Made with three different kinds of cheese and roasted peppers, this pimento cheese party spread is delicious on crackers or on a sandwich. It has a sweet-heat kick thanks to the addition of honey and jalapenos. You’ll love this fancy take on a simple salad spread.
As much as I love my Stan’s inspired Southern Style Pimento Cheese, sometimes I want something a little fancier.
This gourmet 3-cheese pimento cheese spread fits the bill. I’ve been serving it for years at summer parties and cookouts.
It takes a little extra effort to prepare, but it’s well worth the work.
If you’re looking for something simpler, try this Easy Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Appetizer. It’s a party classic!
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This recipe packs a little heat and a little sweet, thanks to the combination of jalapeno, honey and apple cider vinegar. (I used Savannah Bee Co. Cheese Honey for this recipe, and it was a great choice!)
And instead of jarred pimentos, you roast and dice your own peppers.
Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of roasting peppers. It’s super easy, especially in the warmer months.
Just coat the peppers in olive oil and toss them on the grill whole. Cook until charred on all sides.
Then throw the roasted peppers into a bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. The peppers will steam and the skin will loosen.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Roasted peppers, jalapenos & honey give this homemade pimento cheese spread its delicious sweet-heat flavor. #pimentocheese #appetizer #southernfood #partyfood” quote=”Roasted peppers, jalapenos & honey give this homemade pimento cheese spread its delicious sweet-heat flavor.”]
When the peppers are cool, peel off the skin and dice.
Now you’re ready to make gourmet style pimento cheese.
The recipe I use is adapted from The Foster’s Market Cookbook. Foster’s Market is a gourmet market and cafe in Durham, N.C., and the owner is pals with Martha Stewart. So, this recipe is Martha approved.
This pimento cheese is a perfect party food. I’m serving it here on club crackers. (That was my lunch , right after I finished the photo shoot). The pimento cheese is also tasty on crostini, pita chips, tortilla chips, pretzel things and BBQ potato chips. (Don’t ask me how I know that!)
Foster’s Market also recommends it as a topping for baked potatoes and suggests floating it on soup. (Wouldn’t it be to die for atop a tomato basil soup?)
It makes a pretty good sandwich, too.
Three-Cheese Pimento Cheese Party Spread
Ingredients
- 1 cup (4 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (4 ounces) grated smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 roasted red bell pepper peeled, seeded and diced
- 1 roasted green pepper peeled, seeded and diced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Coat peppers with oil and roast on a grill or under a broiler. Turn peppers and char on all sides.
- Place roasted peppers in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Once peppers have cooled, remove skin. Remove seeds, core and chop.
- Combine grated cheeses and roasted peppers in a large bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, jalapeño, vinegar and honey and mix well. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
Nutrition
I did a little neighborhood taste test, pitting my Southern Style Pimento Cheese against the Foster’s Market Pimento Cheese.
The judges put both contenders through their paces.
They sampled the spreads on chips. They served up sandwiches. They even grilled up some burgers.
And the winner is…
The judges who got to eat all this deliciousness!
Actually, they declared the contest a tie. And one judge mixed the two pimento cheese spreads together and declared that her favorite.
So, I guess you’ll have to make up a batch of each to see which is really the best.
Britt Webb
You better be prepared to spend $20 on a bowl of dip. Yes, it’s good (great even), but not inexpensive. And it goes QUICKLY!
Jenna
I might just have to deviate from my tried and true pimento cheese and make this~the combo of cheddar, parmesan and smoked gouda intrigues me, that’s got to be good!
Debi @ Surroundings by Debi
Thanks for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop! Stopping in to let you know your wonderful party spread will be featured on Tuesday Treasures! Stop by and take a peek!
Stephanie R
I have never had home made pimento cheese, I have GOT to make some of this for my kids to try.
Betsy
I am in bed reading your recipes of chicken salad and pimento cheese, darn I wish I had a sandwich!
Atta Girl Amy
I’m pretty sure that chicken salad recipe is yours! And I cannot be responsible for any hunger pangs you experience while reading my blog in bed. Be warned – you may not want to read it tomorrow or on the 24th. More recipes to come!
Jennifer
Visiting from Monday Funday. I’d like to invite you to my Friday Flash Blog, where you can share your best blog entry of the week! The party goes on ALL weekend at thejennyevolution.com. And who knows, you may just get featured next week.
Jennifer
thejennyevolution.com
Barb @ The Everyday Home
Every time I come back and see this post I instantly want pimiento cheese. 🙂 xxoo
Shirley@Housepitality Designs
Great recipe Amy….I love Savannah Bee Company honey….Have to make this appetizer for my next dinner group…they would love it!!