Brenda Gantt Pimento Cheese Recipe
Unveil Brenda Gantt's iconic pimento cheese recipe, a Southern delight that blends tangy flavors and creamy textures. Elevate your culinary journey today!
- Publisher: Crisp Recipe
- Cuisine: Southern
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 150 calories
Brenda Gantt Pimento Cheese
This classic Southern-style Brenda Gantt pimento cheese recipe captures the essence of traditional Southern cuisine with its rich and tangy flavors.
A delightful combination of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and softened cream cheese creates a lusciously smooth base. Diced pimentos add a burst of color and a subtle sweetness, while a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper introduces a gentle kick of warmth.
The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, perfect for serving as a dip alongside crispy crackers, or as a spread to elevate your sandwiches.
With a nod to the timeless culinary heritage of the South, this pimento cheese embodies comfort and flavor. The melding of ingredients is reminiscent of the care and attention that Brenda Gantt, a figure who could be emblematic of Southern cooking, might lavish upon her recipes. The result is an inviting and satisfying dish that pays homage to the cherished traditions of Southern cuisine, and is likely to delight those who appreciate the flavors of the South.
Recipe
Discover the irresistible charm of Brenda Gantt's legendary pimento cheese recipe! Dive into Southern culinary traditions with this tangy and creamy masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and softened cream cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add the diced pimentos to the mixture and stir.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add more cayenne pepper.
- Once the pimento cheese is well-mixed and seasoned to your liking, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the pimento cheese with crackers, celery sticks, or as a spread for sandwiches. It's great as a dip for vegetables too.
Recipe Video
This is a video about Brenda Gantt Pimento Cheese.
Video Author: Cooking With Brenda Gantt
Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 181 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Brenda Gantt Pimento Cheese, Brenda Gantt Pimento Cheese Recipe, Recipe
Servings
To serve the Brenda Gantt-inspired pimento cheese, follow these delightful suggestions:
- Classic Spread: Present the pimento cheese as a spread alongside freshly toasted baguette slices or crackers. Allow guests to generously scoop the creamy mixture onto their chosen base, creating a savory and satisfying bite.
- Elevated Sandwich: Elevate your sandwiches by slathering a generous layer of the pimento cheese between slices of hearty bread. Add layers of roasted turkey, ham, or grilled vegetables for a flavorful and indulgent sandwich experience.
- Dip Delight: Set out a bowl of this pimento cheese as a dip at gatherings. Surround it with an array of dippable options like carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. The creamy and tangy dip pairs wonderfully with the crisp freshness of these vegetables.
- Topped Crackers: For an elegant touch, top buttery crackers with a dollop of the pimento cheese. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped chives or a tiny piece of pimento for a visually appealing appetizer.
- Deviled Eggs: Elevate deviled eggs by folding a spoonful of pimento cheese into the egg yolk mixture. Pipe or spoon this flavorful mixture back into the egg white halves for a unique twist on a Southern classic.
- Burgers and Sliders: Use the pimento cheese as a rich and flavorful topping for your grilled burgers or sliders. The creamy texture and tangy taste will add a burst of flavor to each bite.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and cream cheese. Using good ingredients will contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the pimento cheese.
- Grating Cheese: Grate the cheddar cheese yourself from a block for the best texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the consistency of the pimento cheese.
- Cream Cheese Softening: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened before mixing. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in short intervals to soften.
- Adjusting Spice: The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness. Start with a small amount and add more gradually, tasting as you go.
- Consistency: If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave the cheddar cheese in slightly larger shreds. If you want a smoother consistency, grate the cheese finer and consider using a food processor.
- Refrigeration Time: Allowing the pimento cheese to refrigerate for at least an hour before serving enhances the flavors and allows them to meld together.
- Customization: Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe. You can incorporate ingredients like diced jalapeños for extra heat, chopped green onions for added freshness, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Serving Variety: Consider serving the pimento cheese in different ways to suit different occasions. Whether as a dip, a spread, or a topping, this versatile creation can adapt to various dishes.
- Presentation: Pay attention to presentation. Garnish the pimento cheese with a sprinkle of paprika, chopped fresh herbs, or reserved pimento pieces for an inviting appearance.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pimento cheese can last for several days, and its flavors may even improve after a day or two.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Cheddar Cheese: You can use other types of cheese with a similar texture and flavor, such as Colby, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses. Just make sure the cheese melts well and complements the other flavors.
- Mayonnaise: If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. Keep in mind that this might alter the taste and texture slightly.
- Cream Cheese: If you don't have cream cheese, you can use softened mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, or even plain Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
- Pimentos: If you can't find pimentos, you can use roasted red bell peppers as a substitute. Simply roast red bell peppers until charred, then peel, seed, and dice them.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: If you prefer using fresh ingredients, you can substitute the powders with minced fresh garlic and finely chopped onion. Just be mindful of the amounts, as fresh garlic and onion are more potent.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the level of spiciness by using paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes instead of cayenne pepper. You can also omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings can be adjusted to taste, and you can use your preferred type of salt (such as kosher salt or sea salt) and freshly ground black pepper.
Remarks
Embark on a culinary journey steeped in Southern tradition with Brenda Gantt's pimento cheese recipe. It's a flavorful homage to timeless flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.