Delicious Pimento Cheese Crisps: Your New Favorite Snack!

Southern kitchens have long celebrated the creamy, zesty charm of pimento cheese spread across various culinary creations.

This beloved Southern staple transforms into a crispy, irresistible snack that captures the essence of comfort food.

Pimento cheese crisps blend the rich, tangy flavors of traditional cheese spread with a delightful crunch that elevates the eating experience.

The combination of sharp cheddar, roasted red peppers, and carefully selected seasonings creates a snack that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Homemade or store-bought, these crispy delights appeal to food lovers seeking a quick and satisfying bite with bold Southern flavor.

The versatility of pimento cheese crisps makes them a perfect companion for gatherings, game days, or simply enjoying a moment of culinary indulgence.

Why Pimento Cheese Crisps Are A Crowd Favorite

• Super Fast Preparation: Takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous snacking or last-minute entertaining.
• Low-Carb Crowd Pleaser: Delivers delicious flavor without traditional high-carb ingredients, ideal for health-conscious friends and keto diet followers.
• Minimal Ingredient Mastery: Requires simple pantry staples and basic mixing skills, making it accessible for cooks of all experience levels.
• Versatile Party Snack: Works brilliantly as appetizers, game day treats, or elegant cocktail nibbles that impress without complicated techniques.

What Goes Into Pimento Cheese Crisps

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor anchor for the crisp, choose an aged variety for more depth.
• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy texture and helps bind ingredients, full-fat version recommended.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty undertone and helps create crisp texture.

• Pimentos: Adds sweet, mild pepper flavor and bright color.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings tangy kick and depth to the cheese mixture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides subtle background seasoning and complexity.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces gentle smoky note to the overall flavor profile.

• Almond Flour: Gluten-free base that helps create crisp texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance overall taste.

• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps blend ingredients smoothly.

How To Prepare Pimento Cheese Crisps Quickly

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking sheet and drape it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Cheese Base

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Chopped pimentos
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika

Whisk everything until silky smooth.

Step 3: Create Dry Blend

• Almond flour
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Form Delectable Dough

Pour dry ingredients into cheese mixture. Stir until a cohesive dough emerges.

Step 5: Shape Crispy Bites

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions. Roll into tiny balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Gently press each ball into a delicate disc.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide sheet into oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers look firm.

Step 7: Cool And Devour

Remove from oven. Let crisps rest for a few minutes. Serve and enjoy these tantalizing cheese morsels!

Tips To Get Perfect Pimento Cheese Crisps Every Time

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor complexity and better melting properties.
• Precision in Mixing: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly blended dough without lumps.
• Flatten with Care: Use the back of a spoon or dampened fingers to gently press crisps into thin, even discs for consistent crispiness and attractive appearance.
• Storage Hack: Keep crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crunchiness.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: The almond flour base already makes these crisps naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac disease.

Best Way To Keep Pimento Cheese Crisps Crisp

• Refrigeration: Store cooled Pimento Cheese Crisps in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap individual crisps in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze up to 2 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the bag.
• Reheating Refrigerated Crisps: Warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to maintain texture.
• Reheating Frozen Crisps: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Pairing Tips For Pimento Cheese Crisps

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the rich, creamy cheese flavors and complement the tangy pimento notes.
• Match with Craft Pale Ale: Choose a hoppy, light-bodied pale ale that provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, cheesy texture of the crisps and highlights their smoky undertones.
• Serve with Sparkling Rosé: Opt for a dry, bubbly rosé that cleanses the palate between bites and adds a bright, fruity counterpoint to the savory cheese crisps.
• Accompany with Charcuterie Board: Create a small selection of cured meats, olives, and pickled vegetables to enhance the crisps' complex flavor profile and provide textural variety.

New Twists On Pimento Cheese Crisps

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace almond flour with coconut flour or certified gluten-free blend to maintain crisp texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Pepper Version: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a fiery kick that elevates the original recipe's flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Keep the current ingredients as they align perfectly with ketogenic dietary requirements, ensuring low-carb compliance.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar alternatives with nutritional yeast to create a plant-based version that mimics the original rich taste.

Pimento Cheese Crisps FAQ List

• Are these crisps keto-friendly?

Yes, these Pimento Cheese Crisps are keto-friendly due to the low-carb ingredients like almond flour and high-fat cheeses, making them perfect for a ketogenic diet.

• Can I make these crisps ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze the unbaked balls for later use.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor and texture, but you can also use mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses for variety.

• How do I prevent my crisps from spreading too much?

Ensure your dough is well-chilled and flatten the balls gently. If they spread too much, the mixture might be too warm or the ingredients weren’t properly combined.

Incredible Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory Pimento Cheese Crisps dance with Southern charm, blending crisp textures and zesty flavors. Cheese lovers will relish these irresistible bites that showcase classic regional ingredients with elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pimentos, diced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Seasoning and Flour Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) almond flour (or coconut flour for gluten-free)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and laying out a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal crisp preparation.
2. Create a flavor-packed base by thoroughly blending cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika into a harmonious, creamy mixture.
3. Craft the dry component by whisking together almond flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until uniformly combined.
4. Marry the wet and dry mixtures, folding them together until a cohesive dough emerges with a consistent texture.
5. Transform the dough into bite-sized delicacies by portioning tablespoon-sized amounts, gently rolling them into spheres, and positioning them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Delicately press each spherical portion into a flattened disc, ensuring even thickness for uniform baking.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the crisps to transform into golden, crisp delights over 10-12 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and permit the crisps to rest briefly, allowing them to firm up and develop a perfect crunch before serving.

Notes

• Flour Alternatives: Swap almond flour with coconut or cassava flour for gluten-free and nut-free versions that maintain the crispy texture.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp white cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles.
• Spice Customization: Adjust heat levels by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicier crisp.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg