Tag Archives: pimento cheese recipes

Pimento Mac and Cheese

If you are planning a holiday menu this season, try this update to the classic mac and cheese. This recipe is inspired by the famous pimento cheese served in the South. In fact , some say pimento cheese is the caviar of the South.  The key ingredients include cheddar cheese, pimento, cream cheese and hot sauce.  Well that’s just a step away from making a delicious mac and cheese!  It’s an easy and delicious side to any holiday meal, but especially thinking about that holiday ham !

From by the bay, wishing you some cheesy holiday memories!

Maryann

blog mac and cheese

Pimento Mac and Cheese

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces medium shells
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/4 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pepperdew, chopped

Directions

In a large pot of salted boiling water cook medium shells according to directions until al dente.  Strain and keep aside. In a medium sauce pan warm the milk.  In a large pot ( I use the same pot as I did for the pasta) melt butter . Whisk in  flour mixing into a paste, keep moving for about 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the warm milk stirring to make sure there are no lumps. Whisk until the sauce starts to thicken. Remove from heat and add the cream cheese and whisk until melted, then add 1 cup cheddar and 1 cup parmesan cheese. Stir until melted than add the hot sauce, scallions, pepperdew and cooked shells. Mix well and pour into a buttered 2 quart baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted . Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

 

 

 

Grilled Turkey Ham and Pimento Cheese Sandwich

blog nash 3
When I was in Nashville earlier this year, I immediately fell in love with the city, music and food. I stayed at the legendary Hermitage Hotel. The famous Oak Bar in the hotel is known for it’s pimento grilled cheese sandwich. We would spend the day exploring all the different parts of the city and then come back to home base the Hermitage and relax in at the Oak Bar. So now that I’m back home, I needed to recreate my own sandwich inspired by this Nashville favorite and to remind me of my great vacation.  What better time than Thanksgiving weekend to relive my good times with a little food memory. The result is this yummy sandwich all gooey with melted pimento cheese and filled with roast turkey and ham. This is hard to resist.
From by the bay wishing you gooey pimento cheese food memories!
Maryann
 
 
blog turkey pimento cheese sandwich

Grilled Turkey Ham and Pimento Cheese Sandwich
1 sandwich

Ingredients
2 slices brioche bread

1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons pimento cheese (recipe follows)
2 slices turkey
2 slices smoked ham

Directions
Heat panini press or skillet. Butter two slices of bread. Buttered sides are the outside of the sandwich. On one side of bread – not buttered spread the cranberry mayonnaise, add the turkey , then pear, proscuitto. Last spread the brie across the top of the proscuitto. Top with the other slice of bread , press down and then toast until cheese is melted and bread browned. Serve immediately.

Pimento Cheese
Adapted from the recipe by Sarah O’Kelley of the Glass Onion of Charleston South Carolina

Ingredients
2 cups sharp orange cheddar, grated (8 oz.)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup pimiento peppers, drained and chopped (7-oz. jar)
¼ cup green onion, finely chopped (use both the green and the white parts)
1 tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp. cayenne
Dash of Tabasco

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, and stir with a rubber spatula. Serve immediately with crackers, or cover, refrigerate, and let flavors marinate.