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Keto Appetizers

Spruced-Up Cheese Spread

Whenever I need a crowd-pleasing keto appetizer that comes together in minutes, this pimiento cheese spread is my go-to. It's creamy, tangy, and has a satisfying nutty crunch from pecans. The combination of sharp cheddar and smoky pimientos creates a nostalgic flavor that everyone loves, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge for stress-free entertaining.

15 min Prep time 0 min Cook time 15 min Total time 12 Servings 260 Calories
Spruced-Up Cheese Spread

Ingredients

  • (4 ounce) jar diced pimientos, drained, divided
  • small onion, grated
  • cup mayonnaise
  • tablespoon prepared mustard
  • tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • teaspoon celery seed
  • /2 teaspoon paprika
  • /4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • cups finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • tablespoons finely chopped pecans
  • /3 cup minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Begin by draining the diced pimientos and setting aside two tablespoons for the garnish. Grate the onion finely—a box grater or microplane works well. In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining pimientos with the onion, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, paprika, and garlic salt. Stir until smooth and unified. Gently fold in the shredded Cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s fully enveloped. Transfer the spread to a serving dish, smoothing the top. Scatter the chopped pecans, fresh parsley, and reserved pimientos over it. I find that chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors marry beautifully. Serve with an assortment of crisp, low-carb dippers like celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or keto crackers, and watch it disappear. This recipe is simple yet feels a little fancy—my family asks for it every game day.

Chef's Tip

I like to toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes before chopping. It intensifies their flavor and adds a wonderful crisp texture that makes the spread extra special.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best spreadable texture.

Variation Tips

For a spicy twist, swap half the cheddar with pepper Jack cheese and add a pinch of cayenne. Create a veggie-packed snack by using endive leaves or cucumber slices as dippers instead of crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions