Our recipes are usually what you would call “traditional,” but this one is downright “retro.” And yet, we have been seeing it everywhere lately, so we think we might just be on the cutting edge of a full fledged revival.
If you’re from the South, you are probably used to eating pimento cheese (on crackers, sandwiches, hot dogs, etc.). In fact, it originated in the South and it is sometimes called southern caviar.
It isn’t as well known in the rest of the country. In fact, in New England it hasn’t become popular until very recently. So, to us, it’s kind of exciting!
One difference between the “old fashioned” version and the new one is the texture. It used to be smooth and creamy but now it’s just mixed. (Of course, it’s easy enough to blend it all together if you want to.)
By the way, if you’re wondering what a pimento actually is, here’s the Wikipedia description:
A pimiento (Spanish pronunciation:
Photo from Wikipedia
Simple Recipe for Pimento Cheese
Makes 1 3/4 cups
Ingredients:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 c diced (or sliced) pimentos, (1 (4 oz) jar, drained)
4 oz cream cheese (regular or whipped)
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (it’s best if you shred it yourself)
1/8 tsp onion powder
salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Combine mayo and pimentos.
Add cheese and onion powder.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve at room temperature.
Lighter version: Use reduced fat cheese, light or reduced fat cream cheese and light mayo.
Note: If you’re going to blend it and you need a little liquid, use some of the pimento juice you drained off.
Variations
Additions:
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp adobo sauce
1 tsp chopped fresh dill
1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/2 japapeno pepper (or pickled japapeno), seeded and minced
1/8 red onion, diced or grated
1/4 tsp hot smoked paprika
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Dash of hot sauce
1/4 tsp ground celery seed
1/16 tsp celery salt (Mini Measuring Spoon Set)
1 tbsp minced light green celery leaves
1/4 tsp Paula Deen House Seasoning
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
Substitutions:
Use roasted peppers instead of pimentos
Use Monterey Jack or smoked Gouda or Pepper Jack instead of cheddar
Suggestions:
Spread on celery sticks.
Make grilled cheese sandwiches with pimento cheese. (May add 2 Tbsp chopped bacon.)
Recipes
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Fried Pimento Cheese Balls
Pimento Cheese Biscuits
Pimento Cheese Cornbread
Pimento Grilled Cheese
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Pimento Cheese Potato Skins
Pimento Cheese Toasts
Southern Style Hot Dogs from the Relish.com newspaper supplement
Grill hot dogs.
Spread 1 Tbsp barbecue sauce on each hot dog bun.
Serve hot dogs in buns topped with 1 Tbsp pimento cheese and chopped pickles.
