regional variations including additional ingredients such as cream cheese, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and jalapeños. While the specific types of cheese used may vary, cheddar cheese is a popular choice for its sharp flavor and spreadable texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Cream Cheese, Neufchatel |
| Peppers | Pimento, Roasted Red Peppers, Jalapeños |
| Spices and Seasonings | Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder |
| Other Ingredients | Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt, Worcestershire Sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty that originated in the Northern United States in the early 20th century. It is typically made with cheddar cheese, specifically extra-sharp cheddar, although a mix of mild and sharp cheddar can also be used. The cheese is shredded or grated by hand on the large holes of a box grater. It is important to grate the cheese yourself for the best texture and to avoid store-bought pre-shredded cheese, which is coated in powder that can mute the flavour and interfere with the creamy texture.
Some recipes suggest adding cream cheese to enhance the cheddar flavour and make the pimento cheese tangier and creamier. However, traditional Southern pimento cheese does not include cream cheese, as it dilutes the cheddar flavour.
The shredded cheddar is then mixed with mayonnaise, chopped pimento peppers, and various seasonings. The pimento peppers can be jarred or canned Spanish pimentos, although these tend to be more expensive. Southern farmers began growing pimentos to provide a cheaper alternative.
Pimento cheese is typically served as a spread on crackers, vegetables, or sandwiches. It can also be used as a dip or added to burgers, chicken, or other dishes.
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Mayonnaise
Pimento cheese is a spread made with a combination of cheeses, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is typically served on crackers and vegetables or in sandwiches. While the cheeses used can vary, the most common are cheddar, cream cheese, and hoop cheese.
The amount of mayonnaise used can also vary depending on the desired consistency and flavour of the pimento cheese. Some recipes call for 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, while others use less. The mayonnaise can be mixed with the other ingredients by hand or with an electric mixer. It is important to note that pimento cheese is best when the individual ingredients retain some texture, so it is not recommended to mix it in a food processor.
The basic pimento cheese recipe has few ingredients, but there are many variations. Some recipes include additional spices and seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. The type of cheese used can also vary, with some recipes calling for a mix of mild and sharp cheddar, or even substituting half of the cheese for white cheddar, smoked cheddar, or Gouda.
Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It can be used as a spread on crackers, celery, or sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables, chips, or pretzels. It can also be used as a topping for hamburgers, hotdogs, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Pimentos
Today, pimento cheese is a beloved Southern staple that is often served as a spread on crackers, celery, or sandwiches. It is a versatile dish that can be customised with various cheeses, spices, and seasonings. While some people enjoy the simplicity of cheddar and pimentos, others like to add cream cheese, jalapeños, or spices like cayenne pepper and garlic powder.
Pimento cheese is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Southern cooks, who adapted a simple combination of peppers and cheese into a beloved culinary tradition. The spread's enduring popularity demonstrates the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.
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Cream cheese
Pimento cheese is a spread that is typically made with cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is usually served with crackers, vegetables, or as a sandwich filling.
While some recipes for pimento cheese use soft cheeses like Neufchatel or even no cheese at all, others include cream cheese. In fact, cream cheese was used in one of the earliest pimento cheese recipes, which appeared in a 1908 issue of Good Housekeeping.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple and is often served as a sandwich filling between two slices of white bread or as a dip with crostini. It can also be served with crackers, vegetables, or fried green tomatoes.
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Spices and seasonings
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty that is versatile and can be served as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling. While the basic recipe calls for only a few ingredients, including grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimentos, there are numerous variations when it comes to spices and seasonings.
The most commonly used spices and seasonings in pimento cheese are garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients add a savoury and spicy kick to the spread, with cayenne pepper being the key ingredient that gives pimento cheese its signature "zip". If you're looking for an extra spicy kick, you can also add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Some recipes suggest adding a pinch of paprika or Worcestershire sauce for additional depth of flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with other spices and seasonings like horseradish, Louisiana-style hot sauce, or dill.
For those who prefer their pimento cheese on the thinner side, you can adjust the consistency by adding optional ingredients such as mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, or even the liquid from the diced pimentos. This allows you to customise the spread to your desired texture and taste.
While the spices and seasonings can be adjusted to personal preference, the key to a delicious pimento cheese is finding the right balance of flavours and textures. Whether you like it spicy or mild, creamy or chunky, pimento cheese is a versatile and customisable spread that can be tailored to suit your taste buds.
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Frequently asked questions
Pimento cheese is typically made with cheddar cheese. However, some recipes call for a mix of mild and sharp cheddar, while others suggest substituting half of the cheese with white cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, or gouda.
Yes, some recipes include cream cheese, which enhances the cheddar flavor and makes the pimento cheese tangier and creamier.
Yes, there are variations in the type of cheese used in different regions. For example, early recipes from the Northern United States suggest using soft cheeses such as Neufchatel or cream cheese, while Southern recipes typically use cheddar cheese and mayonnaise.
