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
Scale
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
