Pimento Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Pimento cheese is a creamy and flavorful Southern classic that’s perfect as a spread or dip. Made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and diced pimentos, it’s a quick and versatile recipe to elevate your appetizers or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- ⅓ cup diced pimento peppers (drained)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for at least 45 minutes to ensure easy mixing.
- Step 2: Beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimento peppers, mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to the cream cheese. Beat again until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 4: Cover the mixture and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Step 6: Serve your pimento cheese spread with crackers or on white sandwich bread for a classic appetizer or snack.
Tips & Variations
- For a little extra heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños.
- Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, mix the ingredients by hand instead of beating them completely smooth.
Storage
Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving leftovers, stir the spread gently and bring it to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the creamy consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make pimento cheese ahead of time?
Yes, pimento cheese actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.
What can I serve with pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese pairs wonderfully with crackers, celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, and is also delicious as a sandwich filling on white or whole wheat bread.
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Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
Description
This classic Southern-style Pimento Cheese is a creamy, tangy, and cheesy spread perfect for appetizers, sandwiches, or snacks. Made with softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, diced pimentos, and classic seasonings, it comes together quickly and is delicious served chilled with crackers or bread.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- ⅓ cup diced pimento peppers (drained)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for at least 45 minutes to achieve a soft and spreadable consistency, which helps in easy blending with other ingredients.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy to ensure the base of the spread is well aerated.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimento peppers, mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to the beaten cream cheese. Beat again until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a uniform cheesy spread.
- Chill the Spread: Cover the mixture with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling helps the flavors meld and the texture to firm up slightly for easy spreading.
- Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Serve: Enjoy the pimento cheese chilled as an appetizer with crackers or use it as a flavorful filling for sandwiches using white bread or your preferred bread type.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to fully soften for easier mixing.
- Grate the cheddar cheese fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- Diced pimentos can be found jarred in the condiment aisle or canned in some stores.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for creamier texture, but reduced-fat can also be substituted for a lighter spread.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 5 days for safety and optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: pimento cheese, southern appetizer, cheese spread, cream cheese spread, pimento peppers, easy appetizer
