Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese
This Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern cheese spread…with a spicy kick! Grab some crackers and make a batch today!
This Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese post is sponsored by Cabot Creamery, but the recipe and opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Spiced!
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Food truly is a common language. We all eat food each day. Since you’re visiting a recipe blog, that means you probably like to cook food, too.
We moved to the mountains of western North Carolina this past summer. I grew up in the Carolinas, so I jumped at the chance to return back to the South. However, we were sad to leave all of the friends we had made up in New York.
And that’s where food comes in. As we’ve met new folks here, the conversation almost always turns to food. Best restaurants, favorite recipes, etc. When we met our new neighbors this past summer, it didn’t take long before they showed up at our door with a batch of this Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese. Holy moly! This might be the best appetizer/cheese dip I’ve ever tasted!
Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese
I’ve been a fan of classic pimento cheese ever since I was a kid. A pimento cheese sandwich instantly takes me back about 30 years. This Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese is a bit different. While it could be spread on a sandwich, it really stands out as a dip served with your favorite crackers.
Laura and I absolutely devoured the first batch of this cheese that our neighbor brought to us. We loved it so much that I immediately texted her and asked for the recipe. And now I’m sharing that recipe with you. This dip is truly fantastic! I’m planning on making a big batch for the holidays. It would be perfect served with a glass of wine while hanging out with friends and family.
This Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese is spicy. After all, the base of this recipe is Cabot’s Habanero Cheddar Cheese. And while it’s spicy, the ingredients are the perfectly proportioned to keep you coming back for more. Just one more bite. Ok, maybe just one more after that!
Aside from the taste, the best thing about this recipe is how simple it is. Just mix everything together in a bowl and refrigerate it until its cold. Appetizing and easy? Count me in! Note: this pimento cheese dip will taste even better if you allow it to rest overnight. Instead of tasting each individual ingredient, the flavors meld together into an irresistible combination of deliciousness.
As noted above, I used Cabot’s Habanero Cheddar Cheese for this recipe. This cheese features Cabot’s amazing cheddar combined with jalapenos, habaneros and taco seasoning. Let that sink in for a minute. Jalapenos, habaneros and taco seasoning. Spicy? Yes. But so much more than just spicy. The layers of flavor in this cheese are fantastic…and it makes a great base for this Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese.
We are HUGE fans of Cabot cheese here in our house. In fact, our love of cheese has come up with other neighbors just recently, and we bonded over how both of us keep a fridge full of Cabot cheeses at all times. You just can’t run the risk of running out of Cabot!
In addition to the Habanero Cheddar, this recipe also calls for a bit of Cabot sharp cheddar. I went with their Seriously Sharp Cheddar. This cheddar is aged for 14 months, and it packs a serious cheddar punch. It’s a mainstay in our house.
Storing Leftovers
This Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. (Chances are it won’t last anywhere close to that long!) We haven’t tried freezing it yet, but I suspect it would freeze well. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
If you’re looking for a great appetizer recipe for the holidays (or really any time of the year), then put this one on the list. It has quickly become a favorite in our house, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours, too. Cheers!
Did you make a batch of this Pecan Habanero Pimento Cheese at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog) – I’d love to see your version!
Pecan Habanero Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Cabot Habanero Cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 oz. Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup toasted pecan halves coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup pimento peppers diced
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Using a medium bowl, add all ingredients; stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until chilled.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Looking for other cheesy recipes? Check out some of these other favorites, too:
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use vegan cheeses and mayo i never had pecan habanero pimento cheese before perfect with snacks and chips for my after office snacks love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
I’m not sure this recipe would be the best for vegan cheeses and mayo – I don’t have much experience there. Pimento cheese is a classic Southern appetizer, so it might be worth playing around with the recipe a bit to see if you can make it vegan. Good luck!
You know my love for cheese and cheese appetizers (Which is probably stronger that my love for lavender abs EVEN dulce de leche!) So this is definitely right up my alley – look and sound terrific! I’m imaging that an addition of caramelized onions would be good here, what do you think?
Wait. Cheese ranks ABOVE lavender and dulce de leche for you? Oh, that’s pretty intense, Ben! 🙂 Seriously, though, this pimento cheese is fantastic. We can’t get enough of it! And I like the idea of caramelized onions in there. You wouldn’t want too many as those could get sweet…but I like where you’re going. Give it a try!!
First, I must say that the Cabot Habanero Cheddar cheese sounds fantastic, I wish we could get it here. Peppered cheese is hard to find and not so good in these parts.
