Traditional Southern Pimento Cheese

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

Traditional Southern Pimento Cheese is a delightful blend of flavors that brings a touch of Southern charm to any table. It's creamy, tangy, and just a little bit spicy, making it a perfect spread for sandwiches or a dip with crackers. Let's dive into this classic recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with minimal ingredients.
  • Rich, creamy texture with a hint of heat.
  • Perfect for gatherings or simple weekday snacks.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients Explained

Sharp cheddar cheese is the star of the show, lending its bold, tangy flavor to the mix. The cream cheese adds a smooth, creamy base that helps to bind everything together. Mayonnaise provides a luscious richness, while diced pimentos bring a sweet and slightly tangy punch. Garlic powder adds depth and a gentle kick, while cayenne pepper introduces a subtle heat. Finally, a pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors, ensuring a perfectly balanced spread.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier texture.
  • Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference, or omit it for a milder version.
  • For a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of cayenne.

Detailed Instructions

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. It’s important to have enough space to mix everything well. Add in the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir them together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture — this is your base that will help everything else stick together nicely.

Next, toss in the grated sharp cheddar cheese. Make sure your cheese is freshly grated; it melts better and has a fresher taste. Now, add the diced pimentos, making sure they’re well-drained. You don't want extra liquid making your mixture runny.

Sprinkle in the garlic powder and cayenne pepper. These spices add depth and a little kick, so adjust based on how much heat you like. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s all well combined.

Once your pimento cheese is mixed, give it a taste. Adjust any seasonings if you feel it needs a little more kick or a touch more salt. Transfer the mixture into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise, stirring until smooth.
2. Add grated cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

Pimento cheese is incredibly versatile. Spread it on a sandwich with some crispy bacon for a Southern twist on a classic BLT. Serve it as a dip alongside crunchy crudités or buttery crackers for a delightful appetizer. It also makes a fantastic topping for burgers or even a filling for deviled eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for different flavors.
How long will it keep in the fridge?
Pimento cheese will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more.

Ratings and Comments

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