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For me, one of the many joys of living or traveling abroad has always been trying new foods. Even if you don’t quite know what you are ordering, the dishes typically end up being tasty, flavorful and a fabulous way to experience another culture. Growing up, my grandparents (who also spent time living in Germany some years ago) used to say that “trying new foods is one of the great joys of life” and I cannot agree more. While SC is very distinct from Bavaria in many ways, Charlie and I have discovered a few similarities between our South Carolina roots and our current Bavarian (southern state of Germany) life, as both regions are known within their countries for their regional dialect, warm greetings and hearty food. It was in this recent experience of hearty, delicious food, that I found the perfect opportunity to blend both of our southern experiences through a South Carolina twist on the Bavarian cheese board. If you love a classic southeast Pimento Cheese and savory German charcuterie, then you must give this Bavarian Pimento Cheese recipe a try as it just might feel like a glorious way in which two worlds collide.

Bavarian Cheese Boards

As we have tried local restaurants throughout Munich, one of our favorite things to look for is a “hausgemachter”, or house made, cheese board. While each restaurant has their own flair, these beautiful boards are presented layered high with fresh cheeses (or cheese spreads), pickles, mustards, herbs, sausages or salamis, veggies and of course, are served with pretzels or long pretzel rolls also known as “laugenstange”. While some boards are topped with several meats, cheeses, veggies and mustards, others are served with a “hausgemachter Obazda” layered with some assortment of radishes, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles and herbs. Their “hausgemachter Obazda” (also spelled “Obatzda”) is a fabulous cheese spread that is made with a variety of spices (especially paprika, salt, pepper and caraway seeds ), Camembert or Brie cheese, butter and cream cheese. Creamy and stubble, the Obatzda instantly reminded both Charlie and I of our favorite South Carolina classic cheese spread (Pimento Cheese) and thus was born the idea of adding a SC twist to the Bavarian cheese boards that we have come to love.

Southern Merger: A SC Twist On The Bavarian Cheese Board

Pimento Cheese: A Southern Staple

Growing up in South Carolina, Pimento Cheese is one of the classic Southern dishes that everyone loves. While there are a plethora of options and special varieties (with many families having their own heirloom recipes), the basis of Pimento cheese spread is a good shredded Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos and seasonings. Whether used as a dip served with crackers or veggie sticks or made into sandwiches, you can expect to find a plate or two of these goodies at just about every baby or bridal shower, tailgate, church lunch, golf tournament or general get together.

Blending Together

While at first glance Bavarian cheese boards and pimento cheese may not seem to have much in common, they actually blend into a beautiful and delicious combination. Inspired by the Obazda (or “Obatzda”) cheese spread, this recipe combines a Southern pimento cheese variety that is then served Bavarian style. The pimento cheese comes together very quickly and then can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days before styling and serving. To style, spread the pimento cheese on a large platter or charcuterie / cheese board, and then top with thinly sliced radishes (both white and red), red onions, cherry tomatoes and green onions or chives before nestling salami (or other smoked meats / sausages) and sweet pickles around the sides. Once arranged, you can enjoy right away or simply pop the board in the fridge for a couple of hours until you are ready to serve. Serve with pretzels, crackers or preferably laugenstange / pretzel roll / baguette slices for a fabulous board that comes together quickly, looks beautiful and is sure to please a crowd!

Bavarian Pimento Cheese Board

A mix of cultures, this cheese board perfectly combines the creamy Pimento cheese of the South East with the fresh flavors of Bavaria.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Chill Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course Appetizer, Snack

Servings 10 servings

Ingredients

Pimento Cheese

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese – white or yellow
½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
½ cup Mayonnaise
½ cup Cream Cheese
¼ cup chopped Pecans
3 tbsp diced Pimentos (or diced Roasted Red Pepper)
Salt and Pepper to taste
¼ tsp Paprika

Serving Toppings

5 Cherry Tomatoes, sliced
⅓ Daikon Radish, sliced
3 Radishes, sliced
⅛ cup diced Green Onions or Chives
5-10 mini Sweet Pickles
⅓ Red Onion, sliced
5-10 slices of Salami / Smoked Meats / Sausages
Pretzels / Crackers / Laugenstange / Pretzel Rolls / Baguettes

Instructions

Pimento Cheese

Mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices together in a small to medium sized bowl until creamy.
Next, fold in the shredded cheese to the mayo mixture until fully incorporated. Sprinkle in the diced pimentos and chopped pecans and mix well.
Salt and pepper to taste before placing in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up until 5 days before you ready to style and serve.

Serving

To serve, spread the pimento cheese on a cheese board or serving tray.
Next, add thin slices of Daikon radish over the top center of the cheese. Then, layer with small radish slices across the platter before adding groupings of tomatoes, salami and pickles around the edge of the cheese.
Finally, add red onion slices across the top of the Daikon radishes before sprinkling with chopped green onions or chives.
Set the cheese board in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Serve with pretzels, crackers or slices of pretzel rolls or baguettes.
Enjoy!

Keyword Bavarian, Cheese Board, Easy, German, Party Food, Quick, Southern

Final Thoughts

I have been so excited to discover ways to blend both of the areas that we have loved living in and this Bavarian Cheese Board with a South Carolina twist does just that. Easy, fresh and oh so delicious, this recipe is definitely going to become a staple within our home. So, if you love a classic southern pimento cheese and are looking for a way to branch out or want a simple dish to serve at your next get together, try out this cheese broad with a twist! You just might find yourself exploring one of the many great joys of life.

Happy cooking!