Pimento cheese facts for kids
Pimento cheese on crackers
|
|
| Type | Spread |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Cheddar cheese or processed cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos |
Pimento cheese is a yummy spread popular in the Southern United States. It is made mainly from cheese, mayonnaise, and small red peppers called pimentos. People enjoy it on bread, crackers, or even in sandwiches.
Contents
What is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is sometimes called the "pâté of the South" or "Carolina caviar." This shows how much people in the Southern United States love it! It's a simple, creamy, and flavorful dish.
Basic Ingredients
The main ingredients for pimento cheese are usually:
- Sharp cheddar cheese or a softer processed cheese like Velveeta.
- Mayonnaise or a similar salad dressing.
- Pimentos, which are sweet red peppers.
These ingredients are mixed together to create a spread. It can be smooth or a bit chunky, depending on how it's made.
Regional Variations
Different places and families might add their own special touches to pimento cheese. Some common extra ingredients include:
- Horseradish
- Cream cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Hot sauce (especially Louisiana-style)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Cayenne pepper or paprika
- Jalapeños (for a spicy kick!)
- Onions or garlic
- Dill pickles
How to Enjoy Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is very versatile, meaning you can eat it in many different ways!
Snacks and Appetizers
It's great as a spread for snacks. You can put it on:
- Crackers
- Celery sticks
- Corn chips or tortilla chips
It can also be mixed into other dishes. For example, some people add it to deviled eggs or grits. You can even spread it on hamburgers or hotdogs for extra flavor.
Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
One of the most popular ways to eat pimento cheese is in a sandwich. A pimento cheese sandwich is a quick and tasty lunch.
Sometimes, these sandwiches are made fancy for parties. The crusts are trimmed off, and the sandwiches are cut into small triangles. They can also be rolled up and sliced into "pinwheels."
In the Philippines, a similar spread is popular and called "cheese pimiento."
Pimento Cheese at the Masters Tournament
Pimento cheese sandwiches are a very famous food item at the Masters Tournament, a big golf event. For many years, fans looked forward to eating these special sandwiches. In 2013, there was a small change when the golf club switched food suppliers. The new supplier's sandwich tasted a bit different, which caused some talk among the fans!
Images for kids
-
Close-up view of a commercial pimento cheese
-
Homemade pimento cheese spread with crackers
See also
In Spanish: Pimento cheese para niños
