Pimento cheese is an iconic Southern dish that adds a punch of flavor and texture to any meal. It’s creamy, savory, cheesy flavor, and oh-so-good.
It is a delicious combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and pimentos. While it can be eaten alone, there are plenty of great foods to pair with pimento cheese that will take your dish to the next level.
Here are some of the most suitable dishes to serve with pimento cheese. Bread or Crackers, Vegetables, Fruits, Crackers and Chips, Breads & Wraps, Meats & Cheeses, Biscuits, Fried Okra, Cornbread, Potato Salad, Green Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, Sweet Potato Fries, Coleslaw, Deviled Eggs, Fried Pickles, Fried Green Tomatoes, Collard Greens, Green Bean Casserole, Baked Potato Wedges, Grilled Corn on the Cob, Roasted Asparagus, Zucchini Fritters, Caesar Salad, Roasted Root Vegetables, Grilled vegetable skewers, Sauteed greens, Roasted Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower rice, Roasted sweet potatoes, Roasted beets.
Perfect Pairings -31 Essential Side Dishes to Serve with Pimento Cheese
1. Bread & Wraps
Pimento cheese makes a great appetizer on its own! All you need is some good quality bread or wraps to spread the cheese on and let your guests enjoy it by themselves.
From croissants, biscuit bread, flatbreads, hamburger buns, and crostini – they all work wonderfully as vehicles for this spread!
You could even get creative by making sliders out of mini-hamburger buns filled with pimento cheese! Or try wrapping up some veggies in flatbreads along with the cheesy goodness for a truly unique experience.
2. Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your plate can be an easy way to ensure you’re getting some healthy options in your meal.
And Boring Veggies make a great side dish when served alongside pimento cheese.
Try pairing pimento cheese with sliced cucumbers, carrots, asparagus, celery sticks, or bell peppers for a tasty cheesy fun snack tray that everyone will love.
3. Fruits
Fruits also make an excellent pairing with pimento cheese!
Fruits like apples and grapes also make great additions when paired with pimento cheese for a combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Apple slices are perfect when served with this cheesy dip – their tartness really compliments the creaminess of the cheese. You can also try adding some diced strawberries or grapes if you want something sweeter.
Know More: What to Serve with Chicken Apple Sausage
The possibilities are truly limitless when it comes to fruit pairings! Just choose whichever ones sound best to you and eat them up alongside your pimento cheese dip to create an unforgettable snack platter.
4. Crackers and Chips
The most common accompaniments for pimento cheese are crackers and chips.
Crackers provide a crunchy texture, while chips add a bit of saltiness that goes perfectly with the creamy, cheesy spread.
Whether you prefer wheat or butter crackers, Ritz or Triscuits, or potato chips or tortilla chips – pick your favorite and get ready for an unbeatable combo!
5. Meats & Cheeses
Deli meats such as ham and turkey slices go particularly well with this Southern classic. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not attempt some other cheeses too?
Cheddar or Swiss are both excellent options that complement the flavor of the original recipe nicely!
6. Biscuits
Biscuits are the perfect accompaniment for any southern dish and pair wonderfully with pimento cheese.
You can easily whip up some homemade biscuits or grab a tube of biscuit dough from the grocery store for convenience.
Either way, you’ll have an unbeatable combination on your hands.
7. Fried Okra
If you don’t mind adding a little crunchy texture to your plate, then fried okra is the answer!
The crunchy exterior and creamy interior of fried okra provide a great contrast to the creamy pimento cheese dip or spread.
Slice some fresh okra into thin rounds, then dredge it in flour or cornmeal before frying in superheated oil until golden brown on each side.
Drain on paper towels before serving—you won’t be able to stop eating these tasty morsels!
Tips: Never ever wash okra after cutting it. Always wash them before cutting.
8. Cornbread
Cornbread is a must-have side dish for all kinds of meals, including those featuring pimento cheese.
Whether you bake it in a skillet or make muffins, this simple bread will help tie all the flavors together in one delicious bite after another.
