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Skinny Jalapeno Pimento Cheese

A “skinny” version of jalapeno pimento cheese. With only 6 ingredients and NO mayonnaise, try this spicy, healthier take on the southern favorite recipe.

jalapeno pimento cheese in clear bowl with crackers and whole jalapeno in the background

Even though I grew up mostly in the south, I didn’t grow up with a lot of foods or traditions that are typically considered “southern.”

For example, I never had Bojangles until I was in college.

I also never owned a pair of Rainbow Sandals until then either.

Those of you who did not grow up in NC may not have any clue what I’m talking about, but you should know that apparently means I lived under a rock.

Pimento cheese is another example.

The first time I remember eating it was only a couple years ago, well into my adulthood, and when I still thought pimento’s were a kind of olive.

(Note: they are not an olive, they are a pepper).

You live and you learn.

Skinny Jalapeno Pimento Cheese in clear bowl with crackers on side

There’s a variety of local pimento cheese with jalapenos that I sometimes buy at my grocery store and I can’t seem to get enough of it.

I decided to make a bit of a healthier version by swapping out mayonnaise for greek yogurt.

I will say it’s not exactly the same (kind of like my cauliflower pizza or chickpea cookie dough) but it gets the job done.

Pimento cheese is traditionally made with mayonnaise and cream cheese. Because how could something known as the “caviar of the south” NOT be made with mayonnaise and cream cheese?

The result is not quite as thick without the cream cheese. But the spiciness adds a little something that can help trick you just long enough into not realizing you’re being healthier. You’re welcome.

a cracker dipped into a bowl of jalapeno pimento cheese

Use this spicy pimento cheese dip as a sandwich spread or an appetizer dip for parties or game-watching.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try it on this pimento cheese homemade pizza!

Related recipe: If you like “skinny” and “spicy” dips – also check out my skinny bang bang sauce!

Yield: 4

Skinny Jalapeno Pimento Cheese

Skinny Jalapeno Pimento Cheese - a spicier, healthier take on the southern favorite. No mayonnaise!

A "skinny" version of jalapeno pimento cheese. With only 6 ingredients and NO mayonnaise, try this spicy, healthier take on the southern favorite recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1 jalapeno, diced (can also use pickled jalapeno slices), increase or decrease amount depending on desired spiciness
  • 2 oz jar diced pimento
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • dash of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
  2. Tastes best after chilled in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Serve on sandwiches or as a dip.

Notes

Adapted from Southern Living

Recipes this is used in:

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 376Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 558mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 27g

Nutrition information is calculated automatically by an online tool at Nutritionix. It is not always accurate. Please use your own tools to check if you rely on this information.

Skinny Jalapeno Pimento Cheese - a spicier, healthier take on the southern favorite. No mayonnaise!

 

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Lilflybird

Thursday 24th of June 2021

Delish~

Donna

Saturday 1st of June 2019

Since it will probably only be myself to enjoy this, I have a couple questions to determine if I should make a full or 1/2 recipe.... 1) I see it says makes 4 servings. How big is a serving? 2 T? 1/4 cup? 1/2 cup? 2) how long will this keep in the refrigerator? Thank you! I look forward to trying this recipe!

Kelly

Friday 7th of June 2019

Hi Donna - this recipe makes roughly 2 cups total. Hope you enjoy it!

Holland

Thursday 28th of June 2018

Is that 368 calories for the entire bowl or per serving?

Kelly

Friday 29th of June 2018

Per serving - it is still cheese!

Amanda Q

Sunday 1st of April 2018

THANK YOU so much for posting a recipe withoit mayonnaise! I despise it so much that its not even allowed in my house. My siblings grew up LOVING “cheese salad” as we call it here in Southern WV. All i could taste was mayo. I recently began making my own lactose free yogurt, and I think your recipe looks perfect to try out. I sure hope I love it as much as they love their mayo goo.

Mark, CompassandFork

Tuesday 18th of April 2017

Wow, this looks healthy and inviting. I love the different colors and some really nice textures in there as well.

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