Cheese Pimiento is a delicious spread with savory cheese, sweet pimientos, and mayonnaise for extra creaminess. It's incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of your time!
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What is Cheese Pimiento?
Cheese Pimiento is a spread or filling for sandwiches or bread like the traditional Filipino pandesal. It is made with a blend mayonnaise, pimiento (a type of sweet red pepper), and grated cheese, often processed cheese with a creamy texture and mild, slightly salty flavor.
Queso de Bola, a type of Edam cheese that's especially popular during the holidays, is a preferred choice, known for its nutty flavor and slightly firmer texture.
Ingredients you'll need
Notes and substitutions
- Cheese: Processed cheese is typically used for its creamy and slightly salty taste, or Queso de Bola (Edam cheese), a semi-hard, yellow cheese popular during Christmas in the Philippines. If needed, substitute with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor or American cheese, another processed type. You can also mix in Gouda or Colby for variety.
- Pimiento: I use jarred pimientos with their bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. You can also use roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers, which can be roasted and peeled to mimic the texture and taste of pimientos.
How to make this recipe
Step 1: Chop the pimientos
Begin by finely chopping the pimientos.
Step 2: Grate the cheese
Finely grate the cheese for a more uniform texture.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped pimientos, and mayonnaise. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Add honey or sugar to balance the flavors. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more mayonnaise. If it's too thin, add more grated cheese to achieve the desired consistency.
You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika for an extra hint of flavor. Some like adding finely chopped pineapple for a sweet and tangy touch.
Enjoy your homemade Cheese Pimiento spread with freshly baked pandesal for a classic Filipino treat! For any leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a delicious dip.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a thicker texture and a tangy flavor.
Pimiento, also known as pimento or cherry pepper, is a type of sweet pepper with a bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. It's often used in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. Pimientos are typically found jarred in supermarkets, either whole or diced, and are commonly used to stuff olives or in dishes like Cheese Pimiento.
Homemade Cheese Pimiento Spread can last up to one week in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To extend its shelf life, avoid cross-contamination by using a clean spoon each time you serve it.
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and consistency of the spread.
More Filipino spreads (Palaman)
- Ube Halaya: A sweet and creamy spread made from ube or purple yam with a distinct purple color and a rich, buttery flavor.
- Mango Jam: A sweet, fruity spread made from ripe mangoes.
- Ginisang corned beef: Canned corned beef sautéed with onions, used as a filling for sandwiches.
- Liver Spread with Mayonnaise: A savory, creamy mixture of liver spread and mayonnaise often used as a spread in Filipino sandwiches.
- Chicken Spread: A creamy spread typically made with shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and seasonings, similar to chicken salad in Western cuisine.
- Tuna Spread: A spread made from canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise and various seasonings, often enjoyed in sandwiches or as a cracker topping.
- Egg Salad Spread - Made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, this creamy spread is a classic choice for sandwiches and snacks.
Other appetizers and sides you may like
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📖 Recipe
Cheese Pimiento Recipe
Equipment
- Grater
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated cheese (about 6 ounces) see note
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup chopped pimiento see note
- Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions
- Chop the pimientos: Begin by finely chopping the pimientos.
- Grate the cheese: Finely grate the cheese for a more uniform texture.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped pimientos, and mayonnaise. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Add honey or sugar to balance the flavors. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more mayonnaise. If it's too thin, add more grated cheese to achieve the desired consistency.You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika for an extra hint of flavor. Some like adding finely chopped pineapple for a sweet and tangy touch.
Notes
- Cheese: Processed cheese is typically used for its creamy and slightly salty taste, or Queso de Bola (Edam cheese), a semi-hard, yellow cheese popular during Christmas in the Philippines. If needed, substitute with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor or American cheese, another processed type. You can also mix in Gouda or Colby for variety.
- Pimiento: I use jarred pimientos with their bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. You can also use roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers, which can be roasted and peeled to mimic the texture and taste of pimientos.
Kris says
So easy to make and deliciousn thank you!
Nora Reyes says
Hi Kris! Thank you! =)