Pimento Cheese
User Reviews
5
Pimento Cheese
Description
This Pimento Cheese recipe starts with sharp white cheddar cheese freshly grated, combined with softened cream cheese, drained diced pimentos, and mayonnaise to form a creamy base. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper season the cheese mixture, which is blended just until combined but not entirely smooth, preserving some texture.
After blending, additional grated cheddar is folded in to add creaminess and some bite. The finished mixture can be used as a spread for crackers or sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables and chips. The topping of fresh chopped chives introduces a fresh note and visual appeal. The balance of sharp cheddar, creamy cheese, and pimento sweetness defines this classic Southern spread.
Pimento Cheese is a versatile appetizer or snack component that can be stored refrigerated for several days. Its spreadable texture makes it suitable for casual serving with pretzels, crackers, chips, or vegetable sticks. The combination of familiar spices and cheeses creates a savory, slightly spicy flavor profile that complements many dippers.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces White Cheddar Cheese freshly grated, sharp
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 ounces pimento drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons chive for topping, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Freshly grate the cheddar cheese and set about 4 ounces of it aside.
- Combine the cream cheese, drained pimentos, remaining white cheddar, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse and blend until combined and somewhat whipped - you don’t want to overwhip it. I pulse for about a minute off and on until it appears blended but not 100% smooth.
- Remove the pimento cheese from the processor and place it in a bowl. Stir in the remaining white cheddar. At this point you can store it in the fridge for a few days. To serve, top with the fresh chives!
- Serve with pretzels, crackers, chips, carrots, celery or any of your favorite dippers. Or make any of the recipes I linked above!
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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