One of the most iconic dishes of the South, pimento cheese is a creamy and tangy spread made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's a staple at any Southern gathering, from football tailgates to church picnics. But this versatile spread can also be used in a variety of recipes, from sandwiches to dips to mac and cheese. Here are 20 delicious ways to enjoy this Southern classic.
If you're looking for a quick and easy lunch, look no further than a Southern pimento cheese sandwich. Simply spread the cheese between two slices of bread and grill it for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. For an extra pop of flavor, add some crispy bacon or sliced tomatoes.
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Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese
Main Ingredients: Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Mayonnaise, Pimento
This recipe takes pimento cheese to the next level. Made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese, this pimento cheese is extra creamy and cheesy. For a bit of heat, add some diced jalapenos to the mix.
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Shredded Sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack
Take your regular grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by using pimento cheese instead of regular cheese. For an extra Southern touch, use thick slices of Texas toast and serve with a side of fried pickles.
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Best Pimiento Cheese
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise, Worcestershire Sauce, Apple
Looking for the best pimento cheese recipe? Look no further. This recipe combines the classic flavors of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos with a secret ingredient – cream cheese. The result is an extra creamy and flavorful spread that will become your new go-to recipe.
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Pimiento Cheese Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Baking Soda, Garlic Powder
These savory biscuits are a perfect addition to any brunch or breakfast spread. Serve them warm with a dollop of pimento cheese on top for a delicious and indulgent treat.
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Grilled Sausage with Pimiento Cheese Grits
Main Ingredients: Smoked Sausage, Water, Salt, Quick Cooking Grits
This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a Southern-style breakfast or brunch. Spicy grilled sausage pairs perfectly with creamy pimento cheese grits. Top with some crumbled bacon for an extra touch of Southern flavor.
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Southern Ham Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Cooked Ham, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sweet Onion
Add some Southern flair to your next macaroni salad by adding pimento cheese. The tangy and creamy cheese adds a new dimension of flavor to the traditional dish.
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Southern Caviar - Pimento Cheese
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Jack
This dip may not be made with fish eggs, but it's just as indulgent. Made with black-eyed peas, corn, and pimento cheese, this dip is perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips or crackers.
This classic pimento cheese spread is perfect for topping crackers, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip for veggies. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for an easy snack or appetizer option.
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Southern Style Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
Main Ingredients: Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Sharp
If you like a little heat in your pimento cheese, this recipe is for you. With the addition of diced jalapenos, this cheese spread has a nice kick that pairs perfectly with a cold beer.
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Southern Hot Pimento Cheese
Main Ingredients: Cheddar, Pepper Jack Cheese, Dukes Mayonnaise, Pimento
For those who like it hot, this pimento cheese recipe is a must-try. Made with a blend of spicy and smoky cheeses, this dip is sure to be a hit at your next party.
This warm and gooey dip is perfect for any occasion. Simply mix together pimento cheese, cream cheese, and diced tomatoes, and bake until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips for a delicious snack.
This classic pimento cheese recipe is a must-have for any Southern cook. It's perfect for sandwiches, dips, and even mac and cheese.
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Southern Burger with Fried Pickles
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Worcestershire Sauce, Black Pepper, Cayenne
Add a Southern twist to your next burger by topping it with pimento cheese and fried pickles. The tangy and creamy cheese pairs perfectly with the crunchy and salty pickles for a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
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Southern-Style Pimento Cheese Dip
Main Ingredients: Cheddar Cheese, Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
This cold pimento cheese dip is a great option for hot summer days. Serve with crackers or veggies for a refreshing and tasty snack.
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Southern Style Pimento Mac and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Butter, All Purpose Flour, Heavy Cream, Elbow Macaroni
This mac and cheese recipe takes comfort food to a whole new level. With the addition of pimento cheese, this mac and cheese is extra creamy and flavorful.
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Southern Pimento Cheese (aka Carolina Caviar)
Main Ingredients: Pimento, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mayonnaise
This dip may have a fancy name, but it's a simple and delicious combination of pimento cheese, black-eyed peas, and corn. It's perfect for parties and potlucks.
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Peach Sweet Tea Southern Veggie Burger
Main Ingredients: Veggie Patties, Jam, Pimento Cheese, Mayo, Potato
This veggie burger is bursting with Southern flavors. With a pimento cheese spread and a peach sweet tea glaze, this burger is a unique and tasty option for vegetarians.
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Southern Potato Salad with Bacon and Pimento Cheese
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Thick Cut Bacon, Mayo, Red Wine Vinegar
Take your potato salad game to the next level with this Southern-style recipe. With the addition of crispy bacon and tangy pimento cheese, this potato salad is sure to be a hit at any cookout.
The Perfect Combination of Creamy and Tangy
If you've ever visited the South or had a taste of Southern cuisine, chances are you've come across the beloved pimiento cheese sandwich. This classic sandwich is a staple in many Southern households and for good reason. The combination of creamy and tangy flavors makes it irresistible and a go-to comfort food for many. But what exactly is pimiento cheese? And how can you recreate this delicious sandwich at home? In this article, we'll give you a rundown on everything you need to know about this Southern favorite and a simple yet delicious pimiento cheese sandwich recipe that will have you coming back for more.
The History of Pimiento Cheese
Pimiento cheese, also known as "pimento cheese," has been a popular dish in the South since the early 1900s. It is believed to have originated from the Spanish dish "queso con pimientos," which is a spread made of cheese and roasted peppers. However, the pimiento cheese sandwich as we know it today is said to have been created by the Ritz-Carlton hotel chef in New York City in the early 1900s. It was then adopted and popularized in the South, becoming a staple in Southern picnics, tea parties, and social events.
The Must-Have Ingredients
To make a delicious pimiento cheese sandwich, you'll need a few key ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the pimiento peppers, which are small, sweet, and mildly spicy red peppers. These can be found in jars or cans in most grocery stores. Next, you'll need sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Some recipes also call for chopped pickles or pickle juice to add an extra tangy kick to the spread.
The Perfect Pimiento Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Now that you know the history and key ingredients of this Southern classic, it's time to put it all together and make your own pimiento cheese sandwich. Here's a simple and delicious recipe that will have you feeling like a true Southerner:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped pimiento peppers, drained
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped pickles or 1 tbsp pickle juice (optional)
- 8 slices of your preferred bread
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimiento peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. If using pickles or pickle juice, add them to the mixture and stir well.
3. Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
4. Spread the pimiento cheese mixture onto one side of each bread slice.
5. Assemble the sandwich by placing two slices of bread together, cheese side in.
6. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade pimiento cheese sandwich!
In Conclusion
The pimiento cheese sandwich is a Southern classic that has stood the test of time. It's creamy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Now that you have the perfect pimiento cheese sandwich recipe, it's time to gather your ingredients and give it a try. Whether you're a Southerner or just a lover of good food, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead and indulge in this delectable treat, and experience the taste of the South with every bite.
