If you love a snack that’s bursting with cheesy goodness and just the right amount of savory tang, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe. These golden, crispy bites combine the richness of sharp cheddar and Parmesan with the creamy, zesty charm of classic pimento cheese spread. Perfectly crunchy yet delightfully smooth, they’re a snack that’s as impressive as it is addictive. Whether for a casual gathering or a special treat, this recipe brings a southern favorite into crisp, irresistible form you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays its role, from the sharpness of the cheddar to the creamy mayonnaise and the subtle kick of Dijon mustard, come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture for your crisps.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded): This is the star that gives the crisps their bold, cheesy backbone.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Adds a slightly nutty, savory depth and helps with the golden crispiness.
- Flour (1 tablespoon, optional): Introduces just a touch of extra crunch to the crisps.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a subtle savory note that enhances all the cheeses.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Injects mild warmth and beautiful color to the crisps.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and elevates the flavors throughout the snacks.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of spice that wakes up the palate.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Makes the pimento cheese spread luscious and creamy.
- Diced pimentos (1/4 cup, drained): Classic for that sweet, tangy pop and gorgeous red flecks.
- Cream cheese (1 tablespoon, softened): Smooths out the spread for that perfect, dreamy texture.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle zing and depth that keeps the spread interesting.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for melting the cheese just enough to crisp it up without burning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Crisp Base
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, optional flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Combining these ingredients evenly ensures each crisp will have a perfect balance of flavors and that delightful crunch we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Crisps
Spoon out small piles of the cheese mixture—about a tablespoon each—onto your lined baking sheet. Flatten them slightly into discs, being careful to keep them spaced at least two inches apart to allow them room to spread and crisp in the oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn golden and the crisps begin to bubble with melted delight. Let them cool a few minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack so they crisp to perfection.
Step 4: Make the Pimento Cheese Spread
While the crisps cool, whip up the classic pimento cheese spread. In a bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the spread becomes smooth and creamy. This spread is the luscious heart of the Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe, packing layers of tang and richness.
Step 5: Assemble the Crisps
Once your crisps are completely cooled and perfectly crunchy, generously dollop the pimento cheese spread on top of each one. This contrast of crispy base and creamy topping creates a flavor and texture experience you’ll keep going back for.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Pimento Cheese Crisps immediately to enjoy that unbeatable combo of warmth, crunch, and creamy richness. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack that steals the show, they’re bound to be a conversation starter.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little fresh flair to your crisps with garnishes such as finely chopped chives, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even tiny pickled jalapeño slices for an extra burst of color and flavor. These little touches bring a fresh visual pop and elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
Pimento Cheese Crisps go wonderfully alongside fresh vegetable sticks, a crisp green salad, or a bowl of tangy tomato soup. The creamy, savory richness of the crisps complements lighter, refreshing sides beautifully, making your meal well-rounded and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, consider arranging these crisps on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of assorted dips or spreads for variety. Alternatively, layer them on a platter topped with a drizzle of hot honey or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes to surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cheese crisps and the pimento cheese spread separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the components apart ensures the crisps maintain their crunch while the spread stays fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
The crisps themselves freeze beautifully when stored in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and then re-crisp briefly in the oven for best texture. The spread is best made fresh but can be frozen in small portions if needed.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crispiness, reheat crisps in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy. Reheat the pimento cheese spread gently or serve at room temperature for optimal taste.
FAQs
Can I make the crisps without Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan contributes to that nutty flavor and crispy texture, you can omit it if necessary. The crisps will still be delicious with sharp cheddar alone but may be slightly less crunchy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe depends heavily on cheese for texture and flavor, so making it truly dairy-free would require extensive substitutions with non-dairy cheeses and may affect the crisping process. However, using vegan cheeses designed for melting could be experimented with if you’re adventurous.
How long do Pimento Cheese Crisps stay fresh?
When stored properly, the crisps can keep their flavor and crunch for up to 3 days. The spread should be consumed within 4 to 5 days for the best freshness and taste.
Can I add extra spices or herbs to the crisps?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with additional spices such as cayenne pepper for heat, dried thyme for earthiness, or even a pinch of cayenne to add a bit of zing to your Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe.
What’s the best way to enjoy these crisps at a party?
Serve the crisps on a large platter with little spoons or a piping bag to elegantly add the pimento cheese spread on each right before serving. This keeps them perfectly crispy and looks impressive to your guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely heartwarming about making your own Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe from scratch. The combination of textures and bold, comforting flavors is hard to beat, and it’s such a joy to share with friends and family. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and give this delightful recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these crisps disappear once they hit the table!
Print
Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Pimento Cheese Crisps are a deliciously crispy and savory snack featuring baked cheese discs topped with a creamy, tangy pimento cheese spread. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these crisps combine sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and flavorful seasonings baked to golden perfection, then finished with a smooth blend of cheddar, mayonnaise, pimentos, and Dijon mustard.
Ingredients
Crisp Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for added crunch)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pimento Cheese Spread
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cheese crisps.
- Make the crisps: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, optional flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Spoon small, tablespoon-sized piles of this mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, then gently flatten each pile into a disc shape.
- Bake the crisps: Bake the discs in the oven for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden and bubbly. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack, allowing them to crisp up fully.
- Make the pimento cheese spread: In a bowl, combine shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble the pimento cheese crisps: Once the cheese crisps have cooled and hardened, top each crisp with a generous dollop of the pimento cheese spread.
- Serve: Serve the assembled crisps immediately as a flavorful appetizer or snack, and enjoy the satisfying combination of crispy cheese and creamy pimento topping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can add the optional flour to the cheese mixture.
- The paprika adds a nice smoky flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Ensure the crisps cool completely before adding the topping to maintain their crunch.
- Make the pimento cheese spread ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours to deepen flavors.
- These crisps are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
