Clemson Pimento Cheese Dip Board with Homemade Purple Sweet Potato Dippers

This Clemson-inspired pimento cheese dip gets a kick from a bit of blue cheese in honor of the famous Clemson University Blue Cheese that was created and is still produced on the university campus. If you’re unable to get this cheese, feel free to replace it with your own favorite or just use additional cheddar if you prefer.



Pair this dip with crackers, apple slices, carrots, and a batch of my easy homemade purple sweet potato chips (recipe included below) for the perfect orange and purple team spirit snack.

Both the dip and the chips can be made in advance. Store the dip, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chips are best kept in an air-tight container on the counter for up to 1-2 days. 

Serve this dip with my Clemson Blood Orange Margaritas!





Clemson Pimento Cheese Dip Board with Homemade Purple Sweet Potato Dippers


Ingredients
For the pimento cheese dip
8oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (by hand or a food processor)
2oz crumbled blue cheese (optional; preferably Clemson University Blue Cheese)
1 8oz jar pimentos or roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped
2oz softened cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon Worcesteshire sauce
1/2 teaspoons dried chile flakes




For the board
2 purple sweet potatoes
olive oil
kosher salt


2 orange bell peppers
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
1 tart apple, sliced
1 sleeve crackers (such as saltines, butter crackers, or water crackers)


Directions
Make the pimento cheese by combining the cheddar, blue cheese, pimentos, cream cheese, mayo, Worcestershire sauce, and chile flakes in the base of a food processor and pulse until evenly combined. Transfer to a covered container and chill.


Make the purple chips:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Slice the purple sweet potatoes into 1/8” thick pieces and toss with olive oil and salt. Spread on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes or until cooked through and crispy. 


Assemble the board:
Place pimento cheese in a serving bowl and place on a cheese board or serving platter.


Cut the bottom of both bell peppers off and divide into individual rounds. Arrange on dip in shape of the Clemson Tiger Paw.


Slice the rest of the pepper and arrange on board along with the carrot sticks, apple slices, crackers, and cooled sweet potato chips.