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Author:
Franco Salzillo
Pimento cheese, the pâté of the south, or Carolina caviar. This is truly a delicacy and an homage to southern cooking.
Mayonnaise brings together cheese and bell peppers in communion for a dip and spread that everyone loves.
Let’s say it out loud, Pimento cheese might not be the healthiest or more sophisticated dip on the planet, but it does taste delicious!
And you know what? It’s super easy to make. Read on and find a version inspired by the famous recipe by Paula Deen.
To make pimento cheese, you need mayo and cheese, and we’re using three kinds of cheese, Monterrey jack, cream cheese and Cheddar.
You’ll also need red bell peppers, some onion, salt and pepper. It sounds easy, right? Well, it is. You want to chop everything finely, though. Use a food processor to chop the onion and pimentos as finely as possible.
Some other ingredients you can use are garlic cloves, a tablespoon of chopped celery, paprika, cayenne pepper and even a splash of Worcestershire sauce. You get the idea; we’re playing with colors, flavors and textures to make a flavorful dip, so experiment a little!
There’s another component worth mentioning. Hot peppers. Some people love their pimento cheese a bit spicy, and you might as well, so dice a jalapeno pepper and throw it in there. For a smokier take, use a teaspoon of smoky chipotle peppers. That’s a spicy dip!
The traditional way of serving pimento cheese is with soda crackers or butter crackers (try tortilla chips, too!) Still, you can use the dip as a spread for sandwiches. And dipping veggies into a bowl of pimento cheese is a healthy and crunchy alternative for parties and reunions with the family.
Here’s what I like to do with pimento cheese. I hollow out a few hard-boiled eggs and make instant deviled eggs. They’re cheesy and immensely satisfying. Try it! You’ll love these.
Grate the Monterrey and Cheddar cheese. Dice the pimentos and mince the onion. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and the two types of cheese. Incorporate the cream cheese. Mix well.
Fold in the pimentos and onions.
Taste and season with salt and pepper.
