5 from 21 votes
Pimento Cheese
Pimento Cheese is a creamy, spreadable cheese blend made from a mix of sharp yellow and white cheddar cheeses, roasted red peppers or pimentos, and flavored with mustard, dill pickle brine, garlic, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Its texture balances smoothness with bits of shredded cheese, versatile for sandwiches, crackers, veggies, or eggs. Adjust the mayonnaise and brine to achieve the desired creaminess and tanginess.
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
12
Calories:
34 kcal
Course:
Appetizer, Condiments, Snacks
Cuisine:
American
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 34
% 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.