Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip, this homemade version combines sharp cheeses with a hint of spice for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (4 ounce) jar chopped pimentos, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a box grater or food processor, grate the extra-sharp and sharp cheddar cheeses.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer or wooden spoon.
- Step 3: Add the grated cheeses and chopped pimentos to the bowl. Blend everything together until well mixed.
- Step 4: Taste the mixture and add salt as needed.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least 1 hour before serving to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated cheese for better texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a little sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
Storage
Store the pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it myself?
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your pimento cheese. For the best results, grate the cheese fresh yourself.
What can I serve with homemade pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese is delicious served with crackers, sliced veggies, on toasted bread for sandwiches, or as a flavorful addition to burgers and salads.
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Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups 1x
Description
This Homemade Pimento Cheese recipe combines sharp and extra-sharp cheddar cheeses with a creamy blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and tangy chopped pimentos. Lightly spiced with cayenne and black pepper, this Southern classic is perfect as a spread for crackers, sandwiches, or as a flavorful appetizer. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, this pimento cheese keeps well in the refrigerator and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Other Ingredients
- 1 – 4 ounce jar chopped pimentos, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Grate the Cheese: Using a box grater or food processor, grate both the extra-sharp and sharp cheddar cheeses until finely shredded, which will help them blend smoothly into the spread.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to mix these ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the grated cheddar cheeses and drained chopped pimentos to the cream cheese mixture. Stir or blend thoroughly until all components are evenly incorporated. Taste the mixture and add salt as needed to balance the flavors.
- Chill the Spread: Transfer the pimento cheese to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up slightly, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Notes
- For a smoother spread, finely grate the cheeses or pulse in a food processor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Homemade pimento cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve as a sandwich spread, dip for crackers or vegetables, or use as a flavorful addition to burgers and wraps.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: pimento cheese, homemade cheese spread, Southern cheese spread, cheddar cheese spread, appetizer, no cook recipe
