Pimiento Cheese Spread

Name: Pimiento Cheese Spread
Yield: 16 servings of 2 tbsp/30 mL
Ingredients: 4 oz (125 g) reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese; 4 oz (125 g) Monterey Jack cheese; 2 green onions; 1/2 cup (125 mL) 2% plain low-fat Greek yogurt; 1 jar (4 oz/125 g) diced pimientos, drained (about 1/2 cup/125 mL); 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper; Assorted crackers or fresh-cut vegetables for serving

This classic southern spread gets a healthy twist with greek yogurt and reduced fat cheddar cheese. Enjoy with your favorite fresh veggies or crackers!

Ingredients

4 oz (125 g) reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
4 oz (125 g) Monterey Jack cheese
2 green onions
1/2 cup (125 mL) 2% plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1 jar (4 oz/125 g) diced pimientos, drained (about 1/2 cup/125 mL)
1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper
Assorted crackers or fresh-cut vegetables for serving

Variation

You'll Need

Directions

Jalapeño Popper

1 Jalapeño pepper

Cut jalapeño crosswise into thirds; add to Manual Food Processor at same time as green onions; finely process.

Bacon Horseradish

1/4 cup (50 mL) real bacon bits

2 tbsp (30 mL) prepared horseradish

Add bacon and horseradish to Manual Food Processor at same time as yogurt.

Directions

Choose to make Basic Pimiento Cheese Spread or a variation. Grate both cheeses with Microplane® Adjustable Coarse Grater over Classic Batter Bowl or Small Batter Bowl.
Cut green onion into 3-4 large chunks and place in Manual Food Processor; process until finely chopped. Add yogurt, drained pimientos and black pepper; process until combined.
Add half of the grated cheeses; process to combine, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Repeat with remaining grated cheeses. Carefully remove blade and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield:

16 servings of 2 tbsp/30 mL

Nutrients per serving:

Pimiento Cheese Spread and Jalapeño Popper Pimiento Cheese Spread:

U.S. Nutrients per serving (2 tbsp/30 mL): Calories 50, Total Fat 4 g, Saturated Fat 2.5 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 110 mg, Carbohydrate 1 g, Fiber 0 g, Protein 4 g

Bacon Horseradish Pimiento Cheese Spread:

U.S. Nutrients per serving (2 tbsp/30 mL): Calories 60, Total Fat 4.5 g, Saturated Fat 2.5 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 180 mg, Carbohydrate 1 g, Fiber 0 g, Protein 5 g

Cook's Tips:

Great to make ahead; store in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Scoop on top of a burger towards the end of grilling or even try as a spread for grilled cheese.

Real bacon bits are different than “bacon flavored bits” or “imitation bacon bits.” One heaping tablespoon (15 mL) of real bacon bits is equal to approximately 1 slice of cooked bacon.