Table of Contents

Low-Fat Pimento Cheese Spread: Guilt-Free Southern Comfort

Growing up in Southern California, pimento cheese was as foreign to me as a snow day. My first encounter with this creamy, tangy spread was at a quaint Southern-themed restaurant during a cross-country road trip. One bite, and I was transported. The richness, the slight kick, the sheer comfort of it – it was addictive! However, I quickly learned that this deliciousness came with a hefty caloric price tag. As a chef focused on healthy eating, I knew I had to find a way to enjoy my newfound love without the guilt. This recipe is the result – a low-fat pimento cheese spread that captures the essence of the original without sacrificing flavor.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: 3 cups
Dietary Type: Reduced Fat

Ingredients

½ cup fat-free cottage cheese
½ cup fat-free cream cheese
4 ounces diced pimentos, with liquid
3 tablespoons stuffed green olives, diced
¼ cup Greek yogurt
2 cups fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

Equipment Needed

Food processor
Mixing bowl
Spatula

Instructions

In a food processor, combine the fat-free cottage cheese, fat-free cream cheese, diced pimentos (with their liquid – don’t drain them!), diced stuffed green olives, and Greek yogurt.
Blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
Add 1 cup of the shredded fat-free cheddar cheese to the food processor.
Pulse the mixture briefly, just until the cheese is mixed in. Be careful not to over-process, as you want to retain some texture.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.
Stir in the remaining 1 cup of shredded fat-free cheddar cheese by hand using a spatula. This helps maintain the texture of the cheese in the final spread.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up. Longer chilling times (up to overnight) are even better.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the chilling time! This is crucial for the flavors to fully develop and for the spread to reach the desired consistency.
Adjust the amount of olives to your liking. If you’re not a fan of olives, you can reduce the amount or omit them altogether. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of olives, such as black olives or pimento-stuffed olives.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the food processor.
If you find the spread too thick after chilling, add a tablespoon or two of skim milk or Greek yogurt to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Shred your own cheese! While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheese ensures a creamier texture.
Don’t over-process the mixture. Over-processing can result in a gummy texture.
For a smoother spread, you can use a hand mixer instead of stirring in the remaining cheese. Just be careful not to over-mix.
If you can’t find fat-free cream cheese, you can use light cream cheese, but keep in mind that it will increase the fat content of the spread.
Add some chopped jalapenos for extra zest.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender or a hand mixer. Just be sure to chop the ingredients finely before blending.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this low-fat pimento cheese spread chilled with crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or on sandwiches. It’s also delicious as a topping for burgers or baked potatoes.

To store, keep the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. While technically safe to eat for a little longer, the texture and flavor will be best within this timeframe.

This spread is not suitable for freezing, as the texture will change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	60 kcal	3%
Total Fat	1.5g	2%
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Cholesterol	5mg	2%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	3g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	2g	0%
Protein	8g	16%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Pimento Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the food processor. You can also incorporate finely diced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños.
Smoked Pimento Cheese: Use smoked cheddar cheese instead of regular cheddar cheese for a smoky flavor. You can also add a dash of liquid smoke to the food processor.
Herbaceous Pimento Cheese: Add fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley to the mixture. Finely chop the herbs before adding them to the food processor.
Pimento Cheese with Bacon: Cook and crumble a few slices of bacon and stir them into the spread after chilling.
Vegan Pimento Cheese: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative, plant-based cheddar shreds, and nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor. You can also use silken tofu instead of cottage cheese for a smooth texture.
Roasted Red Pepper Pimento Cheese: Use roasted red peppers instead of pimentos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Pimento Cheese Dip: Instead of chilling the spread, serve it warm as a dip with tortilla chips or vegetables.
Serve as a topping for burgers: Elevate your regular hamburger or veggie burger with this low-fat pimento cheese spread.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular cheddar cheese instead of fat-free?
A: Yes, you can, but it will significantly increase the fat and calorie content of the spread.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s better to make it a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to meld.

Q: What can I serve with this pimento cheese spread?
A: Crackers, vegetables, sandwiches, and burgers are all great options.

Q: How long will this last in the refrigerator?
A: It will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze pimento cheese spread?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the texture will change upon thawing and become watery.

Final Thoughts

This low-fat pimento cheese spread is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat healthily. It’s a delicious and versatile spread that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick and easy lunch. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of guilt-free Southern comfort food. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and find your own perfect blend. And please, share your feedback – I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Perhaps pair it with a crisp glass of white wine on a warm afternoon for the ultimate treat.

Low Fat Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe