Southern Sport: Pimento Cheese At The Masters

what sporting event serves pimento cheese

The Masters Tournament, held annually in Augusta, Georgia, is a prestigious golf tournament known for its culinary traditions, including the beloved pimento cheese sandwich. This classic Southern delicacy has become synonymous with the event, offering attendees a unique culinary experience alongside the excitement of the championship. With its blend of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, the sandwich is a signature item that fans eagerly anticipate, contributing to the distinctive atmosphere of The Masters.

Characteristics Values
Name of the sporting event The Masters Tournament
Type of event Golf tournament
Location Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
Date Second Sunday in April
Food items served Pimento cheese sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, burgers topped with pimento cheese
Price of pimento cheese sandwich $1.50
Ingredients Cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, mustard
Preparation The pimento cheese spread is made by combining the ingredients in a food processor until smooth and then chilled before serving
Bread Soft, fluffy white bread

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The Masters Tournament

The Masters' pimento cheese sandwich is a beloved tradition, with a history dating back to 1947. Hodges and Ola Herndon, local entrepreneurs, crafted homemade sandwiches using Herndon's father's recipe, selling them on the course for just 25 cents. The simple yet mouthwatering combination of cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, served on soft, fluffy white bread, quickly became a favourite among attendees.

Over the years, the sandwich's popularity has endured, with subsequent concessionaires building upon the original recipe and solidifying its status as an iconic symbol of The Masters. It is now considered as iconic as the green jacket awarded to the tournament winner. The accessibility and affordability of the sandwich, with prices remaining relatively unchanged over the years, further enhance its appeal.

The Masters' commitment to offering inexpensive yet delicious food sets it apart from other sporting events, creating lasting memories for spectators and reinforcing the tournament's prestigious reputation. The pimento cheese sandwich has become an integral part of The Masters experience, cherished by golfers and food lovers alike.

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Pimento cheese's Southern roots

Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that is commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling. It is traditionally made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. The dish is believed to have originated in New York in the late 1800s due to industrial food manufacturing. However, it became a Southern classic thanks to Georgia, which began cultivating domestic pimento peppers in 1911 due to the demand for sweet Spanish peppers. The spread gained even more popularity due to sporting events like the PGA Masters Golf Tournament and the Kentucky Derby, which are known for serving pimento cheese sandwiches.

The Masters Tournament, an annual golf event held in Augusta, Georgia, is famous not only for its prestigious golf competition but also for its unique traditions, including serving inexpensive but iconic concessions such as the pimento cheese sandwich. This sandwich has become a staple of the event, with attendees looking forward to it as part of the overall experience. The affordability and simplicity of the food, combined with the exclusivity of The Masters, create a special cultural aspect that sets it apart from other sporting events. The pimento cheese sandwich is as much a symbol of The Masters as the green jacket awarded to the tournament winner.

The tradition of serving pimento cheese sandwiches at The Masters dates back many years, and these sandwiches are sold at a very reasonable price, making them an accessible treat for attendees. The sandwiches are made from a creamy mixture of cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise, spread between two slices of bread. They are often served alongside other traditional snacks, such as egg salad sandwiches, but the pimento cheese sandwich stands out as a fan favorite.

Outside of this sporting event, pimento cheese is also commonly enjoyed at parties, tailgates, and get-togethers in the South. It can be used wherever cheese is used, including in mac & cheese, on meat platters & charcuterie boards, as a dip, in sandwiches, burgers, or tossed into potatoes or warmed to form a fondue.

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The Masters' unique culinary offerings

The Masters Tournament, held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, is known for its unique culinary offerings. One of its most famous food items is the pimento cheese sandwich, which has become an iconic symbol of the tournament, alongside the prestigious green jacket awarded to the winner.

The pimento cheese sandwich is a classic Southern dish, made from a mixture of cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, spread between two slices of soft, fluffy white bread. This simple yet delicious combination has become a signature item that fans look forward to when attending the tournament. The tradition of serving these sandwiches dates back to 1947 when young entrepreneurs Hodges and Ola Herndon began preparing homemade sandwiches in their Augusta kitchen, selling them on the course for just 25 cents.

Over the years, the price of the sandwich has remained affordable, currently costing only $1.50, which is a rare find at sporting events. This commitment to affordable food enhances the overall experience for attendees, allowing fans to enjoy a day of golf without breaking the bank. In addition to the iconic sandwich, The Masters also offers other traditional snacks such as egg salad sandwiches and ham sandwiches, as well as unique creations like the pimento cheese sausage dip.

The Masters' culinary offerings extend beyond just sandwiches and dips. The tournament is also known for its emphasis on viewer experience, with expertly manicured grounds, coveted merchandise, and champions' dinners. The combination of delicious food, beautiful surroundings, and exciting golf creates a memorable and prestigious atmosphere that attracts spectators from around the world.

The Masters Tournament is not just about the golf; it's about the entire experience, including the unique and beloved food offerings that have become a staple of this prestigious event. The pimento cheese sandwich, in particular, has come to symbolise The Masters, with its rich history and strong ties to Southern tradition, making it a highly anticipated part of the tournament for many attendees.

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The Masters' green jacket

The Masters Tournament, held annually in Augusta, Georgia, is known for its culinary traditions, including the beloved pimento cheese sandwich. This golf championship stands out not only for its prestigious competition but also for its unique atmosphere, showcasing Southern cuisine alongside the golf tournament.

The pimento cheese sandwich has become an iconic symbol of The Masters, with attendees indulging in this delicacy alongside other traditional Southern fare, creating a distinctive culinary experience. The sandwich is made from a creamy mixture of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, spread between two slices of soft, fluffy white bread. This classic Southern dish has become a signature item that fans eagerly anticipate when attending the tournament.

The tradition of serving pimento cheese sandwiches at The Masters dates back to 1947 when young entrepreneurs Hodges and Ola Herndon began preparing homemade sandwiches in their Augusta kitchen. The couple sold these sandwiches on the golf course for just twenty-five cents, and they quickly became a favourite among attendees. Over the years, the price has remained affordable, with the sandwich now costing only $1.50, a minimal increase considering the inflation and soaring food prices over the past seven decades.

The Masters Tournament is held every April, and the pimento cheese sandwich has become an integral part of the event's identity, much like the prestigious green jacket awarded to the tournament winner. The sandwich's enduring popularity and association with The Masters have solidified its status as a beloved symbol of Georgia's rich culinary heritage and Southern tradition.

In conclusion, The Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, is renowned for its unique culinary offerings, with the pimento cheese sandwich taking centre stage as a highly anticipated and iconic symbol of the event. The accessibility, simplicity, and affordability of this Southern delicacy have created a special cultural aspect that sets The Masters apart from other sporting events, leaving lasting memories for spectators beyond the golf tournament itself.

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Pimento cheese recipes

The Masters, a prestigious golf tournament held annually in Augusta, Georgia, is known for serving pimento cheese sandwiches. This tournament is one of the four major championships in professional golf and is famous for its culinary traditions, including inexpensive concessions such as the pimento cheese sandwich. This sandwich has become a symbol of the tournament, with attendees looking forward to indulging in this delicacy each year.

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern dish that is creamy, cheesy, tangy, and peppery. It can be served as a dip with crackers or vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches. Here are some recipes for pimento cheese that you can try:

Basic Pimento Cheese Recipe:

  • Drain and rinse 4 ounces of pimiento peppers (about 1/4 cup) and coarsely chop if sliced.
  • Add the pimientos, 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to a bowl of grated cheese.
  • Stir until evenly combined and spreadable.
  • Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and more cayenne as needed.
  • Serve with crackers, toast, or crudités, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

The Masters Pimento Cheese Recipe:

  • Whip cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add in mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic salt, and whip until smooth.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients, such as grated or shredded parmesan cheese.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Mimi's Pimento Cheese (Spicy Variation):

  • Pimento cheese is typically made with cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise.
  • For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper, fresh jalapeño pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Stir the ingredients together until combined, using a hand mixer for a lightly fluffy texture.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It can be enjoyed as a dip, a sandwich spread, a topping for burgers, or even grilled with pita wedges. It is a beloved Southern delicacy that has become an iconic part of The Masters golf tournament, creating a unique culinary experience for attendees.

Frequently asked questions

The Masters Tournament, a prestigious golf event held annually in Augusta, Georgia.

In 1947, Hodges and Ola Herndon began preparing pimento cheese sandwiches in their Augusta kitchen and selling them at the tournament for 25 cents each. The sandwiches became an instant hit, and the Herndons were asked to provide concessions for the tournament the following year.

Pimento cheese sandwiches are made from a mixture of cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, spread between two slices of bread.

Yes, pimento cheese is also served on crackers, vegetables, or as a topping for burgers at The Masters.

Yes, other traditional snacks served at The Masters include egg salad sandwiches and fried chicken.

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