Pimento cheese, with its creamy texture and savory kick, is a Southern staple that has made its way into hearts and palates all over the world, including mine.
It’s a delectable blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper or jalapeno pepper, pimento peppers, and spices like garlic powder; a versatile spread and crowd-pleaser.
Having some fresh pimento cheese spread over my favorite brand of crackers, some soft fresh white bread, in a salad dressing or a burger, is my ultimate afternoon indulgence, something I can never get enough of.
That’s why I love to savor the cheese spread whenever I get a chance, preserving it for other days whenever there’s a rare occasion I have leftover pimento cheese.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of freezing it the exact way I do, ensuring you can enjoy its flavors for pimento cheese sandwiches and pimento cheese dips in the months to come!
After this experiment we would not recommend freezing Palmetto Cheese. There is just no comparison between the fresh and frozen product. If you simply can’t bring yourself to throw it away, try utilizing it in a recipe such as macaroni and cheese. We do not suggest serving a thawed out tub as is.
How long does pimento cheese last in the freezer?
Pimento cheese can last up to three months in the freezer if stored properly.
It’s super important to note that frozen pimento, once thawed will have a different texture. That’s why it’s probably best you use it in a recipe and not just have it as it is.
How to freeze pimento cheese
Now that you’ve prepped your pimento cheese for freezing, follow these simple steps to ensure it stays delicious:
- Place in freezer: Put your prepared pimento cheese containers or bags in the coldest part of the freezer. Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for preserving the quality of the cheese.
- Stacking carefully: If you’re freezing multiple containers, stack them carefully to maximize freezer space. Make sure they are secure, you wouldn’t want any accidental spills!
- Maintain temperature: Keep the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower for optimal results.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pimento cheese, follow these steps for a smooth thawing process:
- Refrigerator thawing: Transfer the container of pimento cheese from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw gradually for several hours or overnight. This method preserves the texture and flavor best.
- Stir gently: After thawing, give your pimento cheese a gentle stir to redistribute any moisture that may have separated during freezing. Stir it till it has the right consistency again.
- Serve and enjoy: Once fully thawed and well-mixed, use your pimento cheese as you normally would. It should taste just as delightful as the day you made it.
Homemade In Less Than 10 Minutes | The BEST Pimento Cheese Recipe!!!
FAQ
Can cheese spread be frozen?
How long does pimento cheese spread last in the refrigerator?
What’s the difference between pimento and Palmetto Cheese?
Do they still make Palmetto Cheese?
Can you freeze Palmetto Cheese?
The Experiment: freeze a tub of Palmetto Cheese for 24 hours. The Results: We froze a tub of Palmetto Cheese for 24 hours and let it thaw out in the refrigerator. The first noticeable difference is the dried out appearance of the cheese at the top of the tub. The oil found in mayo and cheese will separate when you freeze it.
Does Pimiento cheese freeze?
Dairy, like cream cheese, sour cream, and Cheddar cheese, are also often included in pimiento cheese, and those products don’t freeze well either (for the same reasons). All this is to say, pimiento cheese becomes grainy and separates after freezing.
Can you eat pimento cheese if it thaws?
The answer for pimento cheese, unfortunately, is “no”. Pimento Cheese contains mayonnaise and frozen mayonnaise will separate when it thaws. Separated mayonnaise is not dangerous to eat (to my knowledge), however, it looks so gross that you will not want to eat it. Please trust me on that one. HOW LONG DOES PIMENTO CHEESE KEEP?