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Pimento Cheese Recipe

Best Pimento Cheese

This pimento cheese recipe creates the perfect creamy, tangy Southern spread that's ready in just 10 minutes. Known as "Southern pâté," this classic dip combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and mild pimento peppers for an irresistible flavor that's perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a party dip.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Softening Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 8 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes and softened at room temperature
  • 4 ounces pimento peppers well drained and chopped if in strips
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Seasonings
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional, reduce or omit if sensitive to spice
  • 1/2 medium jalapeño pepper ribs and seeds removed, minced (about 1 tablespoon), optional
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • salt to taste

Equipment

  • Box grater
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Grate the cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater. Cut cream cheese into small cubes and let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the grated cheddar, cream cheese cubes, drained pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and all seasonings.
  3. Mix Until Smooth: Use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to beat everything together. The mixture should be well combined but still have some texture. Don't use a food processor, as it will make the spread too smooth.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Add salt, pepper, or cayenne to taste. The flavor should be balanced between cheesy, tangy, and mildly spicy.
  5. Chill and Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl. You can serve immediately or chill for up to one week. Cold pimento cheese firms up, so let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cream Cheese Tip: If you forget to pull the cream cheese out of the fridge in advance, simply cube it into a microwave-safe mixing bowl. Warm it in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds, just until it's more pliable.
Storage: Pimento cheese keeps in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything melds together.
Substitutions: If you can't find pimento peppers, substitute a scant 1/2 cup chopped roasted red pepper. You'll hardly tell a difference.