Randy Chandler
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that's traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling. But what else can you put pimento cheese spread on? The answer is: almost anything! It's a versatile spread that can be used to spice up grilled cheese sandwiches, as a topping for burgers, chicken, or BBQ, or even as a dip for vegetables, crackers, or pretzels. So, whether you're looking for a tasty snack or a hearty meal, pimento cheese spread is a great option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of food | Spread, dip, sandwich filling, topping |
| Food pairings | Crackers, bagel chips, pretzels, celery, cucumber, carrot sticks, bell peppers, hollowed-out peppers, olives, bread, toast, baguette slices, wafers, vegetables, chicken, burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, pulled pork BBQ, fried green tomatoes, sausage balls |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Gouda, Smoked Gouda |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, liquid from diced pimentos, cream cheese, pimentos, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, adobo sauce, Dijon mustard, dill, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish |
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What You'll Learn
Crackers
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that can be served as a dip with crackers or vegetables, as a spread on sandwiches or toast, or as a filling in stuffed peppers, grilled cheese, or mac and cheese.
When it comes to choosing the right crackers to serve with pimento cheese, there are a few options to consider. Here are some detailed suggestions specifically focused on crackers:
Saltines
A sleeve (or two) of Saltines is the perfect accompaniment to pimiento cheese. Saltines are neutral in flavor without tasting like cardboard, and they have just the right amount of saltiness to enhance the pimiento cheese. They also have a crispy, yet not too sturdy texture that is perfect for spreading or scooping the cheese. You can bite into a Saltine without it crumbling into pieces.
Ritz Crackers
Ritz crackers are another option that pairs well with pimiento cheese. They have a buttery flavor and a crisp texture that can complement the cheese spread.
Homemade Pimiento Cheese Crackers
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making your own pimiento cheese crackers. This involves creating a dough with flour, butter, and pimiento cheese, then slicing and baking the crackers. This option allows you to have the cheese inside the cracker as well as on top, taking your pimiento cheese experience to the next level.
Gluten-Free Crackers
For those with gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences, gluten-free crackers are an option. You can find gluten-free varieties of your favorite crackers or opt for gluten-free all-purpose flour if you're making your own crackers.
In conclusion, while there are many options for crackers to serve with pimiento cheese, the classic choice of Saltines is always a safe bet. However, feel free to experiment with different types of crackers to find your favorite combination.
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Sandwiches
Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that's traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is commonly served as a sandwich filling. Here are some sandwich ideas:
Classic Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Spread 1/3 to 1/2 cup of pimento cheese between 2 slices of white bread and wrap it in green waxed paper. This sandwich is a classic at Augusta National Golf Club during the Masters tournament.
Pimento Grilled Cheese
Use pimento cheese as a filling for grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also add jalapeños to the grilled cheese for some spice.
Pimento Chicken Sandwich
Spread pimento cheese on a chicken sandwich.
Pimento Pulled Pork Sandwich
Use pimento cheese as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches.
Pimento Burger
Spread pimento cheese on a burger.
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Burgers
Pimento cheese is a popular topping for burgers, especially in the South. It is a creamy, tangy, and spicy spread that can take a basic ground beef burger to the next level. Here are some tips and tricks for making the ultimate Pimento Cheese Burger:
The Meat
For the perfect pimento cheese burger, it is recommended to use ground beef with an 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. This will ensure that your burger patties are juicy and flavourful without being dry or tough. Season the meat with salt and pepper, and shape it into patties that will fit your buns.
The Cheese
The star of the show, pimento cheese, is a combination of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and diced pimentos. Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can be added for a subtle kick of heat and a smoky flavour. You can also include a small amount of pickle juice, horseradish sauce, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavour. Mix these ingredients together until you achieve a creamy, spreadable texture.
Assembly
Once your burger patties are grilled to perfection, it's time to assemble the burger. Spread a generous amount of pimento cheese on the cut sides of the buns. You can also place a leaf of lettuce and a thin layer of honey slaw on the bottom bun for added freshness and crunch. Place the burger patty on top, followed by your choice of toppings such as bacon, tomato, or crushed potato chips. Finally, crown your creation with the top bun.
Serving
Pimento Cheese Burgers are best served immediately while the cheese is still melty and oozing. These burgers are perfect for summer cookouts, backyard barbecues, or any time you're craving a delicious, cheesy burger. Don't forget the napkins, as this burger is sure to be a messy (but tasty) delight!
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Chicken
Pimento cheese is a versatile spread that can be used in a variety of ways with chicken. Here are some ideas for using pimento cheese spread with chicken:
Baked Chicken
One popular option is to bake chicken breasts or thighs and top them with pimento cheese. You can season the chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil, bake until cooked through, and then spread pimento cheese on top, returning it to the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese. This method keeps the chicken moist and adds a ton of flavor. You can also assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it when you're ready to eat.
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Pimento cheese is also a delicious topping for grilled chicken sandwiches. Marinate thin-sliced chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, then grill the chicken and top it with pimento cheese, letting it melt slightly. Serve the chicken on a toasty brioche bun with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or red onions for added freshness.
You can also use pimento cheese as a filling for chicken quesadillas. Grill or bake the chicken separately, then fill a tortilla with the cooked chicken and pimento cheese spread, adding any additional vegetables of your choice. Grill the quesadilla until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is toasted.
Spread pimento cheese on a tortilla, add sliced chicken, and roll it up with deli meat and greens. Then, slice the rolled-up tortilla into pinwheels for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Add a creamy surprise to your chicken burgers by mixing pimento cheese into the centre of the patty before grilling. You can also use pimento cheese as a topping for chicken burgers or sandwiches, providing a tangy and savoury contrast to the meat.
With its combination of cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, pimento cheese spread adds flavour and moisture to chicken dishes. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and seasonings to create your own unique twist on these recipes.
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Vegetables
Pimento cheese is a versatile spread that can be served with a variety of vegetables. Here are some ideas for vegetables to pair with pimento cheese:
Celery
Celery is a refreshing and crunchy vegetable that pairs well with the creamy texture of pimento cheese. Cut celery stalks into sticks or strips and serve them alongside the pimento cheese spread.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers, especially in colours other than green, can be a great vessel for pimento cheese. Simply cut the peppers into strips or slices and use them as dippers. Alternatively, you can stuff the peppers with pimento cheese for a tasty and colourful appetiser or side dish.
Cucumber
Sliced cucumbers are another refreshing option to serve with pimento cheese. Their crisp and cool texture can provide a nice contrast to the rich and tangy spread.
Stuffed Vegetables
Pimento cheese can also be used as a filling for stuffed vegetables. For example, you could hollow out a tomato or a zucchini and fill it with pimento cheese before baking or grilling. This creates a warm and comforting dish that showcases the versatility of pimento cheese.
Salads
Pimento cheese can also be used to enhance the flavour of vegetable-based salads. For example, you could crumble some pimento cheese on top of a cucumber salad or use it as a dressing for a vegetable-based pasta salad.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with your favourite vegetables and get creative with your presentations. Pimento cheese is a versatile spread that can complement a wide range of vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
Pimento cheese spread is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways. It is commonly served with crackers, pretzels, bagel chips, or vegetables like celery sticks, sliced red peppers, and cucumbers.
Yes, pimento cheese spread is often used as a sandwich filling. It is a classic Southern staple that is traditionally served on white bread, but it can also be enjoyed on whole wheat bread or in a wrap.
In addition to the traditional options, pimento cheese spread can be used as a topping for burgers, chicken, or BBQ dishes. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables, crackers, or pretzels, or as a filling for grilled cheese sandwiches.
