Pimento Cheese Perfection: Cream Cheese-Free Recipes for Every Palate
Pimento cheese, the iconic Southern spread, is a comfort food staple. While many recipes rely on cream cheese for its smooth texture, this article explores delicious and authentic pimento cheese recipes that skip the cream cheese without sacrificing flavor or creaminess. We’ll delve into the history of this beloved spread, discuss the best cheeses to use, and provide step-by-step instructions for creating pimento cheese that will rival any store-bought version. Get ready to elevate your sandwiches, crackers, and more with these irresistible, cream cheese-free pimento cheese recipes!
## A Brief History of Pimento Cheese
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the origins of pimento cheese. It wasn’t always a Southern tradition; in fact, its roots are in New York. Around the turn of the 20th century, farmers in New York began experimenting with blending soft cheeses and pimentos, which were newly available in cans from Spain. This early version was milder and sweeter than the pimento cheese we know today. Over time, as pimentos became more readily available in the South, and cheese production ramped up, Southern cooks embraced the spread, adding their own regional twists and transforming it into the savory, slightly spicy delight we love. Today, it’s a beloved staple at gatherings, picnics, and everyday meals across the South and beyond.
## Key Ingredients for Cream Cheese-Free Pimento Cheese
The secret to making exceptional pimento cheese without cream cheese lies in choosing the right ingredients and mastering the blending technique. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:
* **Cheese:** This is the star of the show. A combination of sharp cheddar and mild cheddar is commonly used, providing a balance of flavor and texture. Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, pepper jack, or even a touch of smoked Gouda for a unique twist. The key is to use freshly grated cheese for the best results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can inhibit the spread from binding properly and can affect the overall taste.
* **Pimentos:** Diced pimentos add a signature sweetness and vibrant color to pimento cheese. Jarred pimentos are convenient, but you can also roast your own bell peppers (red or orange) and dice them for a fresher flavor. Make sure to drain the pimentos well before adding them to the mixture.
* **Mayonnaise:** This is the binding agent that holds everything together and provides the necessary creaminess. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for the richest flavor and texture. Duke’s mayonnaise is a popular choice in the South, known for its tangy flavor and thick consistency. You can experiment with different brands to find your personal preference. Some people will make their own mayonnaise from scratch.
* **Spices and Seasonings:** A blend of spices elevates the flavor profile of pimento cheese. Common additions include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Some recipes also call for Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra depth of flavor. Paprika can provide another element of flavor, along with a more vibrant color. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** This is where you can get creative and personalize your pimento cheese. Consider adding chopped pickled okra, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, or even a splash of bourbon for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
## Essential Equipment
* **Grater:** A box grater or food processor with a grating attachment is essential for shredding the cheese.
* **Mixing Bowl:** A large mixing bowl is needed to combine all the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Spatula or Spoon:** For mixing the ingredients together.
* **Food Processor (Optional):** A food processor can be used to achieve an ultra-smooth texture, but it’s not necessary.
## Recipe 1: Classic Cream Cheese-Free Pimento Cheese
This recipe is a simple and straightforward take on classic pimento cheese, using only a few key ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
* 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated
* 4 ounces jarred pimentos, drained and diced
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s recommended)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cheese:** Grate the sharp and mild cheddar cheeses using a box grater or food processor. Make sure the cheese is not too cold, as this can make it difficult to blend properly. Letting it sit out for about 15-20 minutes can help.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheeses, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). The order of the ingredients does not matter at this point.
3. **Mix Well:** Use a spatula or spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cheese tough. You want a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. **Season to Taste:** Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
5. **Chill:** Cover the pimento cheese and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the spread to firm up.
6. **Serve:** Serve with crackers, celery sticks, sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers or hot dogs. Pimento cheese is also delicious as a dip for vegetables or as a filling for deviled eggs.
## Recipe 2: Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Add a kick to your pimento cheese with this spicy jalapeño version. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
* 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
* 4 ounces jarred pimentos, drained and diced
* 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon pickle juice
* Salt and black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cheese and Jalapeños:** Grate the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Seed and finely dice the jalapeños. Be careful when handling jalapeños, as the oils can irritate your skin. Wear gloves if necessary.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheeses, diced pimentos, diced jalapeños, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder and pickle juice.
3. **Mix Well:** Use a spatula or spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Ensure the jalapeños are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. **Season to Taste:** Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the jalapeños will add some saltiness, so start with a small amount and adjust accordingly.
