Pimento Cheese Spread: The Ultimate Guide to Southern Comfort

Pimento Cheese Spread: just the name conjures up images of Southern hospitality, lazy summer afternoons, and the satisfying crunch of celery sticks. But this isn’t just any cheese spread; it’s a cultural icon, a taste of home, and a ridiculously addictive concoction that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Have you ever wondered how something so simple could be so incredibly delicious?

The history of pimento cheese is surprisingly nuanced. While its exact origins are debated, it’s generally accepted that it emerged in the late 19th century, evolving from the popularity of cream cheese and the introduction of pimento peppers from Spain. It quickly became a staple in the South, gracing tea sandwiches, picnics, and family gatherings. It’s more than just food; it’s a symbol of Southern heritage and comfort.

What makes pimento cheese spread so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy. The sharp cheddar cheese provides a robust base, while the mayonnaise adds richness and moisture. The pimentos contribute a subtle sweetness and a pop of color, and a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper gives it that signature kick. Whether you’re spreading it on crackers, using it as a sandwich filling, or even melting it over burgers, this versatile spread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I’m excited to share my version of this classic recipe with you, so let’s get started!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces jarred pimentos, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is my personal favorite!)
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste!)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt (taste and adjust as needed)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno (for a kick!)

Getting Started: Cheese Prep

Okay, let’s dive into making some seriously delicious pimento cheese! The first thing we need to tackle is the cheese. Now, I know some folks might be tempted to buy pre-shredded cheese, but trust me on this one: shredding your own cheese makes a HUGE difference. Pre-shredded cheese often has cellulose added to prevent clumping, and that can affect the texture and how well it melts (or, in this case, blends) into our pimento cheese. So, grab your block of sharp cheddar and let’s get shredding!

1. Shred the Cheddar: Using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment, shred all 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. I prefer a medium shred, but you can adjust this to your liking. Just keep in mind that finer shreds will blend more smoothly, while coarser shreds will give your pimento cheese a bit more texture.

Preparing the Pimentos and Other Ingredients

Next up, we’re going to prepare the pimentos and get the rest of our ingredients ready. This is a pretty straightforward step, but it’s important to get everything prepped before we start mixing, so the whole process goes smoothly.

2. Drain and Chop the Pimentos: Open your jar of pimentos and drain them thoroughly. You want to get rid of as much of the liquid as possible, so they don’t make your pimento cheese watery. Once drained, chop the pimentos into small pieces. I like to aim for pieces that are about 1/4 inch in size, but again, feel free to adjust this to your preference.
3. Soften the Cream Cheese: This is crucial! Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft before you start mixing. If it’s still cold and hard, it won’t blend properly and you’ll end up with lumps in your pimento cheese. You can either leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or you can microwave it for a few seconds at a time until it’s softened. Just be careful not to melt it!
4. Optional Veggie Prep: If you’re adding onion or jalapeno, now’s the time to chop them finely. Remember, a little goes a long way, especially with the jalapeno!

Mixing It All Together: The Heart of Pimento Cheese

Alright, now for the fun part: bringing all these delicious ingredients together to create our pimento cheese masterpiece! This is where the magic happens, and you’ll start to see (and smell!) the transformation.

5. Combine the Cheese and Pimentos: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped pimentos. Toss them together gently to distribute the pimentos evenly throughout the cheese.
6. Add the Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise: Add the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise to the bowl. I highly recommend using Duke’s mayonnaise if you can find it – it has a tangy flavor that really complements the cheese and pimentos. But any good quality mayonnaise will work.
7. Incorporate the Worcestershire Sauce and Spices: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount of cayenne pepper – if you like a spicier pimento cheese, add a little more!
8. Optional Veggies: If you’re using onion or jalapeno, add them to the bowl now.
9. Mix Well: Now, using a sturdy spoon or a rubber spatula, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pimento cheese tough. You want to mix it just until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and creamy. I like to leave a little bit of texture, so I don’t mix it completely smooth.
10. Taste and Adjust: This is the most important step! Once everything is mixed, taste the pimento cheese and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, a little more cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce. The beauty of pimento cheese is that you can customize it to your own taste!

Chilling and Serving: The Final Touches

We’re almost there! Now that our pimento cheese is mixed and seasoned to perfection, it’s time to chill it and let the flavors meld together. This is an important step, as it allows the flavors to develop and the pimento cheese to firm up slightly.

11. Chill the Pimento Cheese: Transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pimento cheese to thicken up.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Once the pimento cheese has chilled, it’s ready to serve! There are so many ways to enjoy it. Here are a few of my favorites:
    • On Crackers: This is the classic way to enjoy pimento cheese. Serve it with your favorite crackers, such as saltines, Ritz crackers, or even some fancy artisan crackers.
    • On Sandwiches: Pimento cheese makes a fantastic sandwich filling. Spread it on some white bread with a slice of tomato and lettuce for a simple and delicious lunch.
    • With Celery Sticks: For a healthier option, serve pimento cheese with celery sticks or other raw vegetables.
    • As a Dip: Serve pimento cheese as a dip with tortilla chips or potato chips.
    • Grilled Cheese Upgrade: Spread pimento cheese on bread for a grilled cheese sandwich.
    • Deviled Eggs: Use pimento cheese as a filling for deviled eggs.
    • Burger Topping: Add a dollop of pimento cheese to your burger for extra flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. You can use a blend of sharp cheddar and mild cheddar, or even add some Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little extra flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you like a really spicy pimento cheese, add more cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even some chopped pickled jalapenos.
• Sweeten It Up: For a sweeter pimento cheese, add a tablespoon of sweet pickle relish or a teaspoon of sugar.
• Add Some Crunch: For some added crunch, stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Make It Ahead: Pimento cheese can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

And there you have it! My go-to recipe for homemade pimento cheese. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or just a simple snack. Happy snacking!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another dip; it’s a journey back to comfort, a celebration of simple pleasures, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This Pimento Cheese Spread recipe is a must-try because it delivers that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. Forget the store-bought stuff – once you taste the difference that fresh ingredients and a little bit of love make, you’ll never go back.

But why is this particular recipe so special? It’s all about the details. We’ve carefully balanced the sharpness of the cheddar with the sweetness of the pimentos, ensuring that every bite is an explosion of flavor. The addition of just the right amount of mayonnaise creates a luxuriously smooth texture, while a touch of Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami that you won’t find in other recipes. And let’s not forget the secret ingredient – a pinch of cayenne pepper for that subtle kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Serve it the classic way, spread generously on crackers or celery sticks for a quick and easy appetizer. Elevate your sandwiches by using it as a flavorful filling for grilled cheese or BLTs. For a truly Southern experience, try it on toasted bread with sliced tomatoes and crispy bacon.

Looking for variations? Get creative! Add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for a smoky twist. Stir in some chopped jalapenos for an extra layer of heat. Or, for a sweeter variation, try adding a tablespoon of honey or a handful of chopped pecans. You can even use different types of cheese – pepper jack for a spicier kick, or Gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor. The possibilities are endless!

This Pimento Cheese Spread is also perfect for parties and gatherings. It’s easy to make ahead of time, and it’s always a hit with guests. Simply prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. For a beautiful presentation, transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and a few sprigs of fresh parsley.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of Southern charm to any meal or gathering.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the best Pimento Cheese Spread you’ve ever tasted. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? Did you serve it at a party? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!