Southern Pimento Cheese

Name: Irresistible Homemade Pimento Cheese
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 12 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese.; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.; ½ cup mayonnaise.; 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained.; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (Optional).; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.; ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (Optional).; ¼ teaspoon onion powder.; Salt and black pepper to taste.

Rustic bowl of vibrant Southern Pimento Cheese with bread slices, on a wooden table with iced tea adding Southern charm. — Rustic bowl of vibrant southern pimento cheese with bread slices, on a wooden table with iced tea adding southern charm. | Kallaxa.com

Learn how to craft the perfect Southern Pimento Cheese with this easy, flavorsome recipe that's bound to be a hit!

The Tantalizing World Of Pimento Cheese#

Well, butter my biscuit and call me a cheese lover! There's nothing quite like diving into the tangy, comforting world of pimento cheese. It's got that Southern charm that could make a possum hug an armadillo. It's not just a spread; it's a way of life down here. Imagine the creamy cheese, those piquant pimentos, and a touch of zesty seasoning coming together in a harmony that would make a gospel choir jealous.

A Stroll Through Pimento Cheese History#

Let me tell y'all a story. Pimento cheese ain't just a recent craze; it's been around longer than your grandma's cast-iron skillet.

The Early Beginnings

It started way back when, with farmers mixing up some cheddar and those imported Spanish peppers.

The Great American Adoption

Fast forward a bit, and bam! It became a staple in Southern households, spreading joy and deliciousness.

The Ultimate Pimento Cheese Recipe#

Alright folks, roll up your sleeves and let's get to the good stuff—the recipe that'll make your taste buds do the two-step.

Your Shopping List

First off, you'll need some ingredients. Now, here's where the magic happens:

Sharp cheddar cheese, grated like you mean it
Those little pimento peppers, diced finer than frog hair
Mayo, and don’t you dare think about low-fat
A dash of hot sauce to keep things interesting
Onion powder, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of love

Give all that a good ol’ mix, and you've got yourself a bona fide pimento cheese spread.

Serving Ideas Beyond The Sandwich#

Now, I know y'all think pimento cheese is just for slathering on white bread—and don't get me wrong, that's a slice of heaven right there. But let me broaden your horizons.

Snack Time Favorites

How 'bout scooping some on a celery stick for a snack that'll make you happier than a tornado in a trailer park?

Elegant Entertaining

Or, get all fancy and stuff it in a chicken breast. Trust me, your dinner guests will be happier than a gopher in soft dirt.

Secrets To Perfect Pimento Cheese#

Now, if you want your pimento cheese to be the belle of the ball, you’ve got to know the secrets. And because I'm feeling as generous as a church potluck, I'm gonna spill the beans.

The Right Cheese

First off, don’t skimp on the cheddar; get the good stuff.

The Perfect Consistency

Then, it’s all about that mayo-to-cheese ratio. You want it spreadable, not soupable.

Add a Personal Touch

And lastly, throw in your own twist—some jalapeños, bacon bits, or smoked paprika.

Pimento Cheese In Pop Culture#

Now, let's chat about pimento cheese's place in the limelight. This delectable spread has made its mark far beyond the kitchen table. From TV chefs waxing poetic about its virtues to being featured on fancy restaurant menus, it’s clear this Southern staple has taken the world by storm.

Television and Movies

It's been name-dropped in shows that had folks googling faster than a cat on a hot tin roof.

The Gourmet Scene

And don't even get me started on the gourmet twists chefs have been putting on it. We're talking pimento cheese fritters, y'all.

About Recipe

Recipe By: Ella Savory

Category: Cheese Delights

Last Updated: 2024-02-02

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: ~

Cook Time: 12 Minutes

Total Time: 12 Minutes

Yield: 8 Servings

Next: ~

Previuos: Slow Cooker Spicy Cheese Dip

Irresistible Homemade Pimento Cheese Ingredients

01 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese.

02 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.

03 ½ cup mayonnaise.

04 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained.

05 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (Optional).

06 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.

07 ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (Optional).

08 ¼ teaspoon onion powder.

09 Salt and black pepper to taste.

Irresistible Homemade Pimento Cheese Step By Step

Step 01

Place Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimento, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl.

Step 02

Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 03

Taste the mixture and season with salt and fresh ground black pepper according to your preference.

Step 04

Give the seasoned cheese mixture another good stir to ensure all the spices are well incorporated.

Step 05

Refrigerate the pimento cheese to let the flavors meld together and serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 208
Total Fat: ~
Total Carbohydrate: ~
Protein: ~

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