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Budget-Friendly Derby Party Appetizer Spread with Easy Pimento Cheese Crackers

pimento cheese crackers - featured image
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A simple, budget-friendly Southern-inspired appetizer featuring creamy pimento cheese spread paired with homemade crispy crackers, perfect for Derby parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200g)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115g)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60ml)
  • 1/4 cup jarred pimentos, drained and chopped (40g)
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard (15ml)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (5ml)
  • Hot sauce, a few dashes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190g)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed (85g)
  • 1/4 cup cold water (60ml)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (3g)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (2g, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pimento Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add shredded cheddar, chopped pimentos, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while preparing crackers.
  2. Make the Cracker Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and garlic powder if using. Add cold, cubed butter and cut into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring until dough just comes together. Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 15 minutes if possible.
  3. Roll and Cut the Crackers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch (3mm) thickness. Cut into small squares or preferred shapes. Transfer to baking sheets, spacing slightly apart.
  4. Bake the Crackers: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown around edges. Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove and cool completely on wire racks to crisp up.
  5. Serve: Arrange crackers on a platter with pimento cheese spread on the side or dolloped atop each cracker. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours.

Notes

Keep butter and water cold for flaky crackers. Roll dough thin (about 1/8 inch) for crispiness. Chill dough before rolling to prevent shrinking. Watch crackers closely while baking to avoid burning. The spread tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Homemade crackers keep best in an airtight container for 2-3 days; re-toast if softened. Can substitute almond flour for gluten-free crackers and dairy-free cream cheese for vegan adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Derby party appetizer, pimento cheese, homemade crackers, budget-friendly, Southern appetizer, easy snack, party food

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/budget-friendly-derby-party-appetizer-spread-with-easy-pimento-cheese-crackers/