Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
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rest in fridge
4 hrs
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
215 kcal
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Cuisine
American
Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese
Description
The cheese spread combines equal parts sharp white and orange cheddar cheeses, grated by hand to preserve texture without additives. Mayonnaise provides creaminess and tang, especially when using preferred brands like Dukes or Hellmann’s. Freshly chopped pimentos add mild sweetness and color, while green onions contribute a subtle sharpness. Seasonings—kosher salt, black pepper, hot sauce, and a hint of cayenne—enhance the flavor with a gentle heat and complexity.
Mixing ingredients gently ensures the cheese maintains some texture instead of turning mushy. The spread requires chilling for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Its uses are varied, including sandwiches, crackers, baked potatoes, or vegetables, making it a versatile addition to snacks and meals.
The recipe advises against freezing as it negatively affects texture. Attention to quality ingredients, especially cheese and mayonnaise, and preparation methods maximize the classic Southern taste experience.
Ingredients
- 4 oz sharp white cheddar cheese ½ block; very sharp; Cabots Extra Sharp; do not use preshredded
- 4 oz sharp orange cheese ½ block; creamy sharp; Hellavagood Sharp; do not use preshredded
- ½ CUP mayonnaise Use Dukes for this recipe, if not available then Hellmans, Blue Plate or Aldi store brand.
- ½ cup pimento Drain well, slices
- 3 green onion use the white and green parts, stalks; chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt NOT table salt – kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce Franks or Cholulas work best
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Grate the cheeses with a hand grater on the largest holes available. Place the cheese in a large bowl.
- Add all of the ingredients to the bowl. Use a rubber spatula and gently mix all ingredients together. Do not over mix – you don’t want all of your cheese breaking.
- Put plastic wrap over the top and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is better as this allows the flavors to marry and get to know each other better.
- Serve on sandwiches, as a grilled cheese, in your grits, on crackers, on a baked potato, on celery or other veggies – you name it!
Notes
- Chill the pimento cheese for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld fully.
- Use sharp white and orange cheddar cheeses, hand-grated, avoiding pre-shredded types for best texture.
- Choose recommended mayonnaise brands like Dukes or Hellmann’s for authentic flavor and creaminess.
- Chop your own pimentos rather than using pre-chopped jarred ones for better taste and texture.
- Fold ingredients gently to avoid breaking down the cheese texture; mix only until combined.
- Omit cayenne pepper if a milder spread is desired, as it adds noticeable heat.
- Do not freeze pimento cheese; freezing causes a poor texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 215 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 215kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 421mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 64mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 680IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 11.2mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 209mg | 21% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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