Pimento Cheese
A creamy, tangy spread of sharp cheddar, sweet pimentos, and mayo — the caviar of the South.
Details
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup extra-sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers, celery, or bread for serving
Instructions
- 1
Combine sharp cheddar and extra-sharp cheddar in a large bowl.
- 2
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic powder, cayenne, and Worcestershire until smooth.
- 3
Add the mayo mixture to the cheese. Fold in drained pimentos.
- 4
Stir until everything is well combined but still has visible shreds of cheese — don't overmix.
- 5
Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- 6
Serve with crackers, celery sticks, or spread on bread for sandwiches.
About This Recipe
Often hailed as the "caviar of the South," pimento cheese is more than just a spread; it's a culinary icon deeply woven into the fabric of American Southern cuisine. This vibrant, creamy concoction perfectly balances the assertive bite of sharp cheddar with the subtle sweetness of diced pimentos, all bound together in a rich, tangy emulsion. What makes it truly special is its deceptive simplicity and incredible versatility—a true testament to the power of a few quality ingredients. The key to its unparalleled texture lies in freshly shredded cheese; pre-packaged varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder that desirable melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. Thoroughly softening the cream cheese is also crucial for a smooth, homogenous blend, ensuring no pockets of unmixed binder. While this classic rendition is perfect as-is, variations abound: some add a touch of pickled jalapeño for a kick, others a sprinkle of onion powder, or even a different hard cheese for complexity. Best served chilled after flavors have had time to meld, pimento cheese is sublime on crackers, celery sticks, or white bread, but it also shines in grilled cheese sandwiches, as a topping for burgers, or even piped into deviled eggs.
Tips & Tricks
- • For the silkiest pimento cheese, grate your own cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded; pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for effortless, lump-free blending with the mayonnaise.
- • Elevate the heat by adding finely minced jalapeños (deseeded for less spice, or with seeds for more kick), a dash of hot sauce like Tabasco, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
- • Pimento cheese is a dream make-ahead dish; prepare it a day or two in advance and allow it to chill thoroughly in the refrigerator. This rest period allows the flavors to deepen and meld, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious spread.
- • Beyond crackers and celery, transform pimento cheese into a gourmet experience by slathering it onto grilled sourdough bread for a sophisticated toast, stuffing it into mini bell peppers for a vibrant appetizer, or even dolloping it onto warm grits for a comforting side.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)