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A cheeseburger using pimiento cheese from
ZoesKitchen.com. Photo courtesy Zoe’s
Kitchen.
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We recently received a shipment of cheese spreads from Tonya’s Gourmet Creations. The company makes cheese spreads in Carolina Blend, Dilly Beef, Feta-Greek, Smokey Bacon Cheddar, Southwest Chipotle and Sun-Dried Tomato.
It reminded us of our mom’s pimiento cheese spread, which she enjoyed on toast with a tall glass of iced tea.
Pimiento cheese is a Southern specialty—along with barbecue, catfish, deviled eggs, grits, fried chicken and sweet tea.
Sharp Cheddar cheese, chopped pimientos and mayonnaise create a spread that’s used to fill celery sticks, to slather for cheeseburgers, to spread on crackers or toast and to make grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese omelets.
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RECIPE: PIMIENTO CHEESE SPREAD
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimiento, drained
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon finely grated onion
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (ground red pepper)
1 block (8 ounces) extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1 block (8 ounces) sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
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Preparation
1. COMBINE mayo, pimiento, Worcestershire, onion and cayenne in a large bowl. Stir in the cheese.
2. CHILL in fridge to let flavors meld. Serve at room temperature. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Variations
CAROLINA STYLE: Add 1/4 cup diced olives and jalapeños.
CREAMY: Make the spread creamier by blending in 4 ounces of cream cheese.
HOLIDAY: Add 1/4 cup cranberry sauce. (We like whole cranberry sauce.)
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Add cream cheese for a creamier spread. Photo courtesy Kraft Foods.
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MEXICAN STYLE: Add 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, drained; or 1 teaspoon dried chipotle. Adjust quantity to taste.
ONIONY: Add finely-diced red onion and fresh parsley to taste.
SMOKY: Add 1/4 cup cooked bacon, drained and crumbled.
SWEET & TANGY: Add some pickle relish. Start with a heaping tablespoon, drained.
MORE WAYS TO USE PIMIENTO CHEESE
Breakfast Tortilla: Warm a corn tortilla in a skillet or the microwave. Spread with pimiento cheese and top with two fried eggs and salsa. Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sliced black olives, chopped fresh herbs.
Cheeseburger: Spread a heaping knife-full of pimento cheese atop a grillled burger. Add the top bun and wait a minute for the cheese to melt.
Dip For Fries: Dipping works better with a creamier style pimento cheese (see above). Or, thin the spread with milk, sour cream, mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt.
Toasted Egg Sandwich: Spread pimento cheese on toast; top with fried, scrambled or sliced hard-cooked eggs.
Wrap Sandwich: Spread instead of mayo on a ham, turkey, grilled veggies or other wrap. Sprinkle with chopped green onions; add shredded lettuce and tomatoes.
Taco: Warm a small flour tortilla and spread it with pimento cheese. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, taco-seasoned beef, grated cheese, sour cream and salsa.
Share your favorite uses and variations with us!
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