As a former-Northeasterner-turned Southerner, I wanted to create a fabulous appetizer for a party but hadn’t a clue what might be a party-pleaser. Enter: Pimento cheese! Everyone loves it, but I never tried this creamy and slightly spicy delicacy till I moved South–and then I became a believer!

3 Reasons This is the Best Pimento Cheese Appetizer You’ll EVER Make

The pimento cheese appetizer has become an irreplaceable staple in gatherings among family and friends. It is cherished for its rich flavors and nostalgic appeal. As the creamy blend of sharp cheddar, sweet pimentos, and subtle spices excites the taste buds, laughter fills the air. Its presence on the table is met with gleeful anticipation, symbolizing shared memories and cherished traditions.

The love for this simple yet comforting appetizer grows stronger with every gathering, weaving into cherished moments and lasting connections.

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Ingredients you’ll need to make Pimento Cheese Appetizer

Pimento Bacon Delight Ingredients — Pimento Cheese Appetizer Ingredients

Your favorite Pimento Cheese
Terrapin Ridge Farms Hot Pepper Bacon Jam
Phyllo Shells

First, choose between two different bases. I usually use Phyllo Shells, but I pick up a bag of garlic toast at my local supermarket when in a hurry.

Second, you get to use your favorite Pimento Cheese. If you need help deciding which Pimento Cheese to use, I have two suggestions below.

The topping is the third reason this will be the best appetizer you’ll ever make. The Terrapin Ridge Farms Hot Pepper Bacon Jam is SCRUMPTIOUS!!!! Put it all together, and you will have happy friends and family!

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How to make the Pimento Cheese appetizer

Do you like light, flaky layers in a small shell or crunchy toasted bread? I love both, so you must decide which bottom you want to use. If you can’t decide, make them both, I did at my last party!

If you go for the light, flaky layers, place the phyllo shells on a baking sheet and bake per the instructions for about 3 – 5 minutes. Put them on the stove or a rack to cool.

Pimento Cheese Appetizer Toasted French Rounds

If you go for the crispy toasted bread bottom, pick up a package of toasted French Bread Rounds in the bakery section of your supermarket.

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Next, choose your Pimento Cheese. I’m all about ‘quick’. With a job, family, pets, and blog, I rarely cook from scratch. There are hundreds of recipes for Pimento Cheese, but why cook from scratch when there are excellent options at the supermarket.

My two favorite store-bought Pimento Cheeses are Pawleys Island Palmetto Cheese and MyThreeSons.

Southern Living Taste Test – Pimento Cheese

The Palmetto Cheese Spread by Pawleys Island Specialty Foods was the top contender in a taste test posted by Southern Living and written by Zoe Denenberg. Originating in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, this specialty cheese is now sold in 49 states at over 9,200 locations. I found this at Walmart; this brand is a bit spicier than MyThreeSons.

MyThreeSons Pimento Cheese Emily’s Original was bought at Publix. It is a bit milder than the Palmetto Cheese from Pawleys Island. Both are slightly spicy, and I’m a mild salsa girl and enjoy them. The Terrapin Ridge Farms Hot Pepper Bacon Jam also has a kick.

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Here’s a Tip

Take the pimento cheese out of the refrigerator about 45 minutes before you use it. It will soften up and will become easier to spread.

The rest is easy once you decide on your base and pimento cheese.

For Phyllo: place the Phyllo shells on a serving platter and spoon in the Pimento Cheese. Then, add a dollop of the Terrapin Ridge hot pepper bacon jam to the top of each appetizer.

For French Bread Rounds, spread the top of the bread with Pimento Cheese. Add a dollop of Terrapin Ridge hot pepper bacon jam to each toast. Done! You can make this appetizer 2 hours before and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Party Appetizers – Pimento Cheese on French Bread Rounds are on the left, **Charcutier Board** to the right. Behind the Pimento Cheese appetizers are the **Easy Crab Spread** and **Prosciutto and Melon**

Pimento cheese is a timeless and versatile appetizer that effortlessly elevates any gathering or meal. Its rich history and Southern roots add a touch of tradition to modern menus. At the same time, its creamy texture and bold flavors never fail to captivate taste buds.

So, the next time you want to impress guests or treat yourself to a delightful snack, consider indulging in the irresistible charm of this pimento cheese appetizer. This true classic never goes out of style.

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