Pimento Cheese: A Keto Diet's Best Friend?

Pimento cheese is a delicious, tangy spread that is popular in the American South. It is made with a base of cheese and mayonnaise, and includes sweet roasted capsicums (peppers) or pimentos, which are small, red, sweet bell peppers. This savoury treat is a favourite keto food for many, thanks to its high-fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content. The main ingredients of cheese and mayo are low-carb staples, and the peppers add flavour without contributing many carbs to the macros.

Keto Pimento Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz (225 g) smoked gouda, shredded
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic, minced
• 4 oz (115 g) jarred pimentos, drained
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Mayonnaise, to taste
• Sea salt, to taste

Optional:

• 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, chopped
• 2 tbsp mild or hot banana peppers, chopped

Method:

• Gather your ingredients.
• Mix the mayonnaise and cream cheese in a food processor until well combined. If you don't have a food processor, you can do this by hand—just make sure your cream cheese is very soft.
• Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the cheeses, garlic, pimentos, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. Stir until thoroughly combined.
• Serve as a dip with low-carb crackers or vegetables, or as a topping for burgers.

Tips:

• For the best flavour and texture, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
• This recipe will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To make this recipe spicier, add some chopped jalapeños or banana peppers.
• If you don't like spicy food, you can leave out the cayenne pepper or add less to taste.
• You can also use roasted red peppers instead of pimentos for a slightly different flavour.

Is Pimento Cheese Keto-Friendly?

Pimento cheese is a delicious combination of cheese, mayonnaise, and peppers. But the question on everyone's mind is, can you enjoy it while following a keto diet? The short answer is yes, pimento cheese is keto-friendly!

The Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a popular eating plan that aims to shift your body into a metabolic state called 'ketosis'. In ketosis, your body primarily uses fats instead of carbohydrates for energy. This means that on a keto diet, you need to be mindful of your carbohydrate intake, keeping it low to maintain ketosis.

Pimento Cheese Macros

So, how does pimento cheese fit into a keto diet? Pimento cheese has a surprisingly low carbohydrate count, with about 1.63g of net carbs per 100g serving. This low carb count is due to the main ingredients of cheese and mayonnaise, which are low-carb staples. Additionally, the peppers add a lot of flavor without contributing many carbs.

Pimento cheese is also rich in fats, which align with the macros of a ketogenic diet. A typical keto diet consists of about 70-75% fats, 20% protein, and only 5-10% carbohydrates.

Health Benefits

In addition to its keto-friendly macros, pimento cheese offers several health benefits. It contains essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K2, which contribute to overall health. The high fat and protein content of pimento cheese can also help keep you full and reduce the need for frequent snacking.

Incorporating Pimento Cheese into Your Keto Diet

When incorporating pimento cheese into your keto diet, it's important to practice portion control. While it is low in carbs, pimento cheese is also high in fats and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. You can use it as a dip for keto-friendly vegetables or crackers, or get creative and stuff it into avocados or chicken breasts.

Keto-Friendly Alternatives

While pimento cheese is a great keto option, it's always good to have some alternatives in your repertoire. Here are a few keto-friendly alternatives to pimento cheese:

• Guacamole: A flavorful blend of avocados, cilantro, and lime juice, guacamole is high in healthy fats and moderate in protein.
• Cream Cheese: With only 1.6g of net carbs per 28g serving, cream cheese is a low-carb, high-fat option that can easily fit into a ketogenic meal plan.
• Almond Butter: For a slightly sweet and savory spread, try almond butter. With around 3g of net carbs per two tablespoons, it's a delicious and healthy addition to a keto diet.

Final Thoughts

Pimento cheese, with its low net carb content, can be enjoyed as part of a ketogenic diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutrient-rich foods. Its high-quality protein and supply of essential vitamins and minerals make it a nutritious and tasty option for those following a keto lifestyle.

