18 Spicy Pimento Cheese Recipes with a Twist
In the world of comfort foods, few dishes are as beloved as pimento cheese. The classic Southern spread has earned its place in many a heart (and stomach), but what happens when you add a dash of spice to the mix? Enter: 18 Spicy Pimento Cheese Recipes with a Twist! From smoky bacon to jalapeño peppers, we’re taking the humble pimento cheese and giving it a flavor boost that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or just looking for a new twist on an old favorite, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, spice things up with our list of the most mouthwatering, heat-filled, and indulgent pimento cheese creations out there!
Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Spread
Elevate your snack game with this creamy, spicy spread that combines the richness of cheddar cheese with the bold flavor of jalapeños. Perfect for crackers, chips, or veggies, this recipe is sure to become a party favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1-2 diced jalapeños (depending on desired level of heat)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and cheddar cheese until smooth.
2. Add chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, and lemon juice to the cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None! This spread is ready in just a few minutes of mixing.
Smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese Dip
Elevate your snack game with this creamy, smoky, and savory dip that combines the richness of pimento cheese with the bold flavor of crispy bacon. Perfect for parties or game days!
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup diced green peppers (pimentos)
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Add shredded cheddar cheese, diced green peppers (pimentos), crumbled bacon, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekin.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
6. Serve with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Classic Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich
A Southern staple, this pimento cheese sandwich is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese spread (such as Duke’s)
– 4 slices white bread (preferably soft and fluffy)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or scallions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pimento cheese on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
3. Place the other bread slices, butter-side up, on top of the pimento cheese to create a sandwich.
4. If desired, sprinkle chopped chives or scallions on top of the pimento cheese for added flavor and color.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assembled sandwiches are ready to eat)
Creamy Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Add a twist to traditional stuffed peppers with this creamy pimento cheese recipe! Sweet bell peppers filled with a tangy and savory mixture of pimento cheese, cream cheese, and spices make for a delightful side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup pimento cheese spread
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off tops of peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix pimento cheese spread, cream cheese, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Stuff each pepper with the cheese mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over peppers and place in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Take your deviled eggs to the next level with the addition of creamy pimento cheese. This flavorful twist is perfect for your next brunch or party.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese (or more to taste)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Paprika, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mayonnaise, pimento cheese, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
5. Sprinkle paprika on top of each deviled egg for garnish.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 15 minutes
– Total time: 30 minutes
Hot Pimento Cheese Cornbread
This spicy cornbread is a twist on the classic Southern staple, with the added kick of hot pimento cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for your next barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons hot pimento cheese spread
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, hot pimento cheese spread, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pimento Cheese and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this creamy, savory, and indulgably flavorful dish that combines the comfort of pimento cheese and sausage with the earthiness of mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese spread
– 4 Italian-style sausages, casings removed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together pimento cheese and sausage until well combined.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and fill each cap with the sausage-pimento mixture, mounding slightly.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pimento Cheese Grits Casserole
This casserole combines the creamy richness of pimento cheese with the warm, comforting goodness of grits. Perfect for a cozy brunch or dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook grits according to package instructions using the water. Stir in pimento cheese spread until melted and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese and chopped scallions. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
5. Layer the grits mixture, followed by the cheese-scallion mixture, in the prepared dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pimento Cheese and Pickle Sliders
Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this addictive combination of creamy pimento cheese, tangy pickle slices, and soft buns.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pimento cheese spread (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 hamburger buns
– 2 large dill pickles, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter the insides of each bun.
3. Assemble the sliders by spreading a generous amount of pimento cheese on each bun half.
4. Top with two pickle slices per slider.
5. Place the buns, cheese-side down, on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burgers
Elevate your burger game with this creamy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite! Pimento cheese stuffed burgers are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese (or homemade mixture of cheddar, mayonnaise, and chopped green peppers)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and other toppings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten slightly into patties.
4. Place a spoonful of pimento cheese in the center of each patty. Fold the edges over to enclose the filling, making sure it’s secure.
5. Grill or cook burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pimento Cheese and Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños
Elevate your snack game with this spicy and savory treat! Crunchy jalapeños wrapped in crispy bacon, filled with creamy pimento cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 large jalapeño peppers
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade)
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the jalapeños, carefully removing seeds and membranes.
3. Stuff each jalapeño with pimento cheese, filling to the top.
4. Wrap a slice of bacon around each jalapeño, securing with toothpicks if needed.
5. Place the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Serve warm and enjoy!
Pimento Cheese Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the addition of creamy pimento cheese! This comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine milk, cheddar cheese, pimento cheese spread, melted butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir over medium heat until smooth and creamy.
4. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheddar cheese (optional).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pimento Cheese Biscuits
These buttery biscuits filled with the richness of pimento cheese are a staple of Southern cuisine. Perfect for accompanying soups, salads, or as a snack on their own.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup pimento cheese spread (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
4. Stir in pimento cheese spread until well combined.
5. Gradually add heavy cream, stirring until dough forms.
6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Roll out dough to about 1 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (biscuits or squares).
8. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each biscuit.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pimento Cheese and Ham Pinwheels
A delicious twist on classic pinwheels, these Pimento Cheese and Ham Pinwheels are perfect for a quick snack or as part of a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese spread
– 4 slices of cooked ham (about 1/4 inch thick)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. Spread about 1-2 teaspoons of pimento cheese spread on each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Place a slice of ham on top of the cheese.
5. Roll up each triangle tightly, starting from the wide end.
6. Place pinwheels seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pimento Cheese Potato Skins
Pimento Cheese Potato Skins Recipe
Rich, creamy pimento cheese and crispy potato skins come together in this indulgent snack or appetizer. Perfect for game day or a quick lunch, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese spread
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub potatoes clean and dry with paper towels.
3. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer.
4. In a bowl, mix pimento cheese spread, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened butter until well combined.
5. Stuff each potato skin with the pimento cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four skins.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pimento Cheese Quesadillas
Take your favorite pimento cheese to the next level with these crispy Pimento Cheese Quesadillas. A twist on traditional quesadillas, this recipe combines the comfort of melted cheese and spicy pimentos with the convenience of a folded tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions or jalapeños for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the pimento cheese spread on half of the tortilla.
3. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fold the tortilla in half to enclose.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes total
Enjoy your gooey, cheesy, pimento-packed quesadillas!
Pimento Cheese and Avocado Toast
A match made in heaven, this toast combines the richness of pimento cheese with the creaminess of avocado for a deliciously satisfying snack or light meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a post-workout treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices whole wheat bread
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1-2 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the pimento cheese evenly over the toast.
3. Top with the mashed avocado.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If using, add crumbled bacon on top.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pimento Cheese Fried Green Tomatoes
A Southern classic gets a creamy twist with this Pimento Cheese Fried Green Tomatoes recipe. Crispy fried green tomatoes meet the richness of pimento cheese for a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 4 large green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 8 ounces pimento cheese, crumbled
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate dish.
3. Dredge tomato slices in flour mixture, then dip in buttermilk, and finally coat with flour mixture again.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry tomato slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Remove fried tomatoes from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Top each tomato slice with crumbled pimento cheese and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total, depending on the size of your tomato slices.
Summary
Get ready to heat up your taste buds with these 18 spicy pimento cheese recipes that add a twist to this classic Southern favorite. From Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Spread to Pimento Cheese Fried Green Tomatoes, these creative concoctions will take you on a flavorful journey. Whether you’re in the mood for dips, sandwiches, stuffed peppers, or even mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone in this collection of spicy pimento cheese recipes. So go ahead, add some heat to your mealtime routine!