A loaded cheese spread perfect for snacking any time of the day made with cheddar cheese and packed with almonds, jalapeños, garlic, and green onions
I have a deep love of pimento cheese. It's something I keep in my fridge almost always (along with chicken salad).
It's great to serve with veggies or crackers for a snack or make a grilled cheese with it. It's also a great appetizer.
You can make a big batch on a Sunday and enjoy the rest of the week, or make some and enjoy it immediately. It's up to you. But just so you know, you're going to want to make a big batch because this stuff is incredibly good.
I love it because it has simple ingredients but so. much. flavor.
This loaded pimento cheese is made with cheddar cheese & cottage cheese and is loaded with toasted almonds, jalapeños, garlic, and green onions.
As for the loaded part of the pimento cheese, use whatever nut you like best. I always have almonds, so I chose those. Walnuts would also be great here. I like my pimento cheese spicy, so I include most of the jalapeño seeds but feel free to use less or take out all the seeds.
One thing to know about pimento cheese is that the longer it sits, the more pronounced the flavors get.
Pimento cheese is tasty right after making it, but the flavors intensify after a few hours. Make sure not to go overboard with your jalapeños or you'll have super spicy loaded pimento cheese.
Whatever you do, make sure you do not, I repeat do not, buy pre-shredded cheese. You must grate the cheese yourself. It makes a significant difference!
Other than that, the recipe is pretty straightforward and easy, which is great because you'll be making it often.
Loaded Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- ½ chopped almonds 2 ounces
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 4 ounce jar diced pimentos drained
- 3 tablespoon chopped green onions about 2 green onion
- 2 tablespoon minced jalapeños about ½ jalapeño
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic 1 small clove
Instructions
- In a dry skillet, toast almonds over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until they are lightly toasted. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, grate the cheddar cheese. Add in cottage cheese and stir well. Add in pimentos, green onions, jalapeños, garlic, and toasted almonds. Mix until completely combined. Refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
- Great served with veggies & crackers, on toast, or in a sandwich
Notes
Meme
Nutrition Facts
Serena
You're welcome. We planned this contest so you could announce your moving plans!! (: How fitting a Southern recipe with Cali ingredients... SO EXCITED for you!! And so excited to try this pimento cheese...since I'm a wannabe Southern girl. Happy trails...
Meme
Haha I am so thankful y'all were thinking of me 😉 Thanks so much for your well wishes!!! xo
Regan @ The Healthy Aperture Blog
Yum. Yum. Yum. You know the way to a southern gal's heart is directly tied to good pimento cheese.
Meme
So true -- direct way to my heart is through pimento cheese (and chicken salad)
Anne|Craving Something Healthy
Love this recipe, and you'll totally love San Diego. Much of my family has moved there (from Chicago), and the weather, and lifestyle if perfect! Enjoy 🙂
Meme
Thanks, Anne! I am super excited!!!
Deanna Segrave-Daly
Oh I love so many things about this post. First, that you are taking a traditional recipe from your Southern roots and mashing it up with your new soon to be home state! And second, loved reading about the thought process that is bringing you to San Diego. As your elder, I'm going to sound stereotypical when I say "good for you! do these things when you are young and before you have a family." But it is so true (and I sense your sister gets this too by encouraging you too 🙂
I'd always thought I'd live in California someday or at least somewhere South and hopefully I will at some point when/if I get to be an empty nester 🙂 In the meantime, I'll live vicariously through you and I'm so so excited and happy for you, my dear. Can't wait to see the path you'll trailblaze once you get there - Cali will be lucky to have you!
Meme
Aw, Deanna! This means so much to me 🙂 I am really excited/nervous/anxious/overwhelmed/every emotion possible haha but mostly excited!!! I am happy for you to live vicariously through me 🙂 xxoo
Elizabeth Shaw
I'm waiting here with open arms! So wonderful to connect with you, and can't wait to show you the hills of San Diego! I second Deanna, we are very lucky to have you!
Now, for this recipe. LOVE IT. I admit, I'm not a pimento cheese fan, however, MR CEO, in love. Maybe this will sway my taste now lol!
Good luck on your adventures, see you in August!
Meme
WOOHOO!!!! I can't wait for you to show me San Diego 🙂 🙂 🙂
This pimento cheese is my absolute favorite, so I hope it makes you fall in love with pimento cheese
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
I'm so excited for your new adventures Meme (and a little jealous you're moving to sunny CA!!). Can't wait to see what this new phase of your life brings you and all the exciting things you do there. This Pimiento cheese dip looks delish. My husband loves Southern food - gotta make this for him!
Meme
Thanks, Jessica! You'll just have to come visit 🙂 And you really can't go wrong with pimento cheese, especially when it's full of tasty goodies
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
Congrats on the big news, I'm so excited for you! I LOVE San Diego, really Meme, it's one of my favorite cities. I've been dying to go back and now with you and Liz out there, I'm really chomping at the bit. And of course, I have to mention that this recipe looks so tasty and delicious!
Meme
Thanks, Sonali!! I am SO excited! And you absolutely need to come visit 🙂
diane
Love this recipe! Thanks for sharing your exciting news. I will be following your posts to hear about the adventure that awaits you!
Meme
Aw thanks, Diane!! I'm pretty excited to visit the other side of the country and have some adventures out west 🙂