Make your own cornbread mix by combining flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, eggs, melted butter, and corn kernels—or opt for using store-bought mix if you don’t want to use scratch ingredients!
Bake according to package instructions or your own recipe, and enjoy the warmth of the oven.
9. Potato Salad
If you don’t mind about carbs, then potato salad you can eat with Pimento cheese provides just the right amount of creaminess when eat with pimento cheese.
You can easily make your own potato salad using potatoes, mayonnaise, and your favorite mix-ins like celery, onions, eggs, and pickles.
10. Green Beans
Green beans are an easy side dish that pairs well with most foods, including pimento cheese dip or sandwiches.
Simply steam some fresh green beans until they’re tender yet crisp, and season them according to your preference for an easy addition to any meal.
11. Macaroni & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings alike, so why not serve it alongside pimento cheese?
This comforting classic will add texture and flavor to any meal featuring this beloved southern staple ingredient.
Know More: Best Pasta to Serve with Steak for a Memorable Meal
12. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are an excellent alternative to regular french fries when serving pimento cheese because they offer a bit more sweetness than their traditional counterparts do.
Bake them in the oven with some seasoning salt for optimal flavor without too much effort! Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving for an extra special touch!
13. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is always welcome at picnics and barbecues, so why not add it to your next meal featuring pimento cheese?
This cool, crunchy salad goes great with sandwiches or even as a topping on top of burgers or hot dogs; be sure not to forget it!
14. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are one of those dishes everyone loves, so serve them alongside pimento cheese.
They’re effortless to make ahead of time, too, which means less stress on busy weeknights when dinner needs to be ready quickly!
15. Fried Pickles
Fried pickles may seem like an odd choice, but they’re surprisingly delicious when served with pimento cheese!
All you need are dill pickle slices, some flour coating mix (like Shake ‘N Bake), oil for frying them in, and plenty of paper towels for draining off excess grease; they’ll be done in no time!
16. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are the perfect dish that can eat with pimento cheese, as they bring a lightness to the dish that helps balance out all the richness from the cheese.
To make them, simply slice some unripe tomatoes into thick slices, dip them in egg wash, coat them in cornmeal or breadcrumbs, and deep fry until golden brown. Serve with a sprinkle of salt, and you’re good to go!
17. Collard Greens
Collard greens are hearty greens Southern staple that is full of nutrients and have a slightly bitter taste that pairs nicely with the piquant pimento cheese.
To prepare them, simmer some fresh collards in chicken stock for around 45 minutes until they’re tender but still have a bite. Then sauté them in butter until they’re lightly browned and serve with a pinch of sea salt.
18. Broccoli Salad
This classic dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its mix of fresh broccoli, crunchy bacon, and sweet cranberries topped off with a creamy dressing.
19. Green Bean Casserole
A comfort food favorite that combines the flavors of green beans, mushrooms, and crispy fried onions in one delicious side dish.
20. Baked Potato Wedges
Everyone loves potatoes! This crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside wedges are so easy to make — all you have to do is cut potatoes into wedges, toss in oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until golden brown.
Also Read: What Sauce Goes with Potato Wedges
21. Roasted Asparagus
A super simple side dish that can make any meal feel fancy. Roast with olive oil, garlic, and salt for maximum flavor.
22. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Fire up the grill for this delicious side! Rub with a bit of butter and sprinkle on your favorite seasoning blend before grilling to perfection.
23. Zucchini Fritters
An excellent way to use up any extra zucchinis you have around! These fritters are crispy and savory – perfect for piling high next to some pimento cheese sandwiches.
24. Caesar Salad
Who doesn’t love a classic salad? Creamy Caesar dressing pairs perfectly with fresh romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons.
25. Roasted Root Vegetables
A colorful mix of root vegetables makes for a delicious side dish – roast with oil, herbs, and spices for the perfect flavor combination!
