PIMENTO CHEESE FRITTERS

Pimento Cheese Fritters

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ lbs. cream cheese
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• ¼ cup hot sauce
• 1½ cup pimentos, diced
• ¼ cup pickle juice
• 3 lbs. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2½ lbs. white cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 5 eggs
• 4 cups unseasoned bread crumbs
• Jars of pepper jelly and pickles to serve

PREPARATION

Soften cream cheese and combine with mayonnaise, dry seasonings, hot sauce, pimentos, and pickle juice. Mix until fully incorporated. Add cheeses and mix together.Using parchment paper, roll dough into cylinders and chill for six hours or overnight.Cut into coins ¾ inch thick. Bread using standard breading procedure (first dredge in flour, then in whisked eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs).Chill in freezer for approximately 30 minutes (until the cheese sets up) before frying in 375-degree oil.Serve with pepper jelly and pickles.