Homemade Pimento Cheese

Homemade pimento cheese spread is so much better than anything store bought. The flavors are more vibrant, and there are no preservatives or weird ingredients you can't pronounce. Pimento Cheese is perfect as a dip or appetizer, between bread as a grilled cheese, stuffed in a tomato, or nestled inside celery sticks.

Feeling a little creative? Well, how about a Pimento Grilled Cheese? For those of you watching your carbohydrate intake, try an open-faced toasted cheese sandwich. All you need is a slice of 50 calorie bread, a nice thick tomato slice, and pimento cheese. Pile it high and toast for a few minutes until your bread is toasty and the cheese is melty!

Ingredients:

• 4-6 oz low fat cottage cheese*
• 2-3 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded*
• 2-3 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded*
• 3-4 tsp. pimento
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/8 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder

*MRC Clients: refer to your menu for exact protein portions. This recipe uses 1 serving cottage cheese and 2 serving hard cheese

Preparation:

Place all ingredients in food processor or blender and combine until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Add more pimento if you like. For garlic lovers, you could easily increase the garlic powder.

Variations*:

• Add crumbled bacon
• Add green onions
• For some heat add a bit of chopped jalapeno
• Add 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper

Makes 3 Servings | Serving Size: 1/3 recipe | One Serving Replaces: 1 protein *If you make a variation, be sure to calculate in any appropriate serving replacements

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