Description
Pimento Cheese Crisps are a delightful savory snack featuring crispy baked cheese discs topped with a creamy, tangy pimento cheese spread. These bite-sized crisps combine sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses baked until golden, paired with a smooth mixture of cheddar, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for entertaining or as a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Crisps
- 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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the crisps: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, optional flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an even cheese mixture. Spoon small piles, about 1 tablespoon each, onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each pile into thin discs to help them bake evenly and crisp up.
- Bake the crisps: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese crisps are golden brown and bubbling. After baking, allow the crisps to cool slightly on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Make the pimento cheese spread: In a clean bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly blended to create a creamy and flavorful spread.
- Assemble the pimento cheese crisps: Once the cheese crisps have fully cooled and become firm, top each crisp with a generous dollop of the pimento cheese spread, ensuring each bite has the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures.
- Serve: Serve the assembled pimento cheese crisps immediately as a savory appetizer or snack. Enjoy their bold flavors and satisfying crunch at parties, gatherings, or as a delightful treat anytime.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, omit the flour used in the cheese crisps or substitute with a gluten-free flour alternative.
- Make sure the crisps are completely cooled before adding the spread to preserve their crisp texture.
- The crisps can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container; add the spread just before serving.
- Adjust seasoning in the spread according to taste, adding more or less garlic powder or mustard as preferred.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the paprika in the cheese crisps.
