Description
Pimento cheese, a beloved Southern staple, finds a new expression in these tantalizing Pimento Cheese Bites. Ideal for gatherings or as a personal treat, these bites combine the sharp richness of cheddar cheese with the tanginess of pimentos into a delightfully crispy snack. Follow this recipe to bring a pop of flavor and texture to your snack repertoire.
Ingredients
– 1 4 oz jar diced pimentos
– 1 tsp ground mustard
– tsp chili flakes
– 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
– 2.5 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– cup olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Step 2
Drain the pimentos thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Finely chop them to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the bites.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground mustard, and chili flakes. Add the chopped pimentos and stir until they are well coated with the flour mixture.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, olive oil, and salt. Combine this mixture with the flour and pimento mixture, stirring until just mixed. Use your hands to knead the dough lightly, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
Step 5
On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out each portion to a thickness of ¼-inch. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes.
Step 6
Place the cut dough shapes about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes; 17 minutes is typically ideal for achieving perfect crispiness.
Step 7
Allow the pimento cheese bites to cool on a wire rack before transferring to a storage container. This helps to maintain their crisp texture.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 pimento cheese bites, depending on the shape and size of the cookie cutter used. Total preparation and cooking time is approximately 45 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
– Store the pimento cheese bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
– In warmer climates, refrigerate the bites to preserve their freshness.
– Reheat them in a toaster oven to restore crispiness. Let them cool briefly before serving.
Conclusion
These Pimento Cheese Bites offer the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and spicy tang, housed within a crispy exterior. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a tasty snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bites encapsulate the charm and flavor of Southern cuisine in every bite.
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Pimento Cheese Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: approximately 24 pimento cheese bites 1x
Description
Pimento cheese, a beloved Southern staple, finds a new expression in these tantalizing Pimento Cheese Bites. Ideal for gatherings or as a personal treat, these bites combine the sharp richness of cheddar cheese with the tanginess of pimentos into a delightfully crispy snack. Follow this recipe to bring a pop of flavor and texture to your snack repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 4 oz jar diced pimentos
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Drain the pimentos thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Finely chop them to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the bites.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground mustard, and chili flakes. Add the chopped pimentos and stir until they are well coated with the flour mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, olive oil, and salt. Combine this mixture with the flour and pimento mixture, stirring until just mixed. Use your hands to knead the dough lightly, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out each portion to a thickness of ¼-inch. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes.
- Place the cut dough shapes about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes; 17 minutes is typically ideal for achieving perfect crispiness.
- Allow the pimento cheese bites to cool on a wire rack before transferring to a storage container. This helps to maintain their crisp texture.