There’s something special about making Pimento Cheese at home that just feels right. It’s creamy, sharp, and a little bit spicy, just like I remember from growing up in the South.
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This spread has always been a favorite in our family, whether scooped onto crackers or stuffed into a sandwich. It brings everyone to the table with a smile.
A Southern food classic
I remember sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table, watching her mix up a bowl of pimento cheese with nothing but a spoon and a lot of love. She never rushed. She’d taste it, add a little more of this or that, and then smile like she’d made something real special.
That recipe passed down through the years, and every time I make it, I feel close to her. Southern food has a way of making you feel connected, not just to family, but to where you come from.
Ingredients
How to make Pimento Cheese
You start by mixing the creamy base of cream cheese and mayo until smooth. Then, fold in the shredded cheeses so the mix gets thick and rich.
After that, you stir in the pimentos, seasonings, and green onion. Let it chill in the fridge for a little while so the flavors settle in just right.
Serving suggestions
You can enjoy this pimento cheese spread straight from the bowl with crackers or crisp celery sticks. It also makes a perfect sandwich filling, especially on soft white bread or warm toast.
Try adding a spoonful to your grits or melting it over a burger for a bold Southern twist. However you serve it, folks will come back for seconds.
Storage tips
Keep leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for several days.
Stir it before serving again to bring the flavors back together. Avoid freezing it, since the texture may change.
Southern farewell
Pimento cheese always reminds me of slow afternoons, porch swings, and good conversation. It’s more than just a spread. It’s a taste of Southern comfort.
I hope this recipe brings that same feeling to your table. Give it a try and share it with someone you love.
Pimento Cheese
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or mixing spoon
- Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese finely shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 oz jar diced pimentos drained
- 1 green onion sliced thinly
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 Dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Put the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl. Stir them together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until all the cheese is mixed in evenly.
- Fold in the diced pimentos, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together gently.
- Sprinkle in some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a dash of hot sauce if you want a little heat. Stir well and taste.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend. Serve cold with crackers, veggies, on sandwiches, or however you like.
