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
Scale
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.
