Pimento cheese is a classic southern spread that has been around for decades. It is a creamy, savory, and tangy combination of cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. This delicious spread is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip for vegetables. If you are looking for a unique and flavorful pimento cheese recipe, then you must try Brenda Gantt’s Pimento Cheese Recipe. This classic southern recipe is sure to add a little zing to your next party or gathering.
What is Brenda Gantt pimento cheese recipe?
Brenda Gantt is a YouTube cooking personality. One of her famous items is Brenda Gantt’s Pimento Cheese Recipe.
It is a classic Southern dish that has been around for years. This recipe is a combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and shredded cheese that is blended together to create a delicious spread. This recipe is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, and as a dip for vegetables. It is also a great way to add flavor to your next party or gathering.
Why You’ll Love this Brenda Gantt pimento cheese recipe?
Brenda Gantt’s Pimento Cheese Recipe is a classic Southern recipe that is sure to please. It is creamy, flavorful, and tangy. This recipe is also easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. It can be served as a dip, spread, or as a topping for your favorite dishes. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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The Ingredients
This delicious pimento cheese recipe only requires a few simple ingredients.
4 cups aged sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated: Aged sharp cheddar cheese provides the primary flavor and texture for the pimento cheese. Its sharpness adds depth to the overall taste.
1 cup tangy mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds creaminess and tanginess to the mixture, binding the ingredients together while contributing a rich texture and flavor.
1/2 cup rich cream cheese, softly softened: Cream cheese contributes a velvety smoothness and richness to the pimento cheese, enhancing its creamy texture.
1/2 cup diced fire-roasted pimentos, thoroughly drained: Fire-roasted pimentos add a distinct smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, along with a pop of color. They’re a signature ingredient in pimento cheese.
1/2 teaspoon aromatic garlic powder: Garlic powder imparts a savory, aromatic element to the cheese spread, elevating its overall flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon sweet onion powder: Sweet onion powder complements the other flavors by adding a mild, sweet onion taste, enhancing the depth of the mixture.
1/2 teaspoon smoky cayenne pepper (adjust to desired heat level): Cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat that balances the richness of the cheese and adds a smoky, spicy kick. Adjusting the amount allows for control over the dish’s spiciness.
Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, while black pepper adds a hint of warmth and depth, allowing you to season the pimento cheese to your taste preference.
Directions
This pimento cheese recipe is easy to make. To begin, gather all of your ingredients and have them ready to go.
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
To ensure a smooth mixing process, gather all the ingredients required for making the pimento cheese. It’s important to have them at room temperature for effortless blending. If your sharp cheddar isn’t pre-grated, finely grate it. Drain the fire-roasted pimentos thoroughly and dice them finely for easy incorporation into the mixture.
Step 2 – Mix the Cheeses
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the finely grated aged sharp cheddar cheese, the softened cream cheese, and the finely diced fire-roasted pimentos. This forms the base of your delicious pimento cheese.
Step 3 – Add Mayonnaise
Introduce the tangy mayonnaise to the cheese mixture. This ingredient not only adds a creamy texture but also contributes to the overall flavor profile of the spread.
Step 4 – Seasoning
Enhance the mixture with seasonings to elevate its taste. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (for a touch of heat), a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These seasonings add depth and complexity to the pimento cheese.
Step 5 – Mix Thoroughly
Using a spatula or spoon, thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Ensure an even distribution of the seasonings throughout the mixture. Aim for a uniform texture and color, signifying that the seasonings are well incorporated.
Step 6 – Adjust Consistency
Assess the consistency of the mixture. If it seems too thick for your liking, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise. This step allows you to achieve the desired spreadable consistency for your pimento cheese.
Step 7 – Taste and Adjust
Take a moment to taste the pimento cheese. This is your chance to fine-tune the flavors according to your preferences. Adjust the seasoning levels by adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne for additional flavor or a spicy kick.
Step 8 – Chill (Optional)
For an intensified flavor profile, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least an hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious taste.
Step 9 – Serve
Once chilled (if you opted for refrigeration), your homemade pimento cheese is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a delectable spread for sandwiches, as a dip with crackers or veggies, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes for an extra kick of flavor.
