Perfect Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a unique dish that has been around for over 100 years.

It’s easy to see why it’s still popular today with its simple ingredients and rich flavor.

This quick and delicious dish has a fascinating history behind it, but what exactly is pimento cheese?

Pimento cheese is a mixture of grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped pimentos, salt, and pepper.

It’s common to add onion or garlic powder as well.

This flavorful blend of ingredients makes the perfect sandwich filling.

Some people even make pimento cheese balls rolled in chopped pecans or other nuts before being chilled and served with crackers.

It can also be used as a dip for vegetables or chips.

With only five ingredients, there’s no excuse not to try making it at home.

Serving pimento cheese is simple, too.

It makes a great addition to any sandwich or burger, and it’s also tasty served on top of vegetables or baked potatoes.

You can even mix it into scrambled eggs before cooking for some extra kick.

If you’re looking for something to serve with this cheese spread, check out these eight best side dishes.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Pimento Cheese?

As we all know, pimento cheese is a delicate and delicious dip that goes great with crackers.

But, what about when it’s time for dinner? If you’re looking for some variety, consider serving it alongside other tasty side dishes.

You may also think that preparing more than one dish will take longer.

And while this may be true the first time you try it, soon you’ll find yourself getting creative with different combinations of pimento cheese and side dishes.

It only takes a few extra minutes to whip up a perfect meal.

You must be mindful of the side dishes you choose.

For instance, if the pimento cheese is hot and spicy, a cold green salad won’t do.

Instead, opt for something slightly sweet or starchy so it can cool down your taste buds when you eat it.

There are also many health benefits to pairing pimento cheese with different dishes.

For example, if you use pimento cheese as a scoop to dip fresh vegetables into, your meal will be low in calories and fat yet quite filling.

So next time you make up a batch of delicious pimento cheese, try experimenting with different side dishes.

After all, everyone loves pimento cheese.

What to Serve with Pimento Cheese? 8 BEST Side Dishes

Here are eight amazing side dishes that will complement the pimento cheese just right.

1 – Fried Pickles

Most people aren’t as familiar with fried pickles as marshmallows, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as tasty.

Some would argue that these go above and beyond the classic version of breading and deep frying a dill pickle chip.

If you have a few extra minutes to spare in the kitchen, this recipe is worth a try.

Fried pickles are crispy yet sour, so they contrast pimento cheese quite well.

Go for homemade fried pickles over store-bought ones to have control over the ingredients that go into them.

This allows you to create your own unique experience when serving them with pimento cheese.

For an even better flavor, consider dipping the pickles in this homemade ranch dressing recipe before adding pimento cheese on top of them.

It’s similar to a traditional bleu cheese dressing but can be customized however you like.

Plus, it tastes amazing.

2 – Chex Mix

Even people who aren’t familiar with pimento cheese know about Chex Mix.

It’s a traditional snack food that has been around for decades (if not longer).

For this reason, it makes perfect sense to pair the two together.

And since they share similar flavors, you can consider simply adding pimento cheese to your standard Chex Mix recipe.

This works best on the side or as a snack.

You can serve it on its own or with some other finger foods, but either way, it’s sure to be popular.

Not only is this snack mix delicious, but it also keeps your hands busy.

Your guests will love munching away at this Chex Mix recipe while they chat about their day or watch the game.

3 – Dill Pickles

Pickles are an obvious choice to serve with pimento cheese on rye, but dill pickles offer a special twist on the classic sandwich combination.

Instead of tasting like mustard and rye bread, they’re more similar to sour cream and onion chips.

This pairing is perfect for a warm summer day, but it can also be enjoyed year-round if you opt for fresh cucumber pickles instead of dill.

However, this isn’t the only way to use dill pickles – they also make amazing fries.

Try deep-frying pickle slices and dipping them in this homemade ranch dressing if you’re looking for something new to do with your pimento cheese.

It may sound like an unusual combination, but it tastes delicious.

4 – Deviled Eggs

When you think about deviled eggs, you probably think of Easter.

But the reality is that these are a classic pairing with pimento cheese, especially during warmer months.

This also makes for a great appetizer to share on game day or while you watch the fireworks this weekend.

You can pair pimento cheese with deviled eggs either on top or inside them – both taste delicious.

Plus, if you’re looking for something new to serve visiting friends and family who happen to love pimento cheese as much as we do, this is it.

The best part about deviled eggs? They don’t even require a recipe.

Just mix mayonnaise and mustard into the yolk of the egg and start dipping.

It doesn’t get any easier than that.

5 – Olives

If you’re looking for a salty and savory addition to your pimento cheese, look no further than olives.

While some people like the salty flavor on its own, others love it paired with more mild flavors such as cheese and bread.

However you choose to serve these, olives make a great addition to any cheese plate.

They also pair well with nearly every other type of food, including pimento cheese.

Not sure how to prepare them? No problem – olives are incredibly easy to make.

All you need is oil and herbs, and you’re all set.

6 – Pickled Jalapenos

If you’ve ever wondered what to serve with pimento cheese, then pickled jalapenos are worth trying.

They offer acidity and heat in one bold bite, making them the perfect accompaniment for this mild-tasting cheese.

This combination is best served on top of crackers or as a tapenade.

If you’re looking for something to serve as a spread, spread the pimento cheese onto the jalapenos and enjoy with crackers.

If you want something more filling, roll them up and slice them into pinwheels.

7 – Potato Chips

While this may not be the healthiest option, potato chips make a surprisingly good pairing with pimento cheese.

And if you’re going to eat this snack, go all out.

You can serve your potato chip and pimento cheese on large slices of toast or as a sandwich – it’s up to you.

Just be sure not to skimp on the amount of cheese you put in the sandwich, and remember to use REAL mayo.

This combination is perfect for game day or while you binge-watch your favorite show with friends, but it’s also great any time of year.

Just be sure not to choose too healthy of a potato chip, as this can throw off the dish’s flavor profile.

8 – Tuna Salad

If you’re looking for something different to serve with pimento cheese, tuna salad might be the answer.

Just like potato chips, it can be served as a sandwich or on toast – your choice.

This dish is perfect for picnics because it travels well and doesn’t require any cooking.

For best results, choose a mayonnaise-based tuna salad rather than one with too much mayo – this will preserve the pimento cheese’s flavor.

While you can use either canned or fresh tuna in this dish, I prefer fresh.

It has more of a bright taste and doesn’t leave behind any fishy smell.

Even better, there is no cooking required – mix everything in a bowl, and you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Pimento cheese is truly one of the greatest treats ever invented, and it’s even better when paired with other food.

If you’re looking to update your cheese plate or just trying to change things up for game day this year, consider adding any of these eight options to your spread.

Give these dishes a try, and you’ll never think of pimento cheese the same way again.

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