Pimento Cheese

There aren't many redeeming aspects of the COVID quarantine. The silver lining: Friday Happy Hour. Ordinarily, I'd find myself moseying out to enjoy a cocktail with friends. And while I miss the excuse to put on real pants and a bit of lip gloss, I'm reveling in this new creative outlet.

When Friday rolls around, I enjoy getting inventive with a simple hors d'oeuvre and cocktail pairing. Leaning into a theme makes a Friday night at home seem special. And you better believe I'm squirreling away all of these recipes and menu concepts for some happy day when I can entertain friends again!

With that, I bring you Pimento Cheese! This creamy, cheesy spread paired just perfectly with a fizzy Kentucky Mule, especially on a hot summer afternoon. I served the pimento cheese with crisp butter crackers, but it also would have made for a delightful spread on crostini. If you're feeling particularly over the top, I'd sandwich between bread for a killer grilled cheese, or dollop on a hot burger.

Pimento Cheese

Ingredients

· 2 oz cream cheese, softened

· 2 tbsp mayo

· 2 tbsp greek yogurt

· 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

· ¼ tsp hot sauce, or more to taste

· 1 tsp black pepper

· 2 oz diced pimentos, drained

· 2 scallions, minced

· ½ tbsp fresh dill, chopped

· 4 oz smoked gouda, grated

· 4 oz cheddar cheese, grated

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, mayo, greek yogurt and dijon. It is important the cream cheese is softened to room temperature, otherwise your pimento cheese will be lumpy. Add the hot sauce, pepper, pimentos, scallions and dill. Fold in the cheeses. Mix until fully combined.

Spoon into a small bowl or ramekin. Chill until ready to serve. Serve with crackers or crostini.

Serves 3-4

Notes

There is no more to say about pimento cheese. Just eat it.

Gluten Free Friendly!

Serve with your favorite GF cracker. Lance makes a great GF butter cracker.