Randy Chandler
Pimento cheese dip is a popular Southern dish that's traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling. The dip is easy to make and can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect appetizer for game days, holidays, and get-togethers. While there is no standard serving size, a 2-tablespoon serving of pimento cheese dip contains approximately 120 calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, and 11 grams of fat.
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What You'll Learn
Pimento cheese dip is a Southern staple
The Southern classic is known for its rich and creamy texture, with the sharp cheddar cheese taking centre stage as the star of the show. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding a block of good-quality cheese yourself ensures the best taste and texture for the dip. The cream cheese and mayonnaise also play important roles in the creaminess of the dip, with some recipes suggesting sour cream as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise. The pimentos, a type of mild pepper, provide a signature reddish hue and a subtle peppery flavour. Jalapeños or other peppers can be added for those who prefer a spicier dip.
Pimento cheese dip is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyed as a dip with crackers, veggies, or potato chips, or spread on sandwiches, burgers, or grilled cheese. It can also be used as an ingredient in recipes, such as mac and cheese or mashed potatoes. The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient option for hosting.
The origins of pimento cheese dip can be traced back to the Southern United States, where it has been a beloved part of the culinary culture for generations. It is a dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, with many people recalling fond memories of their grandmothers or mothers making the dip for family gatherings or everyday meals. While it may be challenging to find in restaurants or stores outside of the South, the homemade version is always a favourite, passed down through handwritten recipe books and cherished family traditions.
Pimento cheese dip has become a staple at Southern get-togethers, potlucks, and tailgates, and its popularity is spreading across the country. It is a simple yet addictive combination of flavours that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you're a Southern native or just discovering this delicious dip, pimento cheese is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. So, grab your favourite cheese and get shredding—your taste buds will thank you!
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It's made with cheddar, cream cheese, mayo, and pimentos
Pimento cheese dip is a Southern staple that is traditionally made with cheddar, cream cheese, mayo, and pimentos. It is a simple mix-and-serve appetizer that can be prepared in about 10 minutes. The dip is rich, creamy, cheesy, and tangy, with a mild peppery flavour and a reddish hue from the pimentos.
To make pimento cheese dip, start by shredding a block of good-quality cheddar cheese. Then, cut the cream cheese into cubes so that it blends easily with the other ingredients. You will also need to drain and finely chop the pimento peppers. Combine the cheeses, peppers, and mayonnaise in a large bowl, and mix until thoroughly combined. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to taste. If you prefer your dip spicy, you can add minced jalapeños and an extra pinch of cayenne.
The dip can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is delicious served with potato chips, crackers, or vegetables such as cucumber, celery, or bell peppers. Pimento cheese can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or grilled cheese, or as a topping for flatbread pizza.
Pimento cheese dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is perfect for game days, holidays, and get-togethers. It can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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It's served with crackers, veggies, or chips
Pimento cheese dip is a popular Southern dish, commonly served with crackers, veggies, or chips. It is a creamy, tangy, and peppery dip with a signature reddish hue from the pimento peppers. The dip is made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos, and sometimes includes cream cheese, jalapeños, and spices.
When serving pimento cheese dip with crackers, it is best paired with multigrain seed crackers or simple salted crackers. For a lighter option, the dip can be served with crudités such as carrot and celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes. Pimento cheese dip can also be served with potato chips, pretzels, or crostini for a crunchy texture.
Pimento cheese dip is a versatile appetizer that can be customized to your taste preferences. It can be made spicier by adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, the jalapeños can be omitted or replaced with roasted red peppers.
In addition to being served as a dip, pimento cheese is also delicious as a sandwich spread. It can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, bagels, or on low-carb bread. It can also be added to scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or burgers for an extra cheesy kick.
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Can be made ahead and stored for up to a week
Pimento cheese dip is a popular Southern dish that can be made ahead and stored for up to a week in the refrigerator. It is a creamy, cheesy, tangy, and peppery dip that can be served with crackers, vegetables, or chips. The key ingredients are shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, but some recipes also include cream cheese, jalapeños, and spices.
When making pimento cheese dip ahead of time, it is important to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be made up to three days ahead of time, and leftovers can be stored for up to five days. Some sources suggest that it can be stored for up to a week, but it is best consumed within a few days as the dip may start to dry out and the flavours may diminish.
To make the dip, simply mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. It is important to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can affect the taste and texture of the dip. The cream cheese should also be softened to ensure it incorporates fully into the dip.
Once the dip is prepared, it should be covered and chilled for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavours to develop and blend together. Pimento cheese dip is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a spread for sandwiches, or a filling for grilled cheese. It is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for game days, holidays, and get-togethers.
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Can be frozen for up to three months
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple and a popular dip for crackers, sandwiches, and tortilla chips. It is made with freshly shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, with some recipes calling for cream cheese, jalapeños, and spices. While it is best enjoyed fresh, pimento cheese can be frozen for up to three months.
Freezing pimento cheese is a great way to extend the shelf life of this delicious Southern delicacy. However, it is important to note that the texture of the cheese will change upon freezing and thawing. The cheese may develop a grainy or watery texture, making it less suitable for recipes that require the cheese to be served as is. Therefore, it is recommended to use thawed pimento cheese in cooked dishes or recipes where the texture will be masked by other ingredients.
To freeze pimento cheese, divide it into smaller portions and place it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and stack the containers securely in the freezer. Maintain a consistent temperature by storing it in the coldest part of the freezer, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
When you are ready to use your frozen pimento cheese, thaw it gradually in the refrigerator to preserve its texture and flavor. After thawing, gently stir the cheese to restore its consistency before using it in your favorite recipes.
While freezing pimento cheese is a convenient option, it may not be the best choice for those seeking the perfect texture and flavor. Some people suggest that the frozen and thawed cheese should be used in recipes, such as macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, or mixed into mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs. This way, you can still enjoy the unique taste of pimento cheese, even if the texture is not ideal for a dip.
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Frequently asked questions
The serving size of pimento cheese dip varies based on the recipe and the number of servings desired. One recipe suggests 2 tablespoons per serving, while another recommends making the dip in a large bowl and serving it with potato chips, crackers, or crudités (such as carrot and celery sticks).
The number of servings from a pimento cheese dip recipe will depend on the quantity of ingredients used and the desired serving size. One recipe suggests that it serves 8, while another recommends making it in a large bowl, which could serve a larger group.
Pimento cheese dip can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Some recipes suggest it can last up to 2 weeks, although it is best consumed within a week.
Yes, pimento cheese dip can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming grainy or separated due to the cream cheese and mayonnaise.
Pimento cheese dip is a versatile appetizer that can be served with crackers, crudités (such as carrot and celery sticks), potato chips, or strips of bell pepper (any color but green), cucumber, or celery. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or grilled cheese.
