Pimiento and Cheese
Equipment
- Cheese Grater
- measuring spoon
- sharp knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, sharp or extra sharp block of cheese, not pre shredded
- ½ cup pimientos (or 1 small jar) diced, drained
- 1 cup walnuts chopped pieces
- 1 Tablespoon hot sauce Frank's Red Hot
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise light or regular
To serve:
- 1 medium cucumber ½ inch slices
- 1 cup baby carrots or peel and slice whole carrots
- 1 stalk celery sliced lengthwise and cut into quarters
Instructions
- Using the cheese grater, shred the block of cheddar cheese. I like to use the large shred side, but the small one works fine too! It depends on your preferred texture.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
- If you like mayonnaise and a creamier texture to your Pimiento and Cheese, simply add more mayonnaise. Add 1 tablespoon at a time and stir in between before reaching desired consistency.
- Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers, or toasted bread.
The first time I had Pimiento and Cheese with veggies was in New York at Hundred Acres. Before that, I had only had it with Ritz crackers. In 2017, the restaurant closed, but I stuck with the vegetables and Pimiento and Cheese combination. My favorite is cucumbers, but celery and carrots work well too. Add some toasted bread slices to make it even fancier.
Not The Classic Pimiento and Cheese
Add Walnuts
Walnuts may seem random for pimiento and cheese but they offer a nice texture and nutty flavor.
Less Mayonnaise
I don't like mayonnaise so I have tried so many versions. Greek yogurt, the typical mayonnaise substitution, doesn't work here. I totally get wanting creamier pimiento and cheese, so if that is you, add more mayo than this recipe calls for. I would start with a 1 tablespoon addition at a time until the texture you prefer.
Trader Joe's Fire Roasted Red Peppers
I couldn't find the traditional small jar of diced pimientos one time so I went for the jar of whole red peppers. a Now, I only use the small jar if I can't find the whole ones. They add a hint of more flavor and freshness. Just drain them and dice them before adding to the recipe. Of course, any type of pimiento works fine!
This is one of my favorite summer, pool side snacks! I also eat it for lunch at work as it's filling and easy to pack and meal prep.