How to Make Keto Pimento Cheese

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise
• Cream cheese
• Smoked gouda
• Garlic
• Pimentos
• Sea salt
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• Chopped pickled jalapeños
• Chopped banana peppers
• Freshly shredded cheese
• Louisiana Hot Sauce
• Stevia
• Raw apple cider vinegar
• Onion powder
• Chopped roasted red bell peppers
• Chopped meat
• Chopped olives
• Chopped capers
• Dijon mustard
• Sriracha
• Smoked paprika or garlic powder
• Chopped fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, oregano, marjoram, thyme)
• Monterey Jack
• Pepper Jack
• Roasted green bell peppers

Steps:

• Gather your ingredients.
• Mix the mayonnaise and cream cheese in a food processor until well combined. If you don't have a food processor, you can do this by hand, but make sure your cream cheese is very soft.
• Transfer the mixture from the food processor to a large bowl.
• Add the cheeses, garlic, pimentos, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors mingle.
• Serve as a dip or spread with keto crackers, low-carb veggies, or keto-friendly, low-carb bread.

Keto Pimento Cheese Serving Suggestions

Keto pimento cheese is a keto-friendly, creamy, spicy cheese spread with a surprisingly low carbohydrate count. It is made with a combination of shredded cheddar, jarred diced pimentos, and mayonnaise. Here are some serving suggestions for keto pimento cheese:

As a Spread or Dip

Keto pimento cheese can be served as a spread or dip with various low-carb vegetables and keto-friendly crackers. Suggested vegetables include celery, zucchini, red pepper, cucumber, green bell pepper, and jicama. Keto crackers, keto-friendly bread, and keto cheese crisps are also good options. For a more substantial snack, spread the cheese on keto bread and top it with deli meats, cold keto veggies, or fresh arugula.

As a Topping

Keto pimento cheese can be used as a tasty topping for burgers, grilled chicken, or avocado halves. It can also be added to omelets or used as a filling for stuffed olives or jalapeños.

As an Ingredient

Keto pimento cheese can be used as an ingredient in deviled eggs or as a mix-in with ground meat for burgers or meatballs. It can also be thinned out with a bit of liquid and used as a salad dressing.

Variations and Customizations

While the basic recipe for keto pimento cheese is delicious on its own, there are endless variations and customizations to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Add cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
• Include smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a smoky flavor.
• Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, marjoram, or thyme.
• Spice it up with jalapenos, chipotles, adobo sauce, or Louisiana Hot Sauce.
• Add crunch with chopped pickled jalapenos or banana peppers.
• For a sweeter version, balance out the saltiness with a few drops of stevia.

Pimento Cheese Nutrition

Pimento cheese is a Southern delicacy that has gained popularity as a keto-friendly snack option. While it is typically made with shredded cheddar cheese, jarred pimentos, and mayonnaise, there are several variations to the recipe. Some people like to add cream cheese, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Others might include jalapeños, chipotles, or a little adobo sauce.

The basic ingredients of pimento cheese are all keto-friendly, with the only carbs coming from the peppers. However, when purchasing store-bought pimento cheese, it is important to read the labels as they often contain unexpected ingredients and sweeteners. Making pimento cheese at home is the best way to ensure it aligns with keto diet requirements.

A standard recipe for keto pimento cheese includes 4 oz (115 g) of cream cheese, 8 oz (230 g) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup (180 ml) of mayonnaise, 1/3 cup (80 ml) of drained and chopped roasted red bell peppers, and seasonings to taste. This results in a spread or dip that is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spreadable.

Nutritionally, a serving size of 1 oz (28 g) of pimento cheese contains approximately 120 calories, with 4 g of saturated fat. The exact nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used in the recipe.

Pimento cheese can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is commonly served as a spread on keto crackers, low-carb veggies, or bread. It can also be used as a dip for celery, zucchini sticks, or cucumber slices. Additionally, it makes a tasty topping for burgers, deviled eggs, or stuffed jalapeños.

When preparing pimento cheese at home, it is important to use good quality cheese and freshly shred the cheese for the best flavour and texture. The type of cheese can be varied to suit individual tastes, with options such as Swiss cheese, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack.

Overall, pimento cheese is a delicious and versatile keto-friendly option that can be customised to suit different preferences and dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions