Madeleine Hull
Pimento cheese is a popular keto food, especially in the American South. It is a creamy, spicy, tangy spread made with a base of cheese and mayonnaise, with added peppers or capsicums for a sweet flavour. It is keto-friendly due to its low net carb content of 1.63g per 100g, high fat, and moderate protein content. It is also a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K2. However, it is important to note that while pimento cheese is keto-friendly, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-rounded keto diet that includes nutrient-dense, whole foods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 1g per serving or 1.63g per 100g |
| Protein | 11g per serving |
| Fat | 26g per serving |
| Fiber | 0g per serving |
| Sugar | 0g per serving |
| Net carbs | 1g per serving |
| Calories | 285kcal per serving |
| Nutritional benefits | Calcium, vitamin A, vitamin K2 |
| Keto-friendly ingredients | Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, avocado oil, gouda, smoked paprika, cream cheese, garlic, cayenne pepper, mustard, dill, salt, pepper, chives, dijon mustard, sweet paprika, onion powder |
| Keto-friendly substitutes | Roasted red peppers, jalapenos, bacon, cucumber, salami crackers, cheese crackers, bagel cheese crisps, seed crackers |
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What You'll Learn
Pimento cheese is keto-friendly due to its low net carb content
Pimento cheese is a favourite keto food for many, especially those from the American South. It is a creamy, spicy cheese spread that is not only delicious but also keto-friendly due to its low net carb content.
The ketogenic diet aims to shift the body into a metabolic state called 'ketosis', where the body primarily uses fats instead of carbohydrates for energy. This means that one has to be careful about their carb intake, keeping it low to maintain ketosis. Pimento cheese has a surprisingly low carbohydrate count, with about 1.63g of net carbs per 100g. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting dietary fibre and sugar alcohols from total carbs, which gives us the carbs that impact blood sugar levels and ketosis.
Pimento cheese is also a good source of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K2, which contribute to overall health. It is rich in fats, mainly due to its main ingredients - cheddar cheese and mayonnaise. This makes it an excellent keto option, as it is a base of cheese and mayonnaise, with peppers or capsicums adding a nice sweet flavour.
While pimento cheese is keto-friendly, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-rounded keto diet. It is important to accompany it with other wholesome foods like leafy green vegetables, avocados, nuts, seeds, and high-quality proteins. Additionally, even though it is low in carbs, pimento cheese is also high in fats and calories, which need to be factored into daily dietary intake.
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Pimentos are small, red, sweet bell peppers
Pimentos are not readily available in Australia, where they are called capsicums. However, they can be substituted with roasted red peppers, which some claim have better flavour. Pimento cheese can be made at home by combining mayonnaise, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and jarred diced pimentos with their oil. It can be served hot or cold as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling.
Pimento cheese is a keto-friendly option due to its low net carb content of about 1.63g of net carbs per 100g. This aligns with the goal of a ketogenic diet, which is to maintain a metabolic state called 'ketosis' by keeping carbohydrate intake low. However, it is important to note that pimento cheese is also high in fats and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-rounded keto diet that includes nutrient-dense, whole foods.
Overall, pimento cheese is a delicious and tangy keto option that can be enjoyed in various ways. It is a versatile and flavourful addition to any keto meal plan, offering essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K2. Whether served as a dip, spread, or topping, pimento cheese is a crowd-pleasing favourite that is sure to impress.
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Keto pimento cheese can be served with keto crackers
Pimento cheese is a popular keto food, especially in the American South. It is a flavourful spread made with a base of cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, with other ingredients like garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. It is a versatile dish that can be used as a topping, dip, or enjoyed on its own.
When it comes to keto crackers, there are several options available. Keto crackers are traditionally made with almond flour and cheese, creating a crispy and crunchy texture. These crackers are baked goods that can be made at home with simple ingredients and minimal preparation. The dough can be rolled out and cut into desired shapes before baking, and various seasonings can be added for extra flavour.
For those who prefer a simpler option, plain keto crackers can be made by replacing the cheese with an egg and coconut oil. These crackers provide a crunchy base to enjoy with keto pimento cheese.
There are also commercially available keto crackers, such as the HighKey keto crackers, which are thick and crumbly with a prominent cheese flavour. Keto Naturals crackers are another option, made with a blend of nut and seed flours, resulting in a pleasant neutral flavour. These crackers are less thick and dense, resembling traditional crackers more closely.
Keto pimento cheese can be enjoyed with keto crackers as a tasty and keto-friendly snack option. The versatility of pimento cheese allows it to be used as a spread or dip, providing a flavourful and satisfying experience. Whether homemade or store-bought, keto crackers offer a crunchy companion to the creamy and spicy pimento cheese.
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Pimento cheese can be used as a topping for burgers
Pimento cheese is a delicious, naturally keto-friendly food with a low net carb content of 1.63g of net carbs per 100g. This makes it a great option for those on a ketogenic diet, which involves maintaining a very tight range of daily carbohydrate intake, usually between 20-50g.
Pimento cheese is a creamy, spicy spread made from a base of cheese and mayonnaise, with pimentos (small, red, sweet bell peppers) and various other ingredients added for flavour. It is a popular snack and appetizer, often served with low-carb crackers, vegetables, or pork rinds.
One creative way to use pimento cheese is as a topping for burgers. It can add a delicious, tangy flavour to a beef, chicken, or vegetarian burger. For example, you could make a chicken burger with a pimento cheese topping, or stuff a chicken breast with pimento cheese and roast it in the oven.
Pimento cheese can also be used as a topping for keto-friendly burgers, such as those made with cauliflower or mushroom buns. For a truly indulgent option, you could even stuff the pimento cheese inside the burger patty.
In addition to its use as a burger topping, pimento cheese can be enjoyed in many other ways, such as in grilled cheese sandwiches, stuffed into jalapenos or other peppers, or simply enjoyed as a dip with crackers or vegetables.
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$10.48 $12.57
Pimento cheese can be made at home to avoid unnecessary ingredients
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple and a keto-friendly dish. It is a creamy, cheesy, tangy, and peppery dip that can be made at home with simple ingredients. By making it at home, you can avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives found in store-bought options.
The basic ingredients for pimento cheese are shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. Some recipes also include cream cheese, smoked gouda, garlic, sea salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and jalapeños for added spice.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces pimiento peppers, drained, rinsed, and coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Mix until well combined. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for a larger batch.
- Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for up to a week. The pimento cheese will harden as it cools, so let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature before serving if chilled.
Feel free to adjust the measurements and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other ingredients like cream cheese, smoked gouda, or jalapeños for a spicier kick.
By making pimento cheese at home, you can control the ingredients used, ensuring a fresh and delicious spread without any unnecessary additives.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pimento cheese is keto-friendly as it has a low net carb content of 1.63g of net carbs per 100g. However, it is also high in fats and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Pimento cheese is made with a combination of shredded cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and various seasonings. Some common seasonings include garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and onion powder.
To make keto-friendly pimento cheese, simply mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Then, add shredded cheeses and your desired seasonings. Finally, gently fold in the pimentos and chives. You can serve it hot or cold as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling.
Pimento cheese can be served with low-carb crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or pork rinds. It can also be used as a topping for burgers or stuffed into chicken breast.