Bonus: Twice-Baked Potatoes: Stuff these twice-baked potatoes with butter, cheese, bacon, and chives for an indulgent side dish. These are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
26. Grilled vegetable skewers
These colorful and flavorful kabobs are a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal. They’re also incredibly easy to make.
Simply marinate vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini in oil and spices, then thread them onto skewers and grill for about 8 minutes.
27. Sauteed greens
Greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins and minerals. To make this side dish, just sauté the greens in olive oil with garlic until they’re tender, then season with salt and pepper.
28. Roasted Brussels sprouts
Another great way to get your daily dose of veggies is by roasting Brussels sprouts.
Preheat oven to 425°F, cut the sprouts in half, and toss them in oil, salt, and pepper before roasting for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
29. Cauliflower rice
Add some texture to your meal with this fluffy and flavorful side dish.
To make it, just pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they have similar grains of rice, then sauté in oil with garlic for about 5 minutes or until tender.
30. Roasted sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile — you can mash them, fry them and even roast them!
For this side dish, simply peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes before tossing them with oil, seasoning, and baking for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.
31. Roasted beets
Beets are a great reference for vitamins and minerals, plus they have a sweet and earthy flavor that pairs well with creamy pimento cheese.
To make this dish, coat beets in oil and seasonings before roasting at 400°F for about 25 minutes.
So there you have it — 31 incredible side dishes that are sure to make your pimento cheese meal even more delicious.
A very big question!..
How do you jazz up pimento cheese?
One way to add some interesting flavor and texture to pimento cheese is by adding diced jalapenos, bacon bits, or even a little bit of sriracha for some heat.
You could also experiment with different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, pepper jack, Swiss, or mozzarella, to give the traditional pimento cheese a twist.
For those looking for a healthier version of pimento cheese, you can try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Add in some finely diced red onions, celery, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor and crunch.
Lastly, don’t forget about sweet ingredients! Chopped apples or pineapple chunks can be a great addition to pimento cheese. Have fun with it and explore different flavor combinations!
What are the best flavors to go with Pimento Cheese?
There are so many delicious flavors to pair with pimento cheese that it can be hard to choose just a few! Some popular flavors include bacon, chives, and jalapeno peppers.
Diced apples, diced green onions, or roasted red bell peppers for more of a sweet and savory flavor. For an extra zesty kick, try adding garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes to your pimento cheese dip.
To give it some crunch, try adding crumbled crackers or pretzels on top. Pimento cheese is also great when paired with sharp cheddar cheese or cream cheese.
Pimento cheese with a slice of fresh, juicy tomato!
FAQs
What kind of crackers do you eat with pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese goes well with a variety of crackers, but some top choices are:
Saltine crackers
Ritz crackers
Wheat Thins
Triscuits
Sociables
Carr’s Table Water crackers
Cheez: You can try different types of crackers to find the one that you like best.
Do you eat pimento cheese by itself?
Yes, pimento cheese can be eaten as a snack or appetizer on its own. It’s a versatile food with numerous ways to eat it.
Some people spread it on crackers or toast, while others use it as a dip for vegetables or chips. It can also be used as a sandwich filling, burger topping, or stuffing for chicken breasts or pork chops. Pimento cheese is a flavorful and filling food that can be eaten in a variety of ways.
Is pimento cheese better hot or cold?
Pimento cheese can be eaten hot or cold, and the ideal temperature is determined by personal preference and how you intend to use it. Following are some general guidelines:
Cold pimento cheese: A classic way to enjoy this Southern staple is cold pimento cheese. It’s delicious as a spread on crackers or bread, a dip for vegetables or chips, or a sandwich filling. The cheese mixture is thick and creamy with a slightly tangy flavor when served cold.
Hot pimento cheese: Pimento cheese can be heated to add a new dimension to its flavor and texture. When heated, the cheese softens and melts, and the flavors intensify. Hot pimento cheese is delicious as a burger topping, bread dip, or stuffing for chicken breasts or pork chops.
Whether you serve pimento cheese hot or cold: Both methods can be delicious and satisfying, so try them both and see which one you prefer.