Name: Smoky Pimiento Cheese With Bacon
Yield: Makes about 3 cups
Ingredients: 4 bacon slices; 1 tablespoon blended olive oil; 2 small red bell peppers, stems removed, finely diced (about 1¼ cups); 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers; 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons hot sauce; 1⁄2 teaspoon dry mustard; 1⁄2 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1⁄4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; 4 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup); 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives

Great pimiento cheese is all about spice. Red peppers and hot sauce are essential to cutting through the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar. You need that spicy zing to tame the fat. Mustard also steps in to balance the rich flavors.

Use this smoky spread on grilled toast with peaches and avocado.

Recipe notes

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