Description
Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in this classic pimento cheese recipe, blending sharp cheddar and tangy cream cheese with roasted red peppers. Smooth, spreadable, and irresistibly zesty, you’ll savor each bite of this beloved Southern staple.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups (590 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) cream cheese, softened
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder with parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Binding Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 4 ounces (113 grams) pimentos, drained
Instructions
- Grate the cheddar cheese finely to ensure smooth blending and optimal texture consistency.
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature to facilitate easier mixing and prevent lumps.
- Place the shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise into a spacious mixing vessel.
- Incorporate the seasonings – salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried parsley – evenly throughout the mixture.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of sugar to enhance the depth of flavor profile.
- Drain the pimentos thoroughly and fold them gently into the cheese mixture, ensuring uniform distribution.
- Use a sturdy spatula or electric mixer to blend ingredients until achieving a creamy, well-integrated consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring balanced flavor throughout the spread.
- Transfer the pimento cheese to a clean storage container, smoothing the top for an even presentation.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste.
- Serve chilled as a versatile spread for sandwiches, crackers, or as a delectable dip for vegetables.
Notes
- Customize cheese varieties by mixing sharp and mild cheddars for a more complex flavor profile.
- Drain pimentos thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the spread runny.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and mayonnaise for smoother, easier mixing.
- Experiment with additional herbs like chives or dill to add unexpected depth to the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Southern (American)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg