Pimento cheese is a southern staple often used as a sandwich spread or dip. The main ingredients in H-E-B’s pimento cheese include:
Cheese
The base of pimento cheese is shredded cheese. H-E-B uses a blend of mild and sharp cheddar cheeses. The exact ratio of mild to sharp cheddar can vary between batches, but sharp cheddar generally makes up around half of the cheese blend.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is used to bind the shredded cheese into a smooth, spreadable consistency. H-E-B uses real mayonnaise made with egg yolks and oil. The mayonnaise makes up around half of the total volume of the pimento cheese.
Pimentos
Chopped pimentos lend the signature color and flavor. H-E-B uses jarred pimentos made from red bell peppers. The pimentos are drained before being folded into the cheese and mayonnaise mixture.
Seasonings
H-E-B pimento cheese gets a kick of flavor from spices like black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Salt is also added to enhance the flavor. The exact blend and ratios of seasonings can vary between batches.
Cream and Milk
Small amounts of heavy cream and milk are used to further soften and smooth out the texture of the pimento cheese. The dairy helps make it creamy and scoopable.
Vinegar
A dash of distilled white vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that brightens up the flavor profile. Apple cider vinegar is sometimes used as well.
Other Potential Ingredients
Some variations of H-E-B pimento cheese may also include ingredients like jalapeños, olives, bacon, or green onions for extra flavor and texture. But the classic version generally contains just the ingredients listed above.
Nutrition Facts
As a cheese-based spread, H-E-B pimento cheese is high in calories, fat, and sodium. A 2 tablespoon serving provides about:
| Calories | 110 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
It packs a whopping 14% of the daily recommended value of saturated fat and 10% of the recommended sodium intake. So pimento cheese is best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Storage and Shelf Life
For food safety, H-E-B recommends consuming pimento cheese within 1 week of opening. To maximize freshness, keep refrigerated at all times. The cheese can last 2-3 weeks unopened when properly refrigerated.
Pimento cheese can also be frozen for longer term storage. Shape it into a log, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
How to Use
There are endless ways to enjoy H-E-B’s pimento cheese:
- Slather it on crackers or bread as an appetizer
- Stuff it into sandwiches or wraps
- Top burgers or hot dogs
- Mix into baked potatoes or mac and cheese
- Serve as a dip with vegetables
- Fill inside deviled eggs
- Dollop onto salads or soups
Pimento cheese is versatile enough to use for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack time. Get creative and come up with your own ways to use this Southern staple.
Conclusion
With its hallmark blend of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and seasonings, H-E-B pimento cheese encapsulates the flavors of the South. It’s a quick and easy way to add creamy, cheesy richness to all sorts of dishes and snacks. Just be mindful of portion sizes due to the high fat and sodium content. Made fresh in-store, it’s no wonder pimento cheese remains a favorite grocery item for Texans shopping at H-E-B.