For those who grew up in the South, live in the South, or whose heart is in the South, pimento cheese is a well-loved staple of get-togethers and parties year round. This southern cheese dip has been tested on everything from classic tea sandwiches to a simple grilled cheese. It has been brought to the table to ring in the new year, and it has accompanied many a king cake at Mardi Gras. In fact, there is almost no occasion south of the Mason-Dixon Line when pimento cheese is not a good idea.
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However, you don't need to serve this Southern food as a basic cheese dip. No, the world of pimento cheese recipes is so much wider than that. To introduce you to the possibilities that cheddar cheese and pimiento peppers can create, here are 16 recipes that are sure to inspire your next party.
1. Classic Pimento Cheese
Before you can start doing things with it, you have to know how to make the classic southern pimento cheese that is beloved all over the US. To some, this dip is known as pimiento cheese, but no matter what you call it, its base ingredients are always similar.
All you need is a little sharp cheddar cheese, a cup of mayonnaise or cream cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, and either a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of dijon mustard for zing.
Get the recipe here.
2. Pimento Grilled Cheese with Andouille
This may be the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. loaded with extra-sharp cheddar cheese and pimentos and then stuffed with cayenne pepper -scented andouille sausage, of all the cheese sandwiches out there, this one may be king.
Get the recipe here.
3. Pimento Cheese Stuffed Squash
To up the health factor on pimiento cheese recipes, try pairing it with summer squash and dusting it lightly with bread crumbs.
The result will be an irresistible summertime meal that may persuade your children to consume large quantities of summer's bountiful crop. Get the recipe here.
4. Bacon Pimento Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese plus pimentos plus bacon. The result of this equation is you having a love affair with a large bowl of this decadent dish.
Get the recipe here.
5. Grilled Corn Fritters With Jarlsberg Pimento Cheese
These bite-sized beauties are a mouthwatering start to any meal. And guess who can make them? You! All you need is the ability to use a box grater and loosely measure ingredients, and suddenly Jarlsberg pimento cheese fritters are on your horizon.
Go forth and conquer. Get the recipe here.
6. Peppadew Poppers
Peppadew peppers are really just pimiento peppers with a cute name. That and they're stuffed with a delightfully creamy cheesy goodness.
That's right, indulge. Sometimes you just gotta treat yo'self. Get the recipe here.
7. Pimento Cheese Beer Bread
Beer bread is one of the simplest loaf breads to make. All you need is an electric mixer that can make it up to medium speed, no kneading required! Then you dump in some sharp cheddar, pimentos, and spices.
Voilà! One of the easiest cheese recipes you've ever bothered to bake. Get the recipe here.
8. Pimento Beer Cheese Bites
Why wouldn't you stuff a buttery, beer flavored pastry with creamy pimento cheese? It's like mixing the two ultimate party staples together into one appetizer.
Plus, they're portable so they're handy to have when football is beckoning and you can't stay seated. Get the recipe here.
9. Pimento and Cream Cheese Scalloped Corn
Vegetables and cheese is always a winning combination, that's why every food writer ever gives it rave reviews.
So when corn gets baked into a creamy sauce with with pimentos, red onions, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, you know no one will be complaining. Get the recipe here.
10. Pimento Cheese Corn Sticks
These are like cornbread but way better because they're dippable. Plus, they're made with buttermilk, which every Southerner knows is an essential ingredient in baked goods.
Get the recipe here.
11. Hot Pimento Cheese Dip
Hot pimento cheese dip is what happens when queso meets pimentos. It's creamy, it's comforting, it's classic, and it's so good. If you serve this, I guarantee your serving bowl will be wiped clean.
Get the recipe here.
12. Pimento Cheese Cornbread
This is one of those recipes that belongs on any southern Christmas or Thanksgiving table. It's classic cornbread (heavy on the cornmeal) paired with moist pimento cheese, and the result is the greatest way to sop up any of your leftover holiday sauces.
Get the recipe here.
13. Spicy Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
This is the perfect appetizer for any party, any time of year. It's easy, it's do ahead, it's pretty, and at least here in the South, it's beloved.
Right, so what's stopping you from trying this out? Get the recipe here.
14. Creamy Pimento Cheese Spinach
This dish can be a side dish or a dip or a late night snack. But honestly, however you choose to serve it is the right way.
Get the recipe here.
15. Spinach, Sausage, and Pimento Cheese Crustless Quiche
Quiches are a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, the best part about a quiche is that you can add pretty much whatever you want and it will still taste delicious - especially pimento cheese. Don't believe it? Try it for yourself.
Get the recipe here.
16. Cream Cheese and Pimento Stuffed Celery
A quick slathering of pimento cheese on celery sticks might be the most classic way to serve this dish. Call it Southern Celery à la 1950s or just call it snack time.
Either way, it's delicious. Get the recipe here.