5. **Chill:** Cover the pimento cheese and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. **Serve:** Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or as a topping for tacos or nachos. This spicy pimento cheese is also delicious in grilled cheese sandwiches.
## Recipe 3: Smoked Gouda and Bacon Pimento Cheese
This recipe adds a smoky and savory twist to classic pimento cheese, incorporating the rich flavors of smoked Gouda and crispy bacon.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
* 6 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, freshly grated
* 4 ounces jarred pimentos, drained and diced
* 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cheese and Bacon:** Grate the cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Ensure the bacon is not too greasy, as this can affect the texture of the pimento cheese.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheeses, diced pimentos, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
3. **Mix Well:** Use a spatula or spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. **Season to Taste:** Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The bacon will add some saltiness, so start with a small amount and adjust accordingly.
5. **Chill:** Cover the pimento cheese and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. **Serve:** Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or as a topping for baked potatoes or omelets. This smoked Gouda and bacon pimento cheese is also delicious in BLT sandwiches.
## Recipe 4: Creamy Pimento Cheese with Greek Yogurt
This recipe replaces some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier twist on classic pimento cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
* 4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated
* 4 ounces jarred pimentos, drained and diced
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* Salt and black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cheese:** Grate the sharp and mild cheddar cheeses.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheeses, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. **Mix Well:** Use a spatula or spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The Greek yogurt may make the mixture slightly thicker than traditional pimento cheese.
4. **Season to Taste:** Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. **Chill:** Cover the pimento cheese and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. **Serve:** Serve with vegetables, pita bread, or as a lighter alternative to traditional pimento cheese in sandwiches.
## Recipe 5: Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Transform classic deviled eggs into a Southern sensation by incorporating pimento cheese into the filling.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
* 1/4 cup classic pimento cheese (recipe above)
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Eggs:** Slice the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Gently remove the yolks and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** Add the pimento cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and paprika to the bowl with the egg yolks.
3. **Mix Well:** Use a fork to mash the yolks and combine all the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. **Fill the Egg Whites:** Spoon the pimento cheese mixture into the hollowed-out egg whites.
5. **Garnish (Optional):** Sprinkle with additional paprika or a small sprig of parsley for garnish.
6. **Chill:** Refrigerate the deviled eggs for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
## Tips for Making the Best Cream Cheese-Free Pimento Cheese
* **Use Freshly Grated Cheese:** This is the most important tip! Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which can prevent the ingredients from binding properly and can result in a dry, crumbly texture. Freshly grated cheese melts and blends much more smoothly.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing can make the cheese tough and rubbery. Mix just until all the ingredients are combined.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If your pimento cheese is too thick, add a little more mayonnaise until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more grated cheese.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasonings:** Always taste your pimento cheese before chilling and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that the flavors will meld together and intensify as it chills.
* **Let it Chill:** Chilling the pimento cheese for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the spread to firm up, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful product.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, spices, and add-ins to create your own signature pimento cheese recipe.
* **Pulse in a food processor:** For a smoother texture, pulse the ingredients together in a food processor. But be careful not to over-process it. You want a chunky spread, not a paste.
* **Consider using a stand mixer:** If you are making a large batch, a stand mixer can make quick work of this task.
## Serving Suggestions
Pimento cheese is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Sandwiches:** Spread pimento cheese on your favorite bread with lettuce, tomato, and bacon for a classic Southern sandwich.
* **Crackers:** Serve with crackers for a simple and satisfying snack or appetizer.
* **Vegetables:** Use as a dip for celery sticks, carrots, cucumbers, and other vegetables.
* **Burgers and Hot Dogs:** Top your burgers and hot dogs with pimento cheese for a flavor boost.
* **Deviled Eggs:** Incorporate pimento cheese into deviled egg filling for a Southern twist.
* **Grilled Cheese:** Make a grilled cheese sandwich with pimento cheese for a gooey and flavorful treat.
* **Biscuits:** Spread pimento cheese on warm biscuits for a delicious breakfast or snack.
* **Mac and Cheese:** Stir pimento cheese into mac and cheese for an extra creamy and flavorful dish.
* **Jalapeno Poppers:** Use pimento cheese instead of cream cheese in jalapeño poppers.
## Storage Instructions
Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The flavor may intensify over time.
## Conclusion
With these cream cheese-free pimento cheese recipes, you can enjoy the classic Southern spread without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you prefer the traditional taste or a spicy or smoky twist, there’s a recipe here for everyone. So, gather your ingredients, get grating, and prepare to indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade pimento cheese!