Submitted by Lucia Freeman

About the cook: Coming from a large Italian family, I've always loved cooking and the community it creates. I started attempting original recipes after a few years of unsuccessful (but fun!) blogging.

About the dish: A slight twist on traditional Pimiento Cheese - add bacon! A quick trip through the oven turns this Southern staple into a hot, melty dish of delicious cheesiness.

National Origin: American

Serves: 8

Estimated Time: 30 to 60 Minutes

Ingredients:

8 oz. Cream Cheese - softened
8 oz. Cheddar Cheese - grated
4 oz. Diced Pimientos – drained and rinsed
½ Cup Mayo
Bacon! 4 slices – diced and cooked up crispy
½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
½ teaspoon ground Cayenne
½ teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper
4-5 Ritz Crackers – crushed
2 Scallions, sliced thinly (green part)

Preparation:

Mix everything except the Ritz crackers thoroughly and scoop into a shallow baking dish, or two ramekins.  Top with crushed crackers.  Bake at 350° for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly toasted and the cheese is bubbling up merrily around the edges.  Serve with crackers or toasty baguette slices.

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