If you love the rich, tangy taste of pimento cheese, these Pimento Cheese Crisps are a must-try. Packed with sharp cheddar, smoky spices, crunchy pecans, and the signature pop of pimentos, these crispy, bite-sized wafers deliver all the goodness of a classic Southern pimento cheese spread in a crunchy, snackable form.
Perfect for serving at gatherings, enjoying with a cocktail, or simply snacking on throughout the day, these crisps are easy to make ahead and store for later.
Why You’ll Love These Pimento Cheese Crisps
- Cheesy and Crunchy – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the dough, creating a crisp, buttery texture with every bite.
- Packed with Southern Flavor – Classic pimento cheese flavors shine with smoky paprika, a hint of garlic, and a touch of cayenne heat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be made in advance, refrigerated, or even frozen for easy baking when needed.
- Versatile and Customizable – Adjust the spice level, add mix-ins, or pair with sweet or savory toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Pimento Cheese Crisps
To make about 36 crisps, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 ounces diced pimentos, rinsed and drained
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar, grated
- ½ cup cold butter, grated
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- Generous pinch of salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pimentos
Drain and rinse the pimentos, then spread them out on paper towels to remove excess moisture. Let them air dry for about 10-15 minutes to prevent soggy dough.
Step 2: Process the Cheese and Butter
Grate the cheddar cheese and cold butter together in a food processor. This helps incorporate the butter evenly into the dough for a uniform texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
- Switch to the metal blade in your food processor.
- Add the flour, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to the cheese and butter mixture.
- Process until the mixture looks moist and grainy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Pecans and Pimentos
- Add the chopped pecans and pulse until the dough starts pulling away from the sides.
- Add the pimentos and pulse just enough to incorporate them without overmixing.
- The dough should form into a solid ball.
Step 5: Shape the Dough into Logs
- Place the dough on a sheet of waxed paper.
- Knead lightly to ensure even distribution of pimentos.
- Divide the dough into two portions and roll each into a firm log.
- Wrap each log tightly in waxed paper, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the logs for at least an hour to firm up. If making ahead:
- Dough can be refrigerated for up to two days.
- Logs can be frozen for up to three months (thaw slightly before slicing).
Step 7: Bake the Crisps
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice dough logs into ¼-inch thick rounds and arrange on the baking sheets with a little space in between.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden around the edges and firm on top.
- Cool for a few minutes on the pan, then transfer to wire racks.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
These crisps are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- Cheese Board Addition – Serve alongside soft cheeses, cured meats, and fruits.
- Sweet and Savory Combo – Pair with honey or fig jam for a sweet contrast.
- Soup or Salad Toppers – Crumble them over tomato soup or a fresh salad for extra crunch.
- Cocktail Pairing – Enjoy with an Old Fashioned, whiskey sour, or a glass of chilled white wine.
- Spicy Spread – Try them with a spicy pimento cheese dip for double the flavor.
Flavor Variations and Customization
For a different twist, try these variations:
- Extra Spicy – Increase the cayenne or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Herb-Infused – Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, or chives for a fresh twist.
- Nut-Free – Skip the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
- Different Cheeses – Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even aged white cheddar.
Tips for the Best Pimento Cheese Crisps
- Use Sharp Cheddar – The stronger the cheese, the bolder the flavor.
- Chill the Dough – This prevents spreading and ensures a crisp texture.
- Slice Evenly – Uniform slices bake evenly, so aim for ¼-inch thickness.
- Watch the Oven – They bake quickly, so check around 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Storing and Freezing Pimento Cheese Crisps
One of the best things about these Pimento Cheese Crisps is that they store well, making them a great snack to keep on hand for unexpected guests or quick bites throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Short-Term Storage
- Once the crisps have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain crispness.
Refrigerating for Extended Freshness
- Place the cooled crisps in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- If they soften slightly, reheat them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Freezing the Dough for Later
If you want to have freshly baked crisps on demand, freezing the dough is the way to go. Here’s how:
- Prepare the dough and shape it into logs as directed.
- Wrap the logs tightly in waxed paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
- When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and let the dough soften just enough to slice. Bake as directed, adding an extra one to two minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can You Freeze Baked Crisps?
Yes! If you want to freeze already-baked crisps:
- Let them cool completely.
- Store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for up to one month.
- To refresh, bake in a 300°F oven for about five minutes.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Cheese Crisp Snack
These Pimento Cheese Crisps capture all the best elements of Southern pimento cheese in a delightfully crisp, savory bite. They’re buttery, cheesy, slightly smoky, and packed with just the right amount of heat.
With a simple make-ahead dough, these crisps are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or just elevating your everyday snacking. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a spread, or paired with your favorite drink, they’re sure to be a hit.