Whew! The holidays are over and I’m finally getting back to the blog. In six weeks, we celebrate Thanksgiving, an anniversary, two birthdays, Christmas, and New Years. Something had to give and unfortunately it was the blog, so I apologize to my regular followers. However, I’m back at it and you’ll see regular new posts again.
Pimento cheese made an appearance at every church function, covered dish dinner, or holiday meal that I attended when I was growing up in Mississippi. To say it’s a staple appetizer is an understatement. This southern delicacy was also a regular filling for sandwiches. I haven’t made pimento cheese in years, so when I decided to make some for the blog, I realized how much I’d missed it.
Pimento cheese is usually made with the jarred pimento peppers. The pimento or cherry pepper is a variety of large, red, heart-shaped chili pepper. Being the purist that I am, I tried to find fresh pimento peppers to roast. I usually have access to any kind of produce that you can imagine, but for some reason I couldn’t find them. I opted to roast red bell pepper instead. You can roast peppers in a variety of ways. They can be broiled, grilled, or put directly on the flame of a gas cook top. The goal is to blacken the skin on all sides. When the peppers are cool, the skin will come off very easily.
I love goat cheese, so my twist on this recipe is the addition of this cheese. I really like the slight tartness that goat cheese provides to the recipe.
This spread takes many forms as an appetizer or ingredient. Celery stalks, crackers, or crostini are great accompaniments for pimento cheese as an appetizer. Jalapeno peppers can be stuffed with pimento cheese, wrapped in bacon, and broiled for a spicy treat. I sometimes make pimento cheese balls and roll them in chopped pecans. Pimento cheese on a burger or grilled cheese sandwich are both favorites. This southern treat is as versatile as your imagination, so give this recipe a try.
Ingredients
1 1/4 lbs extra sharp cheddar cheese
4 oz goat cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp grated onion
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sugar
Tabasco sauce to taste
1 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper (or jarred pimento peppers)
Chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions
Grate cheddar cheese and combine all ingredients
https://southernboydishes.com/2013/01/07/pimento-cheese/
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I am a southern gal and love pimento cheese, although I (sadly) don’t eat it much anymore because of my figure 🙂 Love your version with the goat cheese. When I do make pimento cheese, I have also been using roasted red peppers in place of the pimentos. They give it a lovely smokey flavor.
I’m pinning this so I can dream of pimento cheese.
Sam
I was fortunate to share some of that holiday time with you, and the pimento cheese was a delicious start to the celebration!