Challenge Accepted
When I heard about Mousetrap’s “Pimento Cheese Challenge,” I just had to jump in. I love a fun contest, but I really LOVE pimento cheese. I think I get that from my Grandfather, Curtis, who always kept some in the fridge.
The Mousetrap is a delicious deli and kitchenware shop here in Lexington, KY, that makes an award-winning pimento cheese. I stopped by the other day to grab a container to create this recipe (and of course, snack on in the process)!
My head had been spinning with ideas since seeing the contest on Instagram, and I finally decided to make a twist on one of my husband’s favorite dishes…twice-baked potatoes! The filling in twice-baked potatoes is ideally creamy and cheesy, making pimento cheese the perfect addition to this classic side dish. The flavor and quality of Mousetrap’s Pimento Cheese took this to another level! I even added in some country ham for even more southern goodness.
So here’s how to make my entry for the Pimento Cheese Challenge:
The Potato Shells
I recommend using Russet potatoes for this recipe. Russets are hearty potatoes that hold up well after being scooped out. Prepping the potatoes is simple. After washing them, bake them in the oven for about one hour until they are cooked through. Try to use equal size potatoes to ensure they all finish at the same time. This recipe calls for 3 potatoes which makes 6 servings.
Next, you’ll allow the potatoes to cool for about 15 minutes until you can handle them by hand. Cut the potatoes in half and carefully scoop out most of the potato. It’s easiest to use a metal spoon. Be sure not to bust through the skin of the potato and leave some of the insides intact.
The Filling
I used my mixer with the paddle attachment to mix the ingredients together. You can use a hand-held mixer, potato masher, or spoon if desired. The filling is a combination of the scooped out potato, Mousetrap’s pimento cheese, pan-fried diced country ham, and warmed milk and butter. I prefer to have my potatoes a little chunky, but there is room in this recipe for you to add more milk if you like creamier or softer textured potatoes.
Baked Twice is Nice
So it’s not a twice-baked potato unless it goes back in the oven for a little more TLC. After the filling is made, add the mixture to the potato shell and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes.
All in All
I am glad I decided to enter Mousetrap’s Pimento Cheese Challenge. This recipe twist is a new hit in my household! The saltiness of the country ham complements the flavorful pimento cheese making it great comfort food. I am already think ahead to using this recipe as a party dish (that can be prepped a day or two ahead). I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
Pimento Cheese Twice-Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 3 Russet potatoes
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1/2 Pound Mousetrap's Original Pimento Cheese about 1 1/3 Cups
- 1/3 Cup whole milk
- 4 Ounces Country Ham Slices
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chives (optional) For garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven at 375 degrees. Bake potatoes for about one hour or until cooked through. Allow cooling about 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes bake, fry country ham slices in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. Allow them to cool and then dice into small pieces. Set aside.
- When baked potatoes are cooled enough to handle, cut each potato in half length-wise and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl. Place the potato shells in a baking dish.
- In a bowl or cup, heat the milk and butter together for one minute in the microwave.
- To the potatoes in the mixing bowl, add in warmed milk and butter, the pimento cheese and diced ham. Mix all together until blended. If desired, add in additional milk to the filling for a more creamy texture.
- Fill the potato shells with the filling and season top lightly with salt and pepper. Bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the filling is warmed through. Garnish with chives and serve.
Marie
The Mouse Trap’s pimento cheese is one of my all time favorites! I was so excited when your yummy recipe won the contest! I went and grabbed a couple when my boyfriend was having his son over for dinner and they were a big hit! YUM!! I hope they keep on the menu going forward.
brittany.fiero2
Thanks so much Marie for your support! It truly was an honor to win the contest. It would be amazing if they keep it on the menu.
Jazz
These look positively scrumptious!
Kenya Rae
I have never had pimento cheese, but this looks so good! For this, I would be willing to try.
LaKita
This looks so comforting and delicious!! Love the way that you used pimento cheese!
brittany.fiero2
Thank you so much!
Adri Ruff
Ok, so for whatever reason I hated pimento cheese as a child. When I grew up, I learned that this was foolish and I’ve been addicted ever since. Definitely going to try this!
brittany.fiero2
Awesome. Yeah, I can see how as a kid looks questionable haha. Glad you like it now!
Katrina Adams
I love a good remix on any recipe!!! Looks so good!!!
brittany.fiero2
Thank you.
SHANIKA
I love Twice Baked Potatoes, but never tried using Pimento Cheese! This recipe looks so good!
brittany.fiero2
Thank you. It’s definitely worth a try!
Aline
Oooh I need to find me some of this pimento cheese here in California!! and these potatoes look amazing!!!
brittany.fiero2
Thank you! It’s usually in the deli case at most grocery stores.
Tamara J.
I’m always looking for a great twice baked potato recipe. So glad I came across yours! I’ll definitely be trying it out in the near future.
Marta
This is the ultimate comfort food! Cheese AND potatoes in a convenient, edible vessel! Sign me up!!
Dawn
Well I’m hungry now!!! These look delicious! I have some potatoes…. I might need to go out and get some cheese!
michelle
Yum this is something I know my sister would like!
Kelly
This looks really good and I have never tried this kind of cheese and I love cheese. Looks yummy!
Courtney
OK, I read this while hungry and I shouldn’t have. This sounds so yummy!
Monica
This looks delicious!!
STEPHANIE KELLY
These look absolutely delicious!! I’m going to have to try these!!
Catherine
These look so yummy and simple must try them on the kids…soon
Krystina
This looks so yummy!
brittany.fiero2
Thank you!
Samantha
I love a traditional twice baked potato, so I can’t wait to try this!
brittany.fiero2
It’s worth a try! It was very delicious.
Mamie Pack
These look super yummy and easy to make.
Renee
I’ve Loved pimento cheese my whole life and the idea of mixing with potatoes sounds incredible! Thanks for sharing
brittany.fiero2
No problem. It’s fun to mix things up a little. Thanks for reading.
Kelsey Diane
Oh yum!! This looks so delicious!! I’m going to have to try these for sure! And I need to go visit Mousetrap for some pimento cheese soon!
brittany.fiero2
Thanks and you should definitely try their deli. They have great food.