Description
Pimento Cheese Crisps are a delightful, savory snack featuring crispy baked cheese discs topped with a creamy pimento cheese spread. Perfect as an appetizer or party bite, these crisps combine sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a flavorful blend of seasonings for the crisps, paired with a creamy, tangy pimento cheese topping made with mayonnaise, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch and rich cheesy flavor.
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 ensure the crisps don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Make the crisps: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, optional flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended. Spoon small piles (about 1 tablespoon each) of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each pile slightly into discs to promote even baking.
- Bake the crisps: Bake the cheese discs in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let the crisps cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely and crisp up further.
- Make the pimento cheese spread: In a separate bowl, mix together shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined to create a creamy spread.
- Assemble the pimento cheese crisps: Once the cheese crisps are fully cooled and crisp, top each crisp with a dollop of the prepared pimento cheese spread, ensuring each bite is flavorful and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the pimento cheese crisps immediately as a tasty, savory snack or appetizer, perfect for gatherings or casual nibbling.
Notes
- Flour in the cheese crisps is optional but helps add extra crunch.
- Ensure the cheese crisps are fully cooled before adding the spread to keep them crisp.
- Adjust seasoning in the pimento cheese spread according to taste.
- For a spicier twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the spread.
- Store any leftover spread separately in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
