Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe
If you’re searching for a snack that combines irresistible crunch with rich, Southern flavor, these Pimento Cheese Crisps are about to become your new obsession! Each bite delivers the tangy zip of pimentos and the sharp bite of cheddar, all baked into perfectly golden rounds that disappear faster than you can say “pass the platter.” Trust me, whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, there’s something magical about the way these crisps capture everything we love about classic pimento cheese in one delightfully crispy package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pimento Cheese Crisps lies in their simplicity, but don’t be fooled—each ingredient plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, finely shredded): The main event! Sharp cheddar brings bold, tangy flavor and melts to form that signature crisp texture.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons, softened): Adds creamy richness and helps bind everything together into a cohesive dough.
- Drained pimentos (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): These little red gems deliver color and that classic pimento pop in every bite.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to provide a gentle savory background without overpowering the cheese.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of smokiness and a touch of warmth that deepens the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Essential for structure—this keeps your crisps from melting into a cheesy puddle.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste.
- Cayenne pepper (pinch, optional): For those who like a subtle kick, a dash of cayenne brings the heat.
- Salt to taste: Balances all the flavors; add just enough to make the cheese and pimentos sing.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Crisps
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes sure your crisps bake evenly and come off without a hitch. It’s a small step that makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees picture-perfect results every time.
Step 2: Mix Up the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine your sharp cheddar, cream cheese, chopped pimentos, garlic powder, smoked paprika, flour, butter, and a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling spicy. Stir everything together until the mixture forms a soft, cohesive dough—don’t worry if it looks a little sticky, that’s exactly what you want!
Step 3: Portion and Shape
Scoop out small, teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll them gently into balls. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about an inch between them. Using your fingers or the bottom of a glass, flatten each ball slightly—you’re aiming for thick coins rather than thin discs, so they bake up tender in the middle and crisp at the edges.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crisps are deeply golden around the edges and smell absolutely irresistible. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary and you want that perfect crunch without burning.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the crisps cool on the pan for five minutes—this helps them set so they’re easy to transfer. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely, then try not to eat them all before they make it to the serving platter!
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Crisps
Garnishes
While Pimento Cheese Crisps are fantastic as is, a sprinkle of chopped chives or a dusting of extra smoked paprika right before serving adds an elegant touch. For a Southern feel, you can even top each crisp with a tiny slice of pickled okra or a fresh pimento for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
These crisps are delightful alongside a cool, crunchy vegetable platter—think celery, cucumber, and radishes. They also pair beautifully with a simple salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting lunch. If you’re serving them at a party, add them to a cheese and charcuterie board for a little Southern flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Pimento Cheese Crisps in a tall glass jar for a rustic snack display, or arrange them on a platter in concentric circles for a striking appetizer. For a playful twist, use them as the base for bite-sized “open-faced sandwiches” topped with a dab of pepper jelly or a sliver of country ham.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pimento Cheese Crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay crisp and delicious, making them perfect for nibbling whenever a craving strikes. If you want to keep them longer, read on!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these crisps! Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month—just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked crunch, pop your Pimento Cheese Crisps in a 300°F oven for about five minutes. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving, and they’ll taste just like they came out of the oven the first time.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for Pimento Cheese Crisps?
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your crisps. For the best flavor and melt, I highly recommend shredding your own sharp cheddar.
Are these crisps spicy?
They have just a hint of warmth from the smoked paprika and optional cayenne. If you love heat, feel free to add an extra pinch of cayenne or even a dash of hot sauce to the dough!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and you’ll still get delicious, crispy results.
How can I make Pimento Cheese Crisps ahead for a party?
You can prep the dough balls and refrigerate them on the baking sheet, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking as usual.
What’s the best way to transport these for a picnic or potluck?
Once cooled, layer your crisps between sheets of parchment paper in a sturdy container. They travel well and are always a hit at any gathering!
Final Thoughts
If you love all things cheesy and crave a little Southern comfort, you simply have to try these Pimento Cheese Crisps. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and utterly addictive—don’t be surprised if they disappear in record time! Give them a spot at your next gathering, or treat yourself to a batch just because. Happy snacking!
Print
Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 crisps 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pimento Cheese Crisps are a delightful Southern-inspired appetizer combining sharp cheddar cheese, creamy pimentos, and subtle spices baked into crispy, savory bites perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
Vegetables & Spices
- 2 tablespoons drained pimentos (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
Others
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped pimentos, garlic powder, smoked paprika, all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired. Stir well until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Shape Crisps: Scoop out small teaspoon-sized portions of the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten them slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Place the formed discs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crisps are golden and crisp around the edges, indicating they are cooked through and perfectly crunchy.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crisps cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Afterwards, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their crispness.
Notes
- These crisps make an excellent savory snack or party appetizer.
- For a sharper flavor, opt for extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
- Store leftover crisps in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crisp
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
