Pimento Cheez

A southern classic, pimento cheese is usually made from cheddar cheese and cream cheese, mixed with chopped pimentos. This cashew-based recipe tastes exactly the same without the dairy. The secret ingredient is cooked rice. It comes together in minutes in a blender. Adapted from myquietkitchen.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Print Recipe

Pimento Cheez

Tangy, slightly smoky, and rich.
Course: Appetizer, Sandwich, Snack
Cuisine: Southern
Servings: 0

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/3 cup chopped pimentos 4-oz jar, drained
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  • Boil the cashews in water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain.
  • Put all the ingredients EXCEPT rice and pimentos into a blender. Blend until smooth.
  • Add half the pimentos and blend again until they are incorporated.
  • Scoop the mixture into a bowl.
  • Chop the remaining pimentos. add them, with the rice, into the bowl, and stir until mixed.
  • Cover with plastic wrap, pressing onto the cheez to protect it from air. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the rice to absorb the flavors.