Pimento Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for snacking or serving at parties, this easy recipe comes together quickly with sharp cheddar and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces unshredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese
• 1 (4-ounce) jar pimiento peppers
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Crackers, toast points, or crudité, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grate the sharp yellow cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater into a medium bowl, yielding about 3 cups.
2. Step 2: Drain and rinse the pimiento peppers, then coarsely chop them if they are sliced. Add the pimientos to the bowl with the cheese.
3. Step 3: Add the mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the cheese and pimientos. Stir everything together until evenly combined and spreadable.
4. Step 4: Taste the mixture and season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and additional cayenne pepper if you want more heat.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with crackers, toast points, or crudité, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a creamier texture.
• For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or substitute half the cheddar with smoked cheese.
• If you prefer a milder spread, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Add a splash of hot sauce for extra zing.
• Mix in some finely chopped green onions or jalapeños for added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature and stir well. You can also use it as a sandwich filling directly from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pimento cheese ahead of time?

Yes, preparing pimento cheese a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I serve with pimento cheese?

Pimento cheese pairs well with crackers, toast points, fresh vegetables like celery or bell pepper strips, and is also delicious as a sandwich spread or burger topping.

Pimento Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

A classic Southern spread made with sharp cheddar cheese and pimentos, blended into a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy pimento cheese perfect for serving with crackers, toast points, or fresh vegetables.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups 1x
• Category: Spread
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 12 ounces unshredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese
• 1 (4-ounce) jar pimiento peppers
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Serve

• Crackers, toast points, or crudité

Instructions

1. Grate the cheese: Using the large holes on a box grater, grate 12 ounces of sharp yellow cheddar cheese into a medium bowl. This should yield about 3 cups of grated cheese.
2. Prepare the pimentos: Drain and rinse the 4-ounce jar of pimiento peppers to remove excess liquid. If they are sliced, coarsely chop them to ensure they blend well into the cheese mixture.
3. Combine ingredients: Add the chopped pimentos, 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to the grated cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined and spreadable.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Add more cayenne pepper if you want additional heat.
5. Serve or store: Serve the pimento cheese immediately with crackers, toast points, or crudité. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. It can be chilled for several hours or overnight to meld the flavors.

Notes

• Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the spread.
• Pimento cheese can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
• Serve with your choice of crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Keywords: Pimento Cheese, Cheese Spread, Southern Recipe, Snack, Appetizer