Spicy Sweet Pimento Cheese

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Spicy Sweet Pimento Cheese is a zesty twist on a Southern classic, combining the creamy richness of cheese with a hint of sweetness and a spicy kick. Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in, it's sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients for Spicy Sweet Pimento Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is the star, lending a robust, tangy flavor that forms the base of our pimento cheese. Cream cheese gives it a smooth, creamy texture that makes it spreadable. Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, helping to meld all the flavors together.

Pimentos bring a sweet, mild pepper flavor that complements the cheese beautifully. Jalapenos introduce a spicy kick, balancing the sweetness from the honey. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth and savory notes, while smoked paprika gives a subtle smokiness. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, enhancing all these flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Grate your own cheddar for the best texture and flavor — pre-shredded cheese can be a bit waxy.
  • Let the spread come to room temperature before serving for easier spreading and enhanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pimento cheese with buttery crackers or crispy crostini for a satisfying snack. It's also delightful as a filling for sandwiches or sliders. For a lighter option, scoop it with fresh bell pepper strips or cucumber slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheese spread tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
How long will this pimento cheese last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should stay fresh for up to a week.
Is there a way to make this less spicy?
Sure, just reduce the amount of jalapenos or omit them altogether for a milder version.

Spicy Sweet Pimento Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding your softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix them together until smooth and well blended. This creamy base will help bind all your ingredients.

Next, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it in gently until it’s well incorporated into the creamy mixture. The cheddar should be evenly distributed, giving every bite a nice cheesy flavor.

Now, add in the colorful bits: diced pimentos and diced jalapenos. Follow with honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until you have a uniform mixture. Make sure those spices are mixed well, as they’ll bring a lot of the flavor into the cheese.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final mix to ensure everything is well combined, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a cohesive and delicious spread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or sandwich spread.
  • Great for making in advance; flavors only improve with time.

Ingredients

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced pimentos
1/4 cup diced jalapenos
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until well incorporated.
3. Add the diced pimentos, diced jalapenos, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.

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