Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pimentos
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or food processor
- Rubber spatula
- Serving dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped pimentos, cucumber, green onion, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and smooth out the top with a rubber spatula.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Temperature:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 2 cups of Benedictine Pimento Cheese Spread, serving 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
Per serving (2 tbsp):
Calories: 120
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 170mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Instead of mayonnaise, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream.
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses.
- Instead of pimentos, you can use roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Instead of cucumber, you can use celery or green bell pepper.
- Instead of green onion, you can use chives or shallots.
- Instead of fresh dill, you can use dried dill or other fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Variations:
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or feta cheese.
- Add chopped bacon or ham for a meaty version.
- Use different vegetables, such as roasted garlic, artichoke hearts, or olives.
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Use a food processor to make the mixture smoother and creamier.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more or less salt, pepper, or garlic powder.
- Serve the spread with a variety of crackers, bread, or vegetables for a colorful and tasty appetizer.
Storage instructions:
Store the Benedictine Pimento Cheese Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
This recipe does not need reheating.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Benedictine Pimento Cheese Spread in a decorative bowl or platter, garnished with fresh herbs or chopped vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh dill, chopped green onion, or sliced cucumber.
Pairings:
Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell pepper.
Suggested side dishes:
This recipe can be served as an appetizer or snack. It pairs well with other finger foods like deviled eggs, meatballs, or bruschetta.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the mixture is too thin, add more cheese or mayonnaise to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Keep the spread refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Do not leave the spread at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Use clean utensils and surfaces when preparing and serving the spread.
Food history:
Benedictine Pimento Cheese Spread is a classic Southern recipe that originated in Kentucky. It is named after Jennie Benedict, a famous caterer and cookbook author who created the recipe in the early 1900s. The spread is typically made with cream cheese, cucumber, onion, and green food coloring, but this version adds pimentos and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, tangy, savory, with a hint of sweetness from the pimentos and cucumber.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
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