Step 10 – Storage
If there are any leftovers, store the pimento cheese in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and flavorful for several days, ready to be used in various dishes or enjoyed as a snack.
Notes
• Be sure to use softened cream cheese so that it is easier to mix.
• If the pimento cheese is too thick, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
• You can add more or less garlic powder, depending on your preference.
• If you want to add a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• To make a softer pimento cheese, add a tablespoon of milk to the mixture.
• You can also use shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Colby cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
Storage Tips
The pimento cheese can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the container in the microwave for 30-second intervals until it is warmed to your desired temperature.
Nutrition Information
This pimento cheese recipe is not healthy, but it is still a delicious and flavorful treat. One serving of this pimento cheese recipe contains approximately 300 calories, 20 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of protein.
Serving Suggestions
This pimento cheese can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:
• Spread it on crackers for a delicious snack.
• Use it as a dip for vegetables.
• Serve it on a sandwich for a flavorful lunch.
• Top burgers or hot dogs with pimento cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
• Add it to macaroni and cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Spread it on toast for a quick and easy breakfast.
What other substitute can I use in Brenda Gantt pimento cheese recipe?
If you don’t have all of the ingredients for the pimento cheese recipe, there are a few substitutes that you can use. Here are some of our favorite substitutes:
• Instead of cream cheese, you can use 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese or 1 cup of cottage cheese.
• If you don’t have mayonnaise, you can use 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt.
• If you don’t have pimentos, you can use diced roasted red peppers or diced jalapenos.
• You can use any type of shredded cheese you have on hand.
• If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use minced garlic or garlic salt.
Ingredients
- 4 cups aged sharp cheddar cheese finely grated
- 1 cup tangy mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup rich cream cheese softly softened
- 1/2 cup diced fire-roasted pimentos thoroughly drained
- 1/2 teaspoon aromatic garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoky cayenne pepper adjust to desired heat level
- Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking
Instructions
- STEP 1 – Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. Finely grate the sharp cheddar cheese if not already grated. Drain the fire-roasted pimentos thoroughly and dice them finely.
- STEP 2 – Mix the Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely grated aged sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and diced fire-roasted pimentos.
- STEP 3 – Add Mayonnaise: Add the tangy mayonnaise to the cheese mixture.
- STEP 4 – Seasoning: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- STEP 5 – Mix Thoroughly: Use a spatula or spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until evenly mixed and the seasonings are well incorporated.
- STEP 6 – Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a bit more mayonnaise to achieve your desired consistency.
- STEP 7 – Taste and Adjust: Taste the pimento cheese and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne for additional flavor or heat.
- STEP 8 – Chill (Optional): For enhanced flavors, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- STEP 9 – Serve: Once chilled (if desired), serve the pimento cheese as a spread for sandwiches, on crackers, as a dip, or however you prefer!
- STEP 10 – Storage: Store any leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for several days.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that is made by blending cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and shredded cheese. This spread is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, and as a dip for vegetables.
2. What types of cheeses can I use in the Brenda Gantt pimento cheese recipe?
You can use any type of shredded cheese you have on hand for the Brenda Gantt pimento cheese recipe. Some of the most popular cheeses to use are sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby.
3. Can I make this pimento cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pimento cheese ahead of time. Simply mix all of the ingredients together and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days.
4. Is pimento cheese healthy?
Pimento cheese is not a healthy food, but it is still a delicious and flavorful treat. One serving of this pimento cheese recipe contains approximately 300 calories, 20 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of protein.
5. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Simply use 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt instead of the mayonnaise.
6. What other ingredients can I add to the pimento cheese recipe?
You can add a variety of ingredients to the pimento cheese recipe to give it a unique flavor. Some of our favorite ingredients to add are diced jalapenos, diced roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper.
7. How should I store the pimento cheese?
The pimento cheese can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the container in the microwave for 30-second intervals until it is warmed to your desired temperature.
Conclusion
Brenda Gantt’s Pimento Cheese Recipe is a classic Southern dish that is sure to please. This creamy, savory, and tangy spread is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, and as a dip for vegetables.
This recipe is also easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. If you are looking for a unique and flavorful pimento cheese recipe, then you must try Brenda Gantt’s Pimento Cheese Recipe.