Growing up with a Southern Momma, homemade pimiento cheese was a summertime tradition. Now that I’m a grown up woman, I’ve continued the tradition but with a little extra spice. Starting with my Momma’s best pimiento cheese recipe, I add jalapeños, hot sauce and, of course, some spicy language.
What are pimientos?
pimiento peppers are sweet, mild peppers with a slight peppery flavor. These peppers more closely resemble red bell peppers than chili peppers. Pimientos can have various colors including yellow, green, red, and maroon. I discovered that trying to find pimientos the day before Memorial Day at grocery stores in the South is quite a scavenger hunt. If you find yourself unable to find pimiento peppers in the store, there are jars of roasted red peppers in the spaghetti sauce aisle.
What is spicy pimiento cheese spread made of?
The foundation of every pimiento cheese recipe is sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, pimiento peppers, and mayonnaise. In our Cuss Kitchen recipe card, we bring the heat with Jalapeno peppers, cayenne, and hot sauce.
It may be a southern classic, but it was invented in New York. Speaking of cheese, yes you can use pre-shredded cheese to save time, but your guests will be uttering “F*ck That’s Good!” if you shred cheese off the block.
Why is pimiento cheese so popular in the South?
The history of pimiento cheese deserves its own encyclopedia entry, but to summarize, it all began with cream cheese. The production of cream cheese coincides with the arrival of sweet red peppers from Spain. In the early 1900s these two ingredients were combined by enterprising cooks to create a spread that is an early version of the pimiento cheese dip we know and love today.
More on the history of pimiento cheese
How do I serve spicy pimiento cheese?
Here we eat this Southern staple just about any way we can: on crackers, between two slices of white bread as a pimiento cheese sandwich or pimiento cheese as a grilled cheese. Make pimiento cheese to use in celery boats, on crostini, or in our Cuss Kitchen recipe Stuff It ! (Cheesy Bacon-stuffed Mini Bell Pepper Appetizer).
We also won’t shy away from putting pimiento cheese on foods to make them even more classic Southern. Try a scoop of pimiento cheese on your burger, steak, grilled chicken sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich, or omelet.
Stir Southern pimiento cheese into scrambled eggs, macaroni and cheese, or even chili.
How To store Spicy pimiento Cheese?
Once you’ve finished our Spicy pimiento cheese recipe, put the cheese in an airtight container, or cover the mixing bowl with food wrap. Then, pop the bowl in the fridge.
This Pimiento cheese mixture will last up to one week in the fridge, but if you are taking this to your next party, there probably will not be any left- people might be licking the bowl clean.
Can I freeze pimiento cheese?
Some say yes, but we think it changes the texture. Find creative ways to feature and serve pimiento cheese in you next meal or appetizer. Spicy pimiento cheese is a perfect way to upcycle your next appetizer or meal. You will love this recipe.
What is the difference between a dip and a spread?
Spreads and dips are both condiments. The words are often used interchangeably, but spreads are used on top of bread or tortillas, while dips are used to dip the food. A spread naturally drenches the food and acts as an accompaniment. Dips are used to add flavor or texture to a food.
Other Cuss Kitchen Dips
My Fetish A XXX appetizer with fresh, and flavorful Feta Cheese Dip, Dill, Oregano, and Red pepper flakes- it’s a guilt-free dip you will want to share in an uninhibited way. Pair our Feta dip with our homemade PITA chips, crackers, carrots, celery, peppers, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, or mushrooms. As with all good fetishes…the possibilities are endless.
Buttered Nuts Hummus If you love Butternut Squash you will be amazed with the Butternut Squash flavor of this hummus. Rich velvety butternut squash, tahini, curry and roasted garlic goodness combined with chickpeas chicken, coconut, lemon and cilantro. Sweet and spicy goodness in a wholesome snack.
Cuss Kitchen Spreads
This Greek-inspired whipped feta board is healthy, creamy, and delicious. So addictive you will dip and scoop this board clean! This is the next generation Charcuterie board!
The Spread It is time for a Mascarpone Board with Balsamic Strawberries, Basil and Candied Pecans. This is an easy appetizer you can make with ease. Spend hardly any time in the kitchen -the express train of bougie, simple goodness. Fall in love with a delightful new taste.
This article originally appeared on Cuss Kitchen and was syndicated by MediaFeed.
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