Asian Style Pimento Cheese

This Asian Style Pimento Cheese offers a unique twist on a Southern favorite. It has the rich and creamy cheesiness of pimento cheese but with crunch and Asian flavors! Enjoy it as a dip, spread, in sandwiches, and much more!

Pimento cheese is not just a spread; it’s a delightful Southern staple that many adore! Often referred to as the “pâté of the South” or even “the caviar of the South,” at its core, this classic treat combines creamy cheddar cheese, rich mayonnaise, and sweet pimentos. The deliciousness doesn’t stop there—countless variations incorporate tasty add-ons like cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, onions, jalapeños, pickles, and even cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick!

My version incorporates a few Asian elements that take this Southern favorite to another level. By incorporating sriracha for a little kick and umami, water chestnuts for a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness, ginger for a peppery warmth, and vibrant scallions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor, this dish truly shines with an inviting Asian flair.

Ingredients needed:

• Cheddar cheese—use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar, whichever you prefer. Get good-quality cheese and grate it yourself for the best flavor and texture. The pre-shredded product can be used in a pinch, but it contains additives and anti-caking agents that affect flavor and quality.
• Pimentos—they typically come diced in a jar. Be sure to drain and pat dry before use. Roasted red peppers are a good alternative if you need to substitute.
• Mayonnaise—a good-quality, full-fat mayonnaise provides the richest results.
• Cream cheese—use room-temperature cream cheese for creaminess. You can use reduced-fat, but stick with full-fat if you want richness.
• Water chestnuts—come in canned form. You can find it in the Asian aisle of the supermarket. They provide a nice, fresh crunch and added texture.
• Scallion—use only the green tops. They add a mild onion flavor and pops of color to the cheese spread.
• Sriracha—is an Asian hot chili sauce. The amount used in this recipe imparts a medium level of heat. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your preferred heat level.
• Ground ginger—to provide a slight gingery undertone.
• Salt and black pepper—add to taste.

Recipe highlights:

• Use a box grater to shred the cheese. Drain and pat the pimentos and water chestnuts dry with paper towels. Roughly chop the water chestnuts into small pieces.
• Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
• Serve with crackers or cut raw vegetables.
• Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

How to serve:

Pimento cheese can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve it as a dip with crackers or cut vegetables, on bread as a cold sandwich, or as a spread on sandwiches and burgers.

You will also want to try these tasty serving options:

• Mixed into deviled eggs
• As a grilled cheese sandwich
• Combined into twice-baked potatoes
• On crostinis
• On bagels or croissants

How to store:

You can make the pimento cheese ahead of time to serve when you’re ready. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to one week. It firms up when refrigerated, so leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheese spread to soften slightly.

You can also freeze pimento cheese. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. However, the quality of the cheese spread may slightly diminish once it is frozen. Allow it to defrost in the refrigerator for twenty-four hours before serving.

Add this easy to make cheesy appetizer to any party menu. It’s ideal for potlucks, dinner parties, or game day. Your guests will love it! Best of all, you can make it ahead for a stress-free, easy-peasy addition to your repertoire!

Recommended supplies:

(Affiliate links. The products I recommend are either what I use, are on my wish list, or come highly rated.)

• Electric hand mixer—helps to whip the pimento cheese into a creamy consistency. This is a powerful six-speed mixer with a whisk and a storage dip.
• Silicone spatula— for stirring and scraping. This one is heat-resistant up to 100° F.
• Mixing bowl—This set of three varying sizes of stainless steel nesting bowls comes with airtight lids.
• Box grater—for grating the cheese. This one has an attachable container to catch, measure, and store the grated food.

You Might Also Like:

Corn and Chourico Dip	Apricot Cream Cheese Dip with Bacon and Pecans
Fried Hot Stuffed Cherry Peppers	Skinny Taco Dip (with Secret Ingredient)

Disclosure: This site contains paid advertising and affiliate links. In Good Flavor is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.