Get ready to take your love for pimento cheese to the next level! This classic Southern spread has been a staple at gatherings and parties for generations, but we’re shaking things up by adding a delicious twist. From spicy jalapeño dips to smoky bacon sliders, we’ve gathered 18 mouth-watering recipes that will make you fall in love with pimento cheese all over again.
Whether you’re a traditionalist looking for a classic pimento cheese spread or an adventurous eater seeking something new and exciting, this list has got you covered. With flavors ranging from tangy and creamy to spicy and savory, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and elevate your snack game with these 18 creamy pimento cheese recipes with a twist!
Classic Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
A Southern staple, this creamy pimento cheese spread is a perfect accompaniment to crackers, sandwiches, and veggies. With its rich flavor and velvety texture, it’s no wonder why this recipe has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped green pimentos (optional)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the chopped pimentos (if using) and stir until well combined.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Dip
Add a kick to your snacking routine with this creamy and spicy dip, perfect for game days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup pimento peppers, drained and chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add pimento peppers, jalapeño pepper, cheddar cheese, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekin.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and slightly golden brown.
7. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese Sliders
Elevate your slider game with these mouthwatering bites, featuring smoky bacon and creamy pimento cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 4 slices of smoky bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tbsp pimento cheese spread
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, onion (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form ground beef into 8 equal portions and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
4. Assemble sliders by spreading pimento cheese on each bun, followed by a cooked patty, crumbled bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion (if using), and finishing with a dollop of remaining pimento cheese.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burgers
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burgers Recipe
Elevate your burger game with this creamy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces ground beef
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese spread (see note)
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and/or your favorite toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten slightly into patties.
3. Butter the inside of each bun.
4. Place a patty on each bun, followed by a dollop of pimento cheese spread (about 1-2 tablespoons).
5. Top with another burger patty to create a “stacked” effect.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Grill burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total.
Note: For the pimento cheese spread, you can use store-bought or make your own by combining 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh pimentos. Mix until smooth!
Avocado Pimento Cheese Toast
This recipe combines the richness of pimento cheese with the freshness of ripe avocados, all piled high on toasted bread. It’s a perfect snack or light lunch that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 4 slices of white bread (or your preferred toast)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your toaster or toaster oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Spread a layer of pimento cheese on the unbuttered side of two slices of bread.
4. Top with a spoonful of mashed avocado and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Place the remaining two slices of bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Toast for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled egg game with the addition of creamy pimento cheese! These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a snack.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Paprika, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mayonnaise, pimento cheese spread, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
5. Garnish with paprika, if desired.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is a straightforward assembly process.
Pimento Cheese Mac and Cheese
Pimento Cheese Mac and Cheese: A creamy comfort food twist on a classic macaroni and cheese recipe.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated pimento cheese (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add pimento cheese, stirring until smooth.
5. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer; cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
7. Combine cooked macaroni and pimento cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl.
8. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with additional grated cheddar cheese (optional).
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich
A twist on the classic comfort food, this grilled pimento cheese sandwich adds a smoky flavor to the creamy cheese and sweet peppers.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 large pimento pepper, roasted and chopped
– 4 slices white bread
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together butter, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese until smooth.
3. Add chopped pimento peppers and stir until combined.
4. Butter one side of each bread slice.
5. Place two slices, butter-side down, on the grill.
6. Top with the cheese mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
7. Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
8. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Pimento Cheese Quesadillas
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and crunchy fusion of pimento cheese and quesadillas. Perfect for game day gatherings or quick lunches.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup pimento cheese (or to taste)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with pimento cheese, leaving a small border around edges.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of pimento cheese.
4. Fold tortilla in half to enclose filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tortilla is lightly browned and cheese starts to melt.
6. Flip quesadilla and cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until other side is also lightly browned.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes total
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this creamy and savory take on stuffed mushrooms. The combination of earthy mushroom caps filled with spicy pimento cheese is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 cup pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix pimento cheese and cheddar cheese until well combined.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture, mounding slightly in the center.
4. Drizzle melted butter over the mushrooms.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and cheese is golden brown.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pimento Cheese Grits Casserole
A creamy, cheesy casserole that combines the warmth of grits with the comfort of pimento cheese. Perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook grits according to package instructions using 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of butter.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pimento cheese spread.
4. Combine cooked grits with the cheese mixture and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (optional).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pimento Cheese Potato Salad
A creamy and tangy twist on classic potato salad, this recipe combines the richness of pimento cheese with the comfort of potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons pimento cheese spread
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool to room temperature.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pimento cheese spread, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooled potatoes, chopped chives, and toss until well combined.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pimento Cheese Cornbread Muffins
Elevate your snack game with these moist and flavorful Pimento Cheese Cornbread Muffins. Perfect for a quick breakfast, lunchbox addition, or afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread (crushed)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey or maple syrup for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and pimento cheese spread.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in melted butter.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow muffins to cool before serving. Optional: drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pimento Cheese Biscuits
These buttery, cheesy biscuits are a Southern classic, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re flavored with the tanginess of pimentos and the richness of cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pimentos
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese and pimentos.
5. Pour in buttermilk and stir until dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Roll out to 1-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut into shapes.
8. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pimento Cheese Chicken Salad
This Pimento Cheese Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on traditional chicken salad, adding the rich flavors of pimento cheese to create a satisfying and creamy treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, mayonnaise, pimento cheese spread, parsley, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve on top of mixed greens or as a sandwich filling.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including chilling time)
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers
These sweet and savory peppers are packed with the comforting goodness of pimento cheese, making for a satisfying snack or side dish. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their pepper game.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup pimento cheese spread (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers, removing seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix pimento cheese, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
4. Stuff each pepper with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four peppers.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pimento Cheese Fondue
Elevate your snack game with this creamy pimento cheese fondue, perfect for dipping a variety of crackers, fruits, and veggies. This rich and tangy recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 cup pimentos, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and paprika.
2. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the chopped pimentos and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Pimento Cheese and Pickle Roll-Ups
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these creamy, crunchy roll-ups filled with pimento cheese and tangy dill pickles. Perfect for a quick snack or as an addition to your next party.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pimento cheese spread
– 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill pickle slices
– 1 package of crescent rolls (8-10 count)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. Spread about 1 tablespoon of pimento cheese onto the center of each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top with chopped pickle slices.
5. Roll up each triangle tightly, starting from the wide end.
6. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to take your pimento cheese game to the next level! This article features 18 creamy pimento cheese recipes with a twist. From classic Southern spreads to spicy dips, smoky sliders, and more, there’s something for everyone. Try adding some heat with jalapeño peppers or mix things up with avocado toast. Or, go all out with pimento cheese-stuffed burgers, mac and cheese, or even fondue! With these unique recipes, you’ll never look at pimento cheese the same way again.