Serve this with chips, crackers, and crudites for an addictive appetizer that’ll disappear in no time. And in case you didn’t know, homemade pimento cheese tastes 10 times better than the jarred kind and is incredibly easy to make! It only takes 5 minutes to prepare.
Paula Deen Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is a scrumptious southern dip made of mayonnaise, cream cheese, grated cheeses, seasonings, and the star of it all: pimentos. It’s rich and creamy, salty and savory, with just a subtle hint of sweetness and spice. Not only is it ideal as a dip, but as a spread and topping, as well. Heck, I even sometimes eat it on its own with a spoon!
Ingredients
Mayonnaise – It’s what gives pimento cheese its creaminess and silky consistency. Duke’s mayonnaise is a popular brand among southerners, as it’s made with egg yolks and no added sugars. But I say go for whatever you have on hand. I always use Hellmann’s.Monterey Jack and Sharp Cheddar Cheeses – Besides the pimentos, the cheese is the main feature of this spread. For best results, get good-quality block cheeses and grate them yourself. Block cheese has a superior texture and flavor than pre-shredded.Cream Cheese – I like to use full-fat cream cheese for maximum flavor. I never think about my diet whenever I make pimento cheese! If you want a healthier spread, though, it’s okay to use low-fat.
Remember to take it out from the fridge an hour early to soften it and make it easier to blend. If you forget, though, it’s okay. Just slice it into cubes and blending it will be a breeze.
Pimentos – I mean, duh. This is the key ingredient that gives this spread its distinct flavor. In case you’re not familiar, pimentos, also called cherry peppers, are small red peppers that have an even milder spice level than red bell peppers. Grated Onion – Its sweet and pungent flavors provide a nice contrast to the rich spread.Paula Deen House Seasoning – A flavor-packed blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to use your own blend.Salt and Pepper – Add to taste.
Tips for the Best Pimento Cheese
While you can use pre-shredded cheese in a pinch, you’ll yield better results if you grate your own. Packaged shredded cheese contains cellulose which prevents it from clumping together, but it also lessens the cheese’s creaminess. If you’re shredding your own cheese, use a food processor to make things easier.Spice up pimento cheese with finely chopped jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a tangy surprise, mix in a few spoonfuls of pickle relish. It also gives the spread a crunchy element.For a smoky flavor, add a tablespoon of finely-chopped chipotle pepper in adobo.For the ultimate pimento cheese spread, fry up a few strips of bacon, crumble them, and throw them into the mix. You’re welcome.Customize the spread’s flavor with your favorite spices and seasonings. You can’t go wrong with garlic and onion powder.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese
Just like any savory spread or dip, pimento cheese is highly versatile. There are tons of ways you can incorporate it into dishes, but here are some of my favorites.
With chips, crackers, and pretzel sticks: the combination of crunchiness and creaminess is utterly divine. I love pimento cheese with Ritz chips, in particular.With crudites: pimento cheese is a fantastic way to make those nasty vegetable sticks taste so decadent. Serve this with a medley of carrots, cucumbers, radish, and celery for a colorful spread.In sandwiches and burgers: smother white bread or toasted buns with this creamy spread to add another layer of flavor. Potatoes: whether they’re mashed, baked, or roasted, potatoes will benefit greatly from a dollop of pimento cheese.Deviled eggs: instead of just mayo, mix in pimento cheese to your deviled eggs filling for an extra rich and wonderfully salty appetizer.
How to Store Cheese?
Pimento cheese stays fresh for up to 2 weeks as long as you store it properly. Simply place it in an air-tight container and refrigerate.
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