Healthy Hostess: Skinny Pimento and Cheese

Disclosure: I received free samples of Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax and Breton Gluten Free Herb and Garlic from Dare Foods Incorporated mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Dare Foods Incorporated and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

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Not everyone has heard of pimento and cheese, but it's pretty much a guaranteed success at your next party even if you are above the Mason Dixon line. Pimento and cheese was actually the norm when I was in college at JMU. Lined up right next to the PB and J in the to-go case at the dining hall was , you guessed it, the pimento cheese sandwich.

The problem with most pimento cheese is it is ultra fatty. The typical recipe has cheese, sour cream, mayo, cream cheese...there's a lot going on. But because I think everyone needs pimento cheese in their life, and because it's Celiac Awareness Month, I made a way healthier version that pairs perfectly with these gluten free herb and garlic crackers from Breton.

To really seal the deal on why you need to make this healthy hostess recipe: you can make it over a day in advance and it will taste even better by the time you serve it. This is an awesome recipe for a bridal shower brunch.

Skinny Pimento and Cheese Spread

makes 3 cups

/// Ingredients ///

• 1 3/4 c shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
  • Note: half of the mixture should be shredded very fine, half should be larger pieces 
• 1/4 c shredded smoked gouda cheese
• 1 1/4 C 0% Greek yogurt
• 1/4 c mayonaise
• 1 t garlic powder
• 1/2 t cayenne pepper
• 1 t worcestershire sauce
• 4 drops liquid smoke
• 1 T grated onion
• 1/2 jalapeño, deseeded and minced
• 4 oz pimento, drained and diced
• salt and pepper to taste
• Breton Gluten Free Herb and Garlic crackers 

/// Directions /// Shred cheeses using a cheese grater. When shredding the sharp cheddar cheese, shred half of it using the fine holes on the grater and shred the other half using larger openings. Set the cheese aside. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, mayo, spices, onion, jalapeño and pimento thoroughly. Add in the cheese and stir to combine. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Cover and put it in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to combine. When you're ready to party, transfer to your serving dish of choice and spread on Breton Gluten Free Herb and Garlic crackers!

Have you ever had pimento cheese?