Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
User Reviews
5
Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Description
This pimento cheese recipe starts with softened cream cheese blended with mayonnaise, garlic powder, ground cayenne pepper, and salt. Fresh jalapeños, with seeds mostly removed, are finely diced and added to impart heat and flavor. Jarred diced pimentos contribute sweetness and color, while freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese is folded in to provide a rich, tangy bite and a creamy texture.
The prepared dip is whipped or mixed until uniform, then chilled to allow flavors to meld. Adjusting the amount of jalapeños and cayenne controls the spiciness, and using sweet paprika instead of cayenne can tone down the heat. The resulting spread combines creamy, sharp, and spicy notes with bits of jalapeño providing texture.
Jalapeño Pimento Cheese is commonly served chilled with crackers or fresh vegetables, making it a versatile snack or party offering. It keeps well in the refrigerator and its flavor often improves after resting. The recipe yields approximately 2 cups, suitable for about 16 servings at two tablespoons each.
The notes suggest pickled jalapeños can be substituted for fresh or swapped for pimentos for variation. The spread balances sharp cheddar with the background creaminess and the brightness of jalapeño heat, making it distinct among cheese dips.
Ingredients
- 1-2 jalapeno pepper I always add two!
- 4 oz cream cheese ½ a block) softened, plain
- ¼ cup mayonnaise quality
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 3-4 TBSP Pimentos jarred, diced
- 5 oz cheddar cheese sharp
Instructions
- First off, decide how spicy you'd like your pimento cheese. The cayenne pepper will determine the spice as well as how many jalapeños you add and you add any jalapeño seeds to the dip. I always add 2 medium jalapenos to mine (most of the seeds removed) as well as 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne for some extra kick. For a more mild dip you can use sweet paprika in place of cayenne.
- Remove stems from jalapeños and cut in half. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Finely dice or mince.
- Soften cream cheese and combine with mayo, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Whip using an electric hand mixer (my method of choice) or mash well with a fork until well blended.
- Add diced/minced jalapeño and diced pimentos. Freshly grate sharp cheddar cheese and add to the bowl. Blend with a hand mixer on lowest setting or mix well with a fork.
- Allow to chill in the fridge until ready to dive in. It's great the first day and fantastic the next!
- Serve with an assortment of crackers and veggies. It's also amazing as a sandwich spread, stuffed into sweet mini peppers, in grilled cheese, and melted on burgers/veggie burgers too!
Notes
- Jarred pickled jalapeños can replace fresh jalapeños or pimentos to vary flavor and texture.
- The recipe makes about 2 cups of dip, enough for 16 servings of 2 tablespoons each.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and cayenne to control the level of spice in the spread.
- Serve chilled with crackers and vegetables for best taste and texture.
- Nutrition information is estimated; adjust as needed for dietary purposes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 85 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 85kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 19mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 119mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 28mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 283IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 72mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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