If you’re a fan of pimento cheese but don’t love the cream cheese that many recipes call for, you’re in luck! We’ve got two delicious pimento cheese recipes that don’t use cream cheese at all. Whether you’re looking for a classic recipe or something with a twist, we’ve got you covered.
Classic Pimento Cheese Recipe without Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz diced pimentos, drained
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and diced pimentos to the bowl and stir until everything is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or veggies for dipping.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 206
- Total fat: 20g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 362mg
- Total carbohydrate: 1g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Equipment: Large mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, plastic wrap
Serving Suggestions: This classic pimento cheese is perfect for dipping with crackers, veggies, or bread. It’s also great in a grilled cheese sandwich or on top of a burger.
Variations: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap out the sharp cheddar for a milder cheese like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
Substitutions: If you don’t have mayonnaise on hand, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. You can also use different types of cheese, like pepper jack or smoked gouda.
Storage: Store leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips: Make sure your shredded cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure everything blends together well.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze pimento cheese? We don’t recommend freezing pimento cheese, as it can change the texture and flavor of the cheese.
- Can I use roasted red peppers instead of pimentos? Yes, roasted red peppers will work just as well in this recipe.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free crackers or veggies for dipping.
Bacon Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Recipe without Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz diced pimentos, drained
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, crumbled bacon, and diced jalapeño to the bowl and stir until everything is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or veggies for dipping.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 236
- Total fat: 23g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
- Sodium: 404mg
- Total carbohydrate: 1g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Equipment: Large mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, plastic wrap, skillet
Serving Suggestions: This bacon jalapeño pimento cheese is perfect for a party or game day spread. Serve with crackers, bread, or veggies for dipping.
Variations: Add diced green chilies for even more flavor, or swap out the bacon for ham or prosciutto.
Substitutions: If you don’t have mayonnaise on hand, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. You can also use different types of cheese, like pepper jack or smoked gouda.
Storage: Store leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips: Make sure your shredded cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure everything blends together well. You can also cook the bacon and dice the jalapeño ahead of time to save time on prep.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this pimento cheese a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
- Can I make this recipe without bacon or jalapeño? Yes, you can leave out the bacon and jalapeño if you prefer a milder pimento cheese.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free crackers or veggies for dipping.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoy these pimento cheese recipes without cream cheese! Whether you go for the classic version or the bacon jalapeño twist, you’re sure to love the creamy, tangy flavor of this Southern favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and add-ins to create your own unique version of pimento cheese. Happy snacking!