If you have never tasted the creamy, tangy delight that is pimento cheese, you are in for a real treat. This Pimento Cheese Recipe is a Southern classic that blends sharp cheddar, silky cream cheese, and zesty pimentos into a spread that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a snack, or a secret weapon for your sandwiches, this recipe captures the rich, satisfying vibe that makes pimento cheese unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Pimento Cheese Recipe is wonderfully simple because every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the sharpness of cheddar to the mild kick from cayenne pepper, each element is essential.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated for that rich, tangy, and bold cheese flavor that forms the backbone of the spread.
- Cream cheese: Softened to add luscious creaminess that makes the texture irresistibly smooth.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a little tang and moisture, helping bind everything into a luscious, spreadable form.
- Jarred pimentos: Drained and diced to provide both a pop of color and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory depth without overpowering the delicate balance of the cheese.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds just the perfect amount of heat; adjust to taste for your desired kick.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by getting all your ingredients assembled in a mixing bowl so everything is ready to go. This makes the process easier and ensures nothing is forgotten or overlooked.
Step 2: Grate the Cheddar and Soften the Cream Cheese
Grating your sharp cheddar cheese fresh really enhances the flavor and texture of your pimento cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding; this helps the ingredients blend beautifully together.
Step 3: Combine Everything Thoroughly
Add the grated cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper into your bowl. Mix everything well until the texture is creamy and uniform. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
This step is crucial. Give your pimento cheese a taste test and tweak the seasonings if needed. You might want a little more cayenne for heat or a pinch more garlic powder for a deeper flavor.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
For best results, transfer your mixture to an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the spread to firm up slightly, making it perfect for scooping.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
The final step is the best part—serving your freshly made pimento cheese. It’s incredibly versatile and always a hit.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add a touch of freshness and extra flavor, try garnishing your pimento cheese with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. A few extra diced pimentos on top can also brighten the presentation and signal the classic ingredients inside.
Side Dishes
Pimento cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think crunchy crackers, crispy celery sticks, or even crisp cucumber slices for dipping. You can also serve it alongside your favorite barbecue or Southern-style picnic dishes to complement the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be shy about getting creative! Spread this delicious Pimento Cheese Recipe inside a crusty sandwich for a nostalgic bite, scoop it onto mini bell peppers for a fresh appetizer, or use it as a flavorful layer in a baked potato topping station. Its creamy texture invites you to experiment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pimento cheese in a tightly sealed container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days, making it great for meal prep or snacking throughout the week without losing its deliciousness.
Freezing
While you can freeze pimento cheese, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the cream cheese content. If freezing, scoop it into an airtight container and use within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This recipe is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you do want to warm it gently for spreading on warm bread, do so on low heat just until it loosens up without becoming oily.
FAQs
What is pimento cheese made of?
Pimento cheese is traditionally made from sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, with seasonings like garlic powder and cayenne pepper to elevate the flavor. It’s a creamy, tangy cheese spread popular in Southern cuisine.
Can I use different cheeses in this Pimento Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different twist. Just remember the flavor balance will shift with different cheeses.
Is pimento cheese gluten-free?
Yes, the basic ingredients in this Pimento Cheese Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but if using it with crackers or bread, be sure to select gluten-free options to keep your dish gluten-free.
How spicy is this Pimento Cheese Recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth, but it’s easy to adjust the heat to your liking. You can omit it completely for a milder spread or add more for extra spice.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Traditional pimento cheese relies on dairy, but vegan adaptations can be made by using plant-based cream cheese, vegan cheddar-style shreds, and vegan mayonnaise. The flavor will be different but still tasty!
Final Thoughts
This Pimento Cheese Recipe is a wonderful, comforting dish that can bring a little bit of Southern hospitality straight to your table. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and always hits the spot whether you’re enjoying a quiet snack or entertaining friends. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and discover your new favorite cheese spread.
Print
Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This classic Southern Pimento Cheese recipe features a creamy, tangy blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, seasoned with garlic powder and a hint of cayenne pepper. Perfect as a flavorful spread for crackers, sandwiches, or veggies, it’s a versatile and easy-to-make appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Cheese Blend
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup jarred pimentos, drained and diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients and place them into a large mixing bowl, ensuring the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Grate Cheese: Freshly grate the sharp cheddar cheese and add it to the bowl with the softened cream cheese for a smooth blend.
- Mix Ingredients: Add mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to the bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
- Season Taste: Taste the pimento cheese and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more cayenne pepper for heat or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Chill Mixture: Transfer the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a spread with crackers, fresh vegetables, or use it as a delicious sandwich filling for a creamy, flavorful bite.
Notes
- For a smoother spread, use a food processor to blend the ingredients together.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Try adding chopped green onions or a dash of smoked paprika for variation.
- Pimento cheese is best served cold or at room temperature.
