If you’ve been on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with Southern charm and packed with bold, cheesy flavor, this Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These crisps bring together the intoxicating sharpness of cheddar and Parmesan with a creamy, tangy pimento cheese topping that’s utterly addictive. Perfectly crispy, delightfully creamy, and oozing personality, this dish is a celebration of comfort and crunch that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple ingredients is all you need to create this irresistible treat. Each item plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor, texture, or color that come together harmoniously to elevate the Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe beyond ordinary.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show brings a rich, tangy depth and fantastic meltiness to both the crisps and the spread.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, slightly salty edge that helps the crisps develop a golden, crispy texture.
- Flour (optional): Just a touch helps the crisps hold together with a bit more crunch.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle warmth and savory undertone throughout.
- Paprika (optional): Sprinkles a mild smoky flavor and a pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every bite.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a luscious mouthfeel to the pimento cheese spread.
- Diced pimentos, drained: Provide bursts of sweetness and a classic southern twist.
- Cream cheese: Softens the spread, giving it an irresistibly smooth texture.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang and a gentle zip to brighten the flavor.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Kick things off by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents those delicious crisps from sticking as they bake to golden perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Crisps
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, optional flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly combined. This mixture forms the crispy base of our dish. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cheese mix onto your baking sheet, spacing them well to allow for spreading. Gently press each pile down into a thin disc because we want that satisfyingly crunchy bite.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye for that perfect moment when the cheese crisps bubble and transform into beautiful golden discs. Once out, let them rest for a bit on the pan before transferring to a wire rack, so they crisp up fully and become wonderfully firm.
Step 4: Whip Up the Pimento Cheese Spread
While the crisps cool, combine shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir it all lovingly until the spread is smooth and creamy—this rich topping is what will bring the crunch and cream together in pure harmony.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe
With the crisps cooled and ready, dollop a generous spoonful of the pimento cheese spread atop each one. This layering is what transforms a simple crispy snack into a show-stopping bite filled with flavor and texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these beauties immediately to enjoy that irresistible contrast of warm, crunchy crisps meeting cool, creamy spread. Whether as a party appetizer or a cozy snack, each bite is a delightful burst of Southern-inspired comfort.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like finely chopped chives or parsley, can bring a fresh brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness. A light dusting of extra paprika or a few crushed red pepper flakes can also add a bit of eye-catching color and subtle heat.
Side Dishes
Pair these crisps with a crisp garden salad or a bowl of tomato soup to balance out the richness. They also make an excellent companion to chilled pickles or a zesty slaw, enhancing that perfect sweet, tangy, and savory combo Southern food lovers cherish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe on a large platter with an assortment of fresh veggies, cured meats, or crackers to create an irresistible appetizer board. You can also serve them alongside mini sandwiches or pair them with a glass of chilled white wine or light beer for a classy snack experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though rare!), keep the crisps and the pimento cheese spread stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps prevent the crisps from getting soggy and keeps the spread fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked cheese crisps by arranging them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the pimento cheese spread in a separate container. When you’re ready, just bake the crisps fresh and thaw the spread in the fridge to enjoy that perfect texture.
Reheating
To gently warm the crisps without losing their crunch, pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy. The pimento cheese spread is best served cold or at room temperature, so just spoon it on after reheating.
FAQs
Can I make the Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just skip the optional flour or use a gluten-free alternative, and the recipe remains wonderfully delicious and crisp.
What type of cheese works best for the crisps?
Sharp cheddar brings the best flavor and melt for the crisps, while Parmesan adds a nutty crunch. You can experiment with other hard cheeses, but cheddar and Parmesan are classic for a reason!
How long will the crisps stay fresh?
Once baked and stored properly in an airtight container, the crisps maintain their crispness for up to 3 days, but best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make the pimento cheese spread ahead of time?
Yes, making the spread a day in advance actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving it an even deeper taste.
Are these crisps suitable for a party platter?
Definitely! They are perfect finger foods for gatherings, bringing a delightful Southern twist to any appetizer menu.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe that turns a handful of simple ingredients into a snack that feels like a warm, flavorful hug. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just indulging a cheesy craving, give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and downright irresistible every single time.
Print
Pimento Cheese Crisps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
These Pimento Cheese Crisps are a delightful savory snack featuring crispy baked cheese discs topped with a creamy, tangy pimento cheese spread. Perfect as an appetizer or party treat, they combine the sharpness of cheddar and Parmesan crisps with a flavorful pimento cheese topping made from mayo, cream cheese, and pimentos.
Ingredients
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) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cheese crisps.
- Make the crisps: In a medium bowl, mix together shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, optional flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Spoon tablespoon-sized piles of the mixture onto the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart, and flatten each pile slightly into discs.
- Bake the crisps: Bake the cheese discs in the oven for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden and bubbly. Then let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to crisp up completely.
- Make the pimento cheese spread: Combine shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble the pimento cheese crisps: Once the crisps are fully cooled, place a dollop of the prepared pimento cheese spread on each crisp to top them.
- Serve: Enjoy the crisps immediately as a savory snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For extra crunch, adding the optional tablespoon of flour in the cheese mixture is recommended.
- Ensure crisps are completely cool before adding the spread to avoid melting the topping.
- Use sharp cheddar for best flavor and texture contrast with the Parmesan.
- These crisps are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