So, this recipe so reminds me of my mother’s Christmas cheese ball all smashed up and put in a bowl as a spread. But, hers only had chopped pickled jalapenos. This is an excellent idea for our Julbord. I have some jalapeno/habanero sauce that I’ll try to use in this.
So, do you remember a cheese log rolled in chili and paprika powder? That one was always on the Christmas buffet. Cheers my friend…
Yikes. Sorry to hear about the lack of peppered cheeses over there. I can send you some!! 🙂 Interesting idea about the cheese ball, though. I bet this could easily be turned into a cheese ball with chopped/toasted pecans pressed all over the outside. In fact, that would be a pretty stunning appetizer if served on a plate with crackers and maybe a few rosemary sprigs for appearance. I’m going to do that! (On a side note, I haven’t come across a cheese log rolled in chili and paprika powder. It sounds fun! I’ve done chopped nuts and fresh herbs before, and that worked really well.) Thanks for the fun thoughts, Ron!
well yes this does sound tasty david. i had to google pimento peppers. wasn’t sure what they were/are! :=)
Haha – pimento peppers are a unique Southern thing here in the States! They’re red and tasty. 🙂 Pimento cheese is a classic appetizer, and this version is AWESOME with the spicy kick. I wonder if there’s something similar you could use a replacement down there in Australia!?
I can imagine this cheese spread on a cheese and charcuterie board. I love it David. And the fact you mention pairing it with some wine. That’s definitely my kind of thing! Hope you guys have a great weekend!
You just described the holidays, Neil! Tasty appetizer. Good glass of wine. Friends and family. That’s how we roll around here. 🙂 And this pimento cheese will be making an appearance (or two) here this holiday season. It’s absolutely fantastic!!
It’s so true that food brings us together, David! Particularly festive foods that are made to share like this delicious looking cheese dip. Perfect timing with the holiday get togethers ahead!
This cheese spread is absolutely fantastic, Marissa! It’s earned a permanent spot on our list of all-time favorites. It’s great shared with friends over a glass of wine!
I need neighbors that bring over delicious cheese dips! This truly sounds delicious!!!
Hahaha – I’ll trade you some cheese spread for some of your fresh fruit, Kathy! 🙂
We are the same way with neighbors and friends. Our conversations always turn to “food.” And wow you definitely moved to the right neighborhood with this pimento cheese recipe brought right to your door. I’ve never made pimento cheese, but this one with, the heat from habaneros and added pecans, has given me a reason to make it. I’m glad you and your family have settled in.
Oh, you absolutely need to try this pimento cheese, Kristy! It is absolutely fantastic. It brings the heat with the habanero, but it’s just the right amount that makes you say “Oooo, that’s spicy…I want more!” It’s great for holiday appetizer parties!
I’ve been so curious to know how the move went! I hope that you have a “back home” feeling, even though I realize that isn’t exactly where you grew up. It’s always nice when neighbors bring food over, isn’t it? Sounds like you’re off to a great start in your new place. I love this pecan habanero pimento cheese! I’m sure I’ve never had anything like it, which is always an exciting plus in my book. I bet it’s be great to have around when people come over for Thanksgiving.
So I grew up in the Carolinas – Charleston, SC and Raleigh, NC to be more exact. We never lived in the mountains, but we took many trips up to this area. Honestly, it didn’t take long at all before we had that “back home” feeling. I love Asheville!! 🙂
In other news, promise me you’ll make this pimento cheese sometime this holiday season, Jeff. It’s absolutely delicious! Perfect appetizer with a glass of wine. Cheers!
This looks amazing, and I love the pairing of habanero with cheese — so so good! What an interesting idea adding pecans to it … I’ll have to try it out one day!
The pecans are definitely a bit of a curveball here, but trust me – they’re essential! They add a nice crunchy texture along with a bit of nutty flavor. Definitely try this pimento cheese sometime during the holiday season, Michelle – it’s a new favorite in our house!
What lovely neighbours to bring a cheesy appetizer! And talk about yum! I’ve never had pimento cheese before, but it certainly sounds like something I’d love (and devour super quickly). This would be a great addition to the holiday menu (though I may have to make before then). 🙂
Oh, you absolutely need to make pimento cheese sometime soon, Dawn! (Even if you have to order the pimentos on Amazon…haha.) It’s a great appetizer!!
Honestly all your cheese recipes are the bomb! All of them are drool worthy
Why thank you very much! We do love cheesy recipes in our house, and this one is especially delicious. 🙂