Bacon Pimiento Cheese Dip Food

BACON-PIMIENTO CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F.
• Reserve 2 Tbsp. chopped bacon for later use.
• Combine remaining bacon with remaining ingredients; spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray.
• Bake 30 to 35 min. or until cheeses are completely melted and dip is heated through.
• Sprinkle with reserved bacon.

GRILLED PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• For the pimento cheese: Combine the cream cheese and mayonnaise in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the Cheddar and Gouda and mix to combine on low, about 1 minute. Stir in the roasted red peppers by hand. Taste and season with salt and pepper, but go heavy on the pepper; start with 1/2 teaspoon and go from there.
• For the sandwiches: On low heat, warm a cast-iron skillet. Put a heaping 1/2 cup of the pimento cheese between 2 slices of bread. Don't spread the mixture all the way to the crust because it will soften and spread as it heats in the skillet. Repeat with the remaining bread and cheese.
• Smear one side of each sandwich with mayonnaise, and place the sandwiches in the skillet mayonnaise-side down. Smear the top pieces of bread with mayonnaise. Cook until golden brown and the cheese has just started to melt, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden, another 3 minutes. Slice into halves or quarters and serve immediately.
• Reserve any remaining pimento cheese in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

GRILLED PIMENTO CHEESE AND BACON SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Mix the cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos.
• Divide the mix and spread onto two of the bread slices.
• Top with the bacon and add the other bread slices.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet.
• Add the sandwiches and lightly brown on both sides.
• Serve warm.

SMOKY PIMIENTO CHEESE WITH BACON

Steps:

• Cook bacon in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet and drain on paper towels; chop. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon drippings, and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean.
• Return the skillet to medium. Add the blended oil and the red bell peppers. Cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in the bacon drippings. Add the adobo sauce, and cook 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the bacon, mayonnaise, vinegar, hot sauce, dry mustard, granulated garlic, and black pepper.
• Combine the cheddar cheeses, cream cheese, and bell pepper mixture in a large bowl. Stir in the chives, and serve at room temperature.