Sharp Pimento Cheese is a popular Southern spread made with grated cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. A 1 1/2 tbsp (21 g) serving of Sharp Pimento Cheese contains around 59 calories, making it a perfect midday snack.
Sharp Pimento Cheese is not only delicious but also offers various nutritional benefits. A serving of Sharp Pimento Cheese contains a decent amount of protein, calcium, and vitamin A, which makes it a good addition to your diet.
In this article, we'll explore what Sharp Pimento Cheese is, its nutritional value, ingredients, benefits, how to make it, pairing and serving ideas, storage and freezing tips, and some interesting facts about it. Let's get started!
What is Sharp Pimento Cheese?
Sharp Pimento Cheese, also known as "Southern caviar," is a cheesy and creamy spread made by blending grated sharp cheddar cheese, roasted red pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and seasonings. It is most commonly enjoyed as a dip, spread, or topping for crackers, bread, or vegetables. The spread originated in the southern United States in the early 1900s and has since become a staple in Southern cuisine. There are many variations of the recipe, but the core ingredients are always sharp cheddar cheese and pimentos, which give it its distinct taste and texture.
Calories in Sharp Pimento Cheese
A 1 1/2 tbsp (21 g) serving of Sharp Pimento Cheese contains around 59 calories, which makes it a relatively low-calorie snack option compared to other dips and spreads. However, the calorie count may vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients used.
Nutritional Value of Sharp Pimento Cheese
Sharp Pimento Cheese contains a decent amount of nutrients that are essential for maintaining a healthy body. A 1 1/2 tbsp (21 g) serving of Sharp Pimento Cheese contains:
- calories: 59
- Total Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 114 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Calcium: 9% of daily value
- Vitamin A: 4% of daily value
Ingredients in Sharp Pimento Cheese
The traditional recipe for Sharp Pimento Cheese calls for the following ingredients:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup pimento peppers, roasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
However, there are many variations of the recipe, and you can always adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Benefits of Sharp Pimento Cheese
Sharp Pimento Cheese offers various health benefits, such as:
- Rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair
- Contains calcium, which helps maintain healthy bones and teeth
- Vitamin A content, which is beneficial for eye health and immune system function
- May help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels due to the presence of garlic powder in some recipes
However, consumption should be in moderation as too much cheese and mayonnaise can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
How to Make Sharp Pimento Cheese
Making Sharp Pimento Cheese is easy and requires minimal ingredients. Here's how to make it:
- In a mixing bowl, add grated sharp cheddar cheese, chopped roasted pimento peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients until well combined and you have a smooth and creamy texture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Sharp Pimento Cheese with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Pairing Suggestions for Sharp Pimento Cheese
Sharp Pimento Cheese pairs well with various foods and beverages. Some pairing suggestions include:
- Crackers
- Breadsticks
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Bell peppers
- Wheat beer
- Pinot noir
- Sweet tea
Serving Ideas for Sharp Pimento Cheese
Sharp Pimento Cheese can be served in various ways, such as:
- Spread on crackers, sandwiches, or burgers
- Dip for bread, chips, or vegetables
- Topping for baked potatoes or grilled meats
- Filler for omelettes or frittatas
Storing and Freezing Sharp Pimento Cheese
Sharp Pimento Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the cheese becomes too dry, mix in a little mayonnaise to restore its creaminess. Freezing Sharp Pimento Cheese is not recommended as it can change the texture and flavor of the spread.
Interesting Facts about Sharp Pimento Cheese
Here are some fun facts about Sharp Pimento Cheese:
- Sharp Pimento Cheese was first made in New York in the late 1800s as a way to market canned pimentos.
- It became popular in the South in the early 1900s and has since become a regional specialty.
- Sharp Pimento Cheese was once considered a luxury food item and was only served at fancy restaurants.
- It is often served at tailgates, parties, and potlucks in the South.
- Sharp Pimento Cheese has been featured in various cookbooks and television shows, including "Top Chef" and "MasterChef."
Sharp Pimento Cheese is a perfect combination of cheese and peppers, and it's been a Southern staple for a long time. No gathering is complete without it.
FAQs about Sharp Pimento Cheese
1. What is Sharp Pimento Cheese?
Sharp Pimento Cheese is a type of spreadable cheese made with sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimento peppers, and various seasonings. It is typically used as a dip or spread for crackers, sandwiches, or vegetables.
2. Is Sharp Pimento Cheese Healthy?
It depends on the ingredients and serving size. Sharp Pimento Cheese is generally high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, which may not be ideal for people with certain dietary restrictions or medical conditions. However, it can also provide some protein and calcium from the cheese.
3. How to Store Sharp Pimento Cheese?
Sharp Pimento Cheese should be refrigerated in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It can last for up to 5 days in the fridge, but the quality may deteriorate over time. A good rule of thumb is to only make or buy as much Sharp Pimento Cheese as needed for immediate consumption.
4. How to Make Sharp Pimento Cheese?
There are many recipes for making Sharp Pimento Cheese, but one common way is to combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimento peppers, and seasonings (such as garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard) in a mixing bowl. The mixture can be blended or left chunky, depending on personal preference.
5. What are the Serving Ideas for Sharp Pimento Cheese?
Sharp Pimento Cheese can be served as a dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or vegetables (such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cherry tomatoes). It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches, burgers, or grilled cheese. Some people even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or scrambled eggs.