Chunky Pimento Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, this chunky pimento cheese is perfect for spreading, snacking, or entertaining, offering a savory blend with a hint of sweetness from pimentos.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Let the cream cheese and Cheddar cheese come to room temperature.
- Puree the pimento in a blender or processor, then drain and set aside.
- Mix the softened cream cheese, grated Cheddar cheese, and pureed pimento together in a bowl.
- Sprinkle garlic salt over the mixture and stir to incorporate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute the Cheddar with a sharp or smoked variety for different flavor profiles. If you’d like a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne or hot sauce. This pimento cheese also works great as a spread for Finger Ham Biscuits or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chunky pimento cheese with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies for a delightful appetizer. It also pairs beautifully with Finger Ham Biscuits for a southern twist. For a complete spread, consider adding some pickles or olives on the side to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or gently warm it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Pimento Cheese contains roughly 212 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pimento cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pimento cheese can be made a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of pimentos?
If you can't find pimentos, roasted red peppers make a great substitute. They will provide a similar sweetness and flavor. Just be sure to drain and puree them as you would with pimentos.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this chunky pimento cheese is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat products. It’s a perfect addition to any vegetarian recipes spread, offering a rich and satisfying flavor that's sure to please everyone.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).