Pimento Cheese with All the Veggies 🧀🥕🌶️

This vibrant twist on traditional pimento cheese is a delightful, colorful spread packed with fresh veggies. It's perfect as an appetizer for a gathering, a topping for burgers, or a dip for snacks. The creamy cheese combined with the crunch of the vegetables creates a delightful texture and flavor profile that everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the pimento cheese

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup pimentos, diced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the veggies

• 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup carrots, grated
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (if you like it spicy!), finely chopped

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.

🥄 Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing! If it's too cold, it might cause lumps in your mixture.

• Stir in the diced pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is incorporated.

• Fold in the finely chopped bell peppers, celery, red onion, grated carrots, green onions, and pickled jalapeños (if using). Make sure the veggies are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.

🥗 Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices! You can add chopped cucumbers, diced tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers for a different flavor.

• Transfer the pimento cheese to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

• Serve chilled with crackers, toasted bread, or veggie sticks for dipping.

Variations

• Smoky Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a delicious smoky twist on the classic flavors. 🔥
• Herb Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap in feta cheese for half of the cheddar and add chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of cheddar for a vegan-friendly version.

This pimento cheese with all the veggies is sure to elevate your appetizer game. Whether enjoyed with friends during a gathering or just as a snack at home, it's sure to be devoured! Enjoy! 🎉