Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese | Keto, Low-Carb

This rich and creamy smoked gouda pimento cheese spread is packed with flavor. Smoked gouda, cheddar cheese, garlic, pimentos, jalapeños, and chives come together for an irresistible snack that can be enjoyed with veggies, crackers, salads, sandwiches, and more. Try it out for your next game day gathering or dinner party appetizer.

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Need more appetizers and dips? Give these recipes a try:

• Old Bay Deviled Eggs
• Easy Smoked Salmon Dip
• Air Fried Coconut Shrimp
• Parmesan Crusted Green Beans
• Ghost Pepper Ranch Dressing
• Easy Keto Guacamole

Peace, family!

It would appear that I owe my late grandmother an apology. I spent much of my childhood in protest against her insistence that I eat pimento cheese sandwiches. Not only did I not want it on a sandwich, I didn’t want it at all. I had all sorts of tricks up my sleeve; I would cry, claim to not be hungry, try to feed it to my brother, or (if all else failed) bury it so deep in the trash can that no one would find it.

Reader, what a fool I was. I would eventually grow to not just enjoy pimento cheese, but become practically addicted to the stuff. The cheesy, creamy, salty goodness is what food dreams are made of.

Now, we grew up with Price’s brand pimento cheese. The familiar kind you’re used to seeing in the supermarket. And listen – it is good and fine. Comforting even. But I needed a version that would suit my ever-evolving palate as an adult – that’s where my version comes in. It’s jam packed with all of the flavors I love. It’s smoky, packed with garlic, uses two types of cheeses, and has the perfect hint of spice. The brininess from the pickled jalapeños is the perfect touch! It’s great for tailgating, movie night, or even a dinner party starter.

Smoked Gouda

I’m a smoked gouda lover! It’s the not-so-secret ingredient in my Cheeseburger Soup. But what is it? Smoked gouda is a type of hard cheese that can be made from cow’s, goat’s, or sheep’s milk. It has a distinct smoky flavor that I absolutely love. It has a nutty, rich, and buttery flavor that truly elevates it above other cheeses in my opinion. You’ll recognize it by its’ waxy brown rind, and soft yellow interior.

What are Pimentos?

You may also see it written as “pimiento” or “cherry pepper.” A pimento is a type of chili pepper that is usually red in appearance, but can also be yellow or green. It is the pepper that is traditionally dried and ground to make paprika. You will also find olives that are stuffed with pimento peppers. These peppers are not very spicy at all and are used more for their sweet and mild flavor.

In this recipe I used jarred pimentos. You’re probably used to seeing them in the supermarket, even if you haven’t purchased them yourself. They’re jarred in water and silky in texture.

Where Did Pimento Cheese Originate?

Pimento cheese is most commonly associated with the southern United States. I was surprised to learn that the spread actually originated in the northern region of our country in the early 20th century. I think we can still agree that it is most commonly made and eaten in the south.

Masters Tournament

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention The Masters. While I’ve never been, most food folks and sports-lovers are well-aware that the pimento cheese sandwiches at the famed tournament are legendary. They’ve been a part of the concessions at the Masters since the 1940s, weaving them into the very fabric of the event. There are tons of Masters copycat pimento cheese recipes out there; a quick online search will yield dozens of results.

Is Pimento Cheese Keto-Friendly?

My smoked gouda pimento cheese recipe contains just 2 net grams on carbohydrates per serving making it both low-carb and keto-friendly.

What Tools Do I Need?

In order to make this recipe you will need the following:

• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – for mincing the garlic and chives
• Mixing Bowl – large enough to contain all of the ingredients
• Cheese Grater – for shredding the cheese
• Spoon or Silicone Spatula – for mixing

What Ingredients are in Pimento Cheese?

• Cream Cheese – leave the cream cheese out and allow it to soften; this makes it easier to spread and mix with the other ingredients.
• Mayonnaise – I like to use a high quality mayo.
• Diced Pickled Jalapeños – I include the liquid; the brininess adds so much flavor.
• Garlic Cloves – minced
• Diced Pimentos, drained
• Chives– finely chopped
• Smoked Paprika – make sure it’s smoked paprika; it has way more flavor the regular paprika.
• Black Pepper
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese – I prefer to shred the cheese myself! This yields a much better result than buying pre-shredded cheese.
• Smoked Gouda Cheese
• Salt – I add this at the very end and taste very carefully. Add the salt a pinch at a time and add more as needed.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese

The process is not complicated at all. To a large mixing bowl I first add the cream cheese. I like to stir it in the bowl, alone to break it up a bit while slowly stirring in the mayo and diced pickled jalapeños. The liquid from the mayo and pickled jalapeños also helps the cream cheese become more spreadable.

Next, stir in the minced garlic, pimentos, chives, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Continue mixing until the ingredients are evenly dispersed.

I like to add the shredded cheese last. Add the shredded cheddar and shredded smoked gouda and stir until well-combined. Taste for salt, and add as needed. That’s it!

How to Store Pimento Cheese

Store your homemade pimento cheese spread in an airtight container, refrigerated. Do not leave the spread sitting out when not being eaten. Mayonnaise-based products should not sit out unrefrigerated for more than two hours.

How Long Does Pimento Cheese Last?

This will last (again, in an airtight container) refrigerated for up to a week. You should always check for signs of spoilage such as discoloration or foul odor.

Can Pimento Cheese Be Frozen?

Pimento cheese will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. I personally prefer to make small batches and only make what I know will be eaten within a few days.

Serving Suggestions

Listen. This is where you can really go wild. There are endless ways to use this pimento cheese.

• Eat it on crackers (or low-carb crackers for my keto readers)
• Use it as a dip for your vegetable platter
• Add it to your sandwich as a spread – or even to make grilled cheese!
• Use it for stuffed jalapeño peppers
• I’ve heard of folks making cheese grits with pimento cheese!
• Use it in your scrambled eggs
• Add it to wraps and salads
• Pimento cheese deviled eggs

Try it out and let me know what you think! When you make it, be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram or Facebook!

Peace,

Adri

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