Southern Pimento Cheese – If you find yourself with an extra ten minutes today, consider using them to whip up some Southern Pimento Cheese. Here’s why: this creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy concoction is as perfect for dipping as it is for spreading. Its versatility comes naturally—given its deliciousness, you’ll soon be looking for reasons to add it to everything!
Elevate any meal with a touch of Southern charm by making this old-fashioned pimento cheese! It’s a rich cheddar cheese spread, generously seasoned and with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Pimento cheese is a timeless Southern staple that pairs wonderfully with everything from crackers and burgers to crab cakes and grits. Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare!
Whether it’s a laid-back barbecue or elegant holiday gathering, Southern Pimento Cheese is a quick, delightful addition to your offerings. Perfect for snacking, sandwich fillings, or even as a topping on grilled burgers, this recipe becomes even more irresistible with Sargento® Reserve Series™ Shredded 18-Month Aged Cheddar Cheese, enhancing its iconic flavor.
This spread is delightful on crackers, celery, or chips, yet it truly excels as a flavorful addition to sandwiches or burgers. It’s quick to prepare, needing just a few minutes to mix together—a real plus!
Homemade Pimento Cheese is a beloved Southern staple that’s rich and creamy, simple to whip up. Composed of pimentos and precisely balanced peppery seasonings, this cheesy concoction is ideal for serving with crackers and celery, or as a luscious burger topping.
What exactly are pimentos?
Pimentos, or pimientos, are mild, sweet cherry peppers with little to no heat, ranking low on the Scoville scale. Initially imported from Spain in the late 1800s, these peppers began to be domestically cultivated, roasted, and canned in Georgia by the 1920s. Even if you’re unfamiliar with pimento cheese, you’ve likely encountered these peppers stuffed in green olives or ground into paprika.
Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe
A Southern classic, pimento cheese involves shredded cheddar—varying in sharpness—blended with mayonnaise, seasonings, and diced pimentos. Variations might include cream cheese, grated onion, herbs like chives, or even diced olives. Serve it as a dip, spread on sandwiches, stuffed in celery, or alongside crackers. Come grilling season, pimento cheese becomes an essential burger condiment. Setting up a toppings bar with lettuce, sliced onions, tomatoes, cooked bacon, and more not only adds fun but also lets guests customize their burgers. Among pickles and other condiments, homemade pimento cheese invariably stands out as the centerpiece of the cheese selection, ensuring not a bit is left behind.
Serve this alongside Southern Deviled Eggs, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, and Cajun Shrimp for a relaxed gathering. Your guests will adore you for it!
Ever had a dish that evokes cherished memories? That’s the magic of Homemade Pimento Cheese. Each bite brings a rush of warm, satisfying feelings. This dish, along with my Southern Fried Corn and Sweet Potato Pie, utilizes simple ingredients to create extraordinary flavors.
What Does Pimento Cheese Taste Like?
Pimento cheese, featuring two types of sharp cheddar, is a tangy, creamy spread with a subtle sweet pepper essence and no heat. My pimento cheese recipe is straightforward and unadorned—because it doesn’t need anything else. It’s a near-perfect creation, in my opinion.
What Is Pimento Cheese Made Of?
The key to crafting the finest Pimento Cheese lies not only in using top-quality ingredients but also in dedicating time to prepare it right. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese
– Jarred Chopped Pimentos
– Mayonnaise
– Cayenne Pepper, Salt, and Freshly Cracked Pepper
Like any beloved regional delicacy, variations exist, each with unique spices and seasonings. Our version is enhanced with a touch of Old Bay, adding a peppery and smoky dimension. Everything is blended into a creamy base of mayo and cream cheese, ensuring a smooth and indulgent texture no matter how you use it.
Ingredients for Pimento Cheese The essential ingredients for pimento cheese include semi-hard shredded cheese, a binding agent to create a creamy texture, and pimentos. A selection of spices enhances the flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: While sharp cheddar is traditionally used, experimenting with other cheeses like Gouda, smoked Gouda, or pepper jack can add unique flavors. It’s best to shred cheese from a block yourself to avoid the powdery texture from anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties.
- Cream Cheese and Mayo: A true Southern pimento cheese focuses on the flavor of the cheese. Cream cheese and mayo are used sparingly, just enough to bind the ingredients and achieve creaminess without overpowering the cheddar. I recommend using less cream cheese than many recipes suggest.
- Pimentos: These are the same pimentos found in stuffed green olives and can be purchased in jars near the olives and pickles at the supermarket.
- Spices: The recipe incorporates garlic, onion, paprika, a blend of peppers, cayenne pepper, and a touch of Old Bay seasoning for depth.
Serving Suggestions for Southern Pimento Cheese Pimento cheese is versatile and delightful in various dishes:
- For Casual Gatherings: Serve with crackers, stuffed celery, Spicy Ranch Crackers, and a bowl of homemade pimento cheese spread for a crowd-pleasing platter.
- As a Burger Topping: Elevate grilled burgers by adding a generous spoonful of pimento cheese.
- In Stuffed Celery: Lighten the fare by stuffing celery sticks with the cheese spread.
- With Grits: Mix pimento cheese into grits for Creamy Pimento Cheese Grits, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
How to Make a Pimento Cheese Sandwich This sandwich could easily become a staple in your diet. For the perfect pimento cheese sandwich, use two slices of your preferred bread—soft, white bread is my choice. Spread a hearty layer of pimento cheese to the edges of one slice and top with the other. For an elevated twist, try grilling the sandwich for a warm, melty treat.
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Southern Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 4 oz of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
- 4 oz jar of pimentos, drained (reserve 1 tablespoon of juice)
- 2 teaspoons of grated yellow onion
- 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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