Pimento Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
34 kcal
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Course
Appetizer, Condiments, Snacks
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Cuisine
American
Pimento Cheese
Description
The Pimento Cheese recipe combines two types of sharp cheddar for both depth of flavor and appealing color contrast. Roasted red peppers lend sweetness and color, while stone-ground mustard and dill pickle brine add layers of piquancy and brightness. Garlic and cayenne provide subtle heat and savory notes. The cheese and mayonnaise mixture is pulsed to a creamy consistency with some textured cheese bits remaining, providing a spread that is rich yet not overly smooth. With its thick and creamy texture, it can be used as a sandwich filling, dip, or topping for scrambled eggs.
This cheese spread is commonly served chilled and pairs well with crackers or fresh vegetables. It can be refrigerated to develop more flavor and stored for several days. The balance of acidity, spice, and cheese richness makes it a distinctive comfort food in Southern cuisine.
Pimento Cheese makes about one quart in quantity.
Ingredients
- 1 extra sharp cheddar cheese yellow, 8-ounce block
- 1 extra sharp cheddar cheese white, 8-ounce block
- 1 roasted red pepper , roughly chopped (or 2-4 tablespoons of diced pimento peppers)
- ¼ - ½ cups mayonnaise , depending on how creamy you like it
- 1-2 tablespoons mustard stone ground
- 1-2 tablespoons dill pickle brine , such as Claussen
- 1 garlic roughly chopped, large clove
- cayenne pepper , to taste
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
Instructions
- Using the shredder attachment of your food processor, shred the cheeses. Place the cheeses into a large bowl and set aside.
- Using the blade attachment of your food processor, add the mayonnaise, roasted red pepper or pimentos, pickle brine, garlic, cayenne, and black pepper, and process until smooth. Taste, and add salt if you like. (Depending on how much pickle brine you add, you may determine that you don't need any salt.)
- Add ¾ of the shredded cheese into the food processor and pulse until mixed and chopped to the texture you like (I prefer a rough, light mayonnaise consistency). Taste and add more seasoning if desired. Add the mixture to the large bowl, along with the remaining ¼ of the shredded cheese, and stir, mashing some with a spoon until everything is well combined.
Notes
- Use stone-ground mustard for optimal flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise for preferred creaminess.
- Pickle brine adds tang and can reduce the need for added salt.
- Serve chilled with crackers, raw vegetables, or scrambled eggs.
- Store covered in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for best freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 34 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 34kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.4g | 0% |
| Protein | 0.2g | 0% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 2mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 105mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 8mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0.05g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 22IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 4mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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