Pimento cheese, with its creamy, spicy, tangy, and peppery taste, works well with all kinds of crackers and bread. This makes it one of the most preferred options for cheese spreads, and maybe this is why it is also referred to as “the caviar of the South.”
As much as we’d like to hoard this delicious spread, its storage might get tricky. Some people prefer freezing it to elongate its shelf life. But we’d advise you against it since freezing it will alter its texture, and you’d want to toss it in the garbage.
Nevertheless, we shall explain ways to freeze Pimento cheese that might work. Along with that, we have included other relevant information and tips to make the best out of your Pimento Cheese.
What is Pimento Cheese?
Before we jump to the freezing of Pimento cheese, let us understand what exactly it contains.
For starters, we need to understand what Pimento is.
Pimento translates to “a kind of pepper” in Spanish. It is a large, heart-shaped chili pepper that comes in several colors like yellow, red, green, and maroon.
In the Southern parts of the United States, Pimento cheese is made with pimentos, cheese, and mayonnaise. The ingredients might vary in the other parts of the country.
Generally, the recipe contains:
- Cheddar cheese or processed cheese
- Pimentos
- Mayonnaise
- Cream cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Onions
- Dill pickles
- Cayenne pepper
- Jalapeños
- Paprika
- Different types of hot sauces
It is added to a variety of food items like crackers, tortilla chips, hamburgers, hotdogs, deviled eggs, celery spread, etc.
It is creamy and cheesy. The Pimento adds tanginess and spiciness to the spread without making it hot. You’ll also experience layers of sweetness to it.
All in all, the creaminess and cheesiness of Pimento cheese will enhance any regular meal and give you a feeling of gourmet.
Why Can’t You Freeze Pimento Cheese?
Freezing Pimento cheese will affect its appearance.
Once you remove the frozen Pimento cheese from the freezer, you will notice the separation of cheese and mayo. Moreover, the oils will get separated from the cheese as well.
The texture will not remain smooth or creamy. Instead, it will become grainy and watery.
So, rather than popping the Pimento cheese in the freezer, it is best to either refrigerate it or keep it at room temperature.
How to Store Pimento Cheese?
As we mentioned above, it is not in the best interest to freeze Pimento cheese. Instead, you can refrigerate it and store it for up to 2 weeks.
Store the unused Pimento cheese in an airtight container. Ensure that there is no moisture in the container.
Give it a quick stir and close the lid.
This simple process will help you store your favorite Pimento cheese for 14-16 days without affecting the taste or the texture.
How to Freeze Pimento Cheese?
We have said it once, and we are repeating it- we do not recommend freezing Pimento cheese. However, if you are adamant about it, the following method might come to use:
- Layer the Pimento cheese onto a plastic wrap and wrap it tightly.
- Transfer the wrapped Pimento cheese into an airtight container or bag.
- Mark the date on which you’ve wrapped.
- Freeze it in the freezer and use it for up to 3 months.
If you want to use the frozen Pimento cheese, stir it well before adding it to your recipes. You can also try to blend it by adding some water.
Our Favorite Recipe for Pimento Cheese
If you are tired of store-bought Pimento cheese, you can give it a try in the comfort of your home as well.
The following is an easy and delicious recipe prepared by the Lee Brothers that we know you’d love. God knows we’re absolutely head over heels in love with it.
What You Need:
- ½ cup of pimento
- Mayonnaise
- 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tablespoons of dried red chili flakes
- ¼ cup of cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe:
- Take a large mixing bowl.
- Layer it with cheddar cheese.
- Add pimentos, chili flakes, mayonnaise, and cream cheese over the cheddar cheese.
- Mix it with a spatula under it is smooth.
- Add salt and pepper as per your taste requirements.
- Transfer the Pimento cheese to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator.
Easy, right? Now it is time for you to give it a try.
What Do You Eat With Pimento Cheese?
Now that you have prepared the Pimento cheese, how are you supposed to eat it?
The following are our favorite ways to prepare several dishes with Pimento cheese:
1. Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich
The easiest way to infuse Pimento cheese in a recipe is by making a sandwich. Furthermore, what is better than the heavenly grilled cheese sandwich?
Not only will this be loved by all, but it will hardly take 15 minutes to prepare.
2. Pimento Mac and Cheese
For all the cheese lovers, you can add Pimento cheese to your regular Mac and Cheese recipe. You can spice it up and serve it at sleepovers or a movie date.
3. Pimento with Crackers
You can either select plain or flavored crackers with Pimento cheese. The decision is yours.
4. Pimento Salad
Spice up your salad by adding Pimento cheese to you. It can work wonderfully well as a side dish.
5. Stuffed Olives
If you want to prepare an appetizer that your guests will remember, we suggest stuffing olives with some Pimento cheese.
FAQs
1. Is pimento cheese served hot or cold?
If you are serving Pimento cheese as a dip, it is best to be kept cold. But you can also use it as a spread in your sandwich, hamburgers, etc.
2. How long does pimento cheese last in the fridge?
Once you transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, it can last for up to 14-16 days.
Takeaway
Pimento cheese is a unique spread that can be used every day to make every meal memorable. Make the most of the spiciness and tanginess, and let your dishes speak for themselves at the next potluck!
