Sometimes, the simplest snacks are the most addictive—cue these crispy, cheesy bites of heaven! If you’re a fan of pimento cheese, imagine taking all that creamy, tangy, slightly spicy goodness and transforming it into crispy, golden wafers. Yep, that’s exactly what we’re doing here.
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These Pimento Cheese Crisps are the perfect low-carb, high-flavor snack. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and have just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re serving them up as a party appetizer, pairing them with soup, or just munching on them straight from the baking sheet (no judgment here!), you’re going to love how easy and delicious they are.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Cheesy: A crunchy twist on classic pimento cheese, packed with bold flavors.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: No flour, no fillers—just pure, cheesy goodness with minimal carbs.
Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, these come together in minutes.
Perfect for Snacking: Great on their own or paired with dips, soups, or even charcuterie boards.
Customizable: Want more heat? Add extra cayenne. Prefer it milder? Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Ingredients in Pimento Cheese Crisps
These crisps are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special:
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The backbone of the crisps, giving them their bold, tangy flavor and irresistible crunch.
Pimentos: Small but mighty! These diced red peppers bring a subtle sweetness and signature pimento cheese taste.
Cream Cheese: Helps bind everything together while adding a slight creaminess before baking.
Cayenne Pepper: A little heat goes a long way! Adjust to taste based on your spice preference.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor and adds depth to every bite.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine shredded cheddar, diced pimentos, softened cream cheese, cayenne, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Portion the Crisps: Scoop small mounds of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. The cheese will spread as it bakes, so leave enough room.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them—cheese can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Cool and Crisp Up: Let the crisps cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will firm up as they cool, becoming even crispier.
Serve & Enjoy: Eat them as a snack, pair them with dips, or use them as a crunchy topping for soups and salads.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Crisps
- As a Snack: Perfect for low-carb munching, straight from the baking sheet.
- With Dips: Pair with guacamole, ranch, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.
- On a Charcuterie Board: Add them alongside meats, nuts, and fresh veggies.
- With Soup: Serve with tomato soup for a fun twist on a grilled cheese pairing.
- As a Salad Topper: Crush them up and sprinkle over salads for a crunchy bite.
Additional Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less cayenne based on your preference.
- Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- Reheat for Crunch: If they soften, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
- Experiment with Cheese Blends: Try a mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack for extra flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Store in an airtight container and re-crisp in the oven if needed.
Q2: Can I use different cheeses?
A2: Absolutely! A mix of cheddar and parmesan works great, or try smoked gouda for extra depth.
Q3: How do I keep them from spreading too much?
A3: Make sure not to overload the cheese mounds, and space them properly on the baking sheet.
Q4: Are these spicy?
A4: They have a mild kick, but you can adjust the cayenne to your taste.
Q5: Can I freeze them?
A5: It’s best to eat them fresh, but you can freeze them and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Q6: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A6: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q7: Can I add bacon?
A7: Yes! Crispy crumbled bacon mixed in with the cheese makes these even more irresistible.
Q8: What dips go well with these crisps?
A8: Spicy ranch, buffalo dip, or a smoky chipotle mayo are all great options.
Q9: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A9: Yes! Air fry at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Q10: Are these gluten-free?
A10: Yes! They are naturally gluten-free with no added fillers or flour.
Final Thoughts
Pimento Cheese Crisps are the ultimate crunchy, cheesy snack that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a keto-friendly snack, or a fun way to enjoy pimento cheese, these crisps check all the boxes.
Print
Pimento Cheese Crisps
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 crisps 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pimento Cheese Crisps are a crunchy, cheesy snack with the bold flavors of sharp cheddar, tangy pimentos, and a touch of smoky paprika. Perfect as a low-carb, gluten-free appetizer or a savory snack, they deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. Serve them on their own or pair them with your favorite dips!
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup pimentos, diced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or coconut flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, combine cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk almond flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Form the dough: Add the dry mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Shape the crisps: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll them into balls, and place on the baking sheet. Flatten each one gently into a disc.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and firm.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add a spicy kick by mixing in ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
- Serve with ranch dip, sour cream, or spicy aioli for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crisp
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg