Description
A classic Southern-style pimento cheese recipe featuring sharp cheddar, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a slightly spicy kick. Perfect as a spread for crackers, sandwiches, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup diced pimentos, drained
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise. In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until smooth and creamy.
- Add cheddar cheese. Mix in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well incorporated.
- Fold in pimentos and seasonings. Gently fold in the diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Sample the mixture and add more salt or cayenne pepper if a stronger flavor or more heat is desired.
- Refrigerate to meld flavors. Transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve and enjoy. Serve chilled with crackers, fresh vegetables, or as a sandwich spread.
- Optional additions. Enhance the flavor by adding chopped green onions or a splash of hot sauce if preferred.
- Storage. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Enjoy your homemade pimento cheese! Perfect for gatherings, snacks, or as a versatile condiment.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper level to suit your spice preference.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor, but you can experiment with other cheese varieties.
- Allowing the mixture to chill for at least an hour enhances the flavor melding.
- Pimento cheese can be used in sandwiches, as a dip, or even melted in grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within a week for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Spread
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: pimento cheese, Southern cheese spread, cheddar cheese recipe, snack spread, creamy cheese dip
