Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe: How to Make the Creamiest and Spiciest Spread
Get ready to experience Southern comfort with our delicious pimento cheese recipe. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers and more. Yum!
If you're looking for a delicious and easy Southern-inspired recipe, look no further than this pimento cheese. Made with rich cheddar cheese, tangy pimentos, and a touch of mayo and spices, this classic spread is perfect for everything from sandwiches to crackers. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouth-watering pimento cheese!
Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe
Pimento cheese is a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. This creamy, cheesy spread can be enjoyed on sandwiches, crackers, or even as a dip. While there are many variations of pimento cheese, the classic Southern recipe is a must-try.Ingredients
To make this classic Southern pimento cheese recipe, you will need:- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated- 4 oz cream cheese, softened- 1/2 cup mayonnaise- 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained- 1/2 tsp garlic powder- Salt and pepper to tasteInstructions
Step 1: Grate the cheese
Grate 8 oz of sharp cheddar cheese using a box grater or food processor. This will give your pimento cheese a nice texture and ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed.Step 2: Soften the cream cheese
Remove 4 oz of cream cheese from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.Step 3: Mix the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of diced pimentos, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the pimento cheese to firm up.Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Once chilled, your Southern pimento cheese is ready to serve. Spread it on crackers, sandwiches, or use it as a dip for vegetables. This classic recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or party.Variations
While the classic Southern pimento cheese recipe is delicious on its own, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up:- Add a kick of spice with some diced jalapenos or hot sauce.- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or smoked gouda, for a unique flavor.- Swap out the pimentos for diced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.Tips and Tricks
- For extra tang and flavor, use sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese.- Don't overmix the cheese spread, as it can become too soft and lose its texture.- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your liking. If you prefer a creamier spread, add more mayo. If you want a thicker spread, use less.- Store any leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.Conclusion
This classic Southern pimento cheese recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a party or enjoying it as a snack, this creamy, cheesy spread is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and taste why pimento cheese is a beloved staple in Southern cuisine.Introduction:
Before we get started, keep in mind that Southern Pimento Cheese is a creamy, tangy and slightly spicy spread that is perfect to use as a party dip, a sandwich filling, or as a topping for crackers and veggies. With its distinct flavor and versatility, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.Ingredients:
To make Southern Pimento Cheese, you will need one cup of sharp cheddar cheese, one cup of Monterrey Jack cheese, 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 4 ounces of diced pimentos, 1 teaspoon of dried mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.Grate the Cheese:
Use a grater to shred the cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheeses into a bowl. This step is important because it ensures that the cheese melts evenly and creates a smooth texture in the final product.Add Mayonnaise and Mix:
Add four tablespoons of mayonnaise to the shredded cheese and mix until well combined. The mayonnaise adds creaminess to the mixture and helps to bind the ingredients together.Add the Pimentos:
Drain and dice the pimentos and then add them to the cheese mixture, stirring gently. The pimentos add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the spread.Add the Spices:
Add the dried mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture, and stir until well combined. These spices give the spread its signature Southern flavor and a hint of heat.Taste Test:
Take a small taste of the mixture to ensure that the seasoning is just right. If needed, adjust the amount of spices accordingly. Remember, it's easier to add more seasoning than to take it away.Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the Southern Pimento Cheese mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step allows the flavors to meld together and creates a firmer texture that is easier to spread.Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the Southern Pimento Cheese mixture as a dip with crackers, spread it onto bread for a tasty sandwich or add it to any dish that needs a little bit of extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!Store the Leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to stir the mixture before serving to ensure that the flavors are well distributed. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick snack throughout the week.Conclusion:
In conclusion, making Southern Pimento Cheese is easy and fun. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious spread that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a quick and easy snack, this recipe is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start making some Southern Pimento Cheese!Once upon a time in the South, there was a delicious and beloved recipe for pimento cheese. It was creamy, tangy, and had just the right amount of kick to make your taste buds sing. This recipe has been passed down for generations and is still a staple at family gatherings, picnics, and tailgates to this day.
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese.
- Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup of diced pimentos to the bowl.
- Season with 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with crackers, veggies, or use as a sandwich spread.
The beauty of this recipe is that it can be customized to your liking. If you prefer a creamier texture, add more mayonnaise. If you want it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect blend.
The tone of this recipe is warm and inviting, just like the Southern hospitality that inspired it. It's written from a friendly and helpful point of view, with clear instructions and helpful tips for making the perfect pimento cheese. So gather your friends and family around, whip up a batch of this classic recipe, and enjoy the taste of the South!
Thank you for visiting and reading our article on the Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe. We hope that you found the instructions easy to follow and that you are now excited to try making this delicious dish at home. Here are a few final tips to ensure that your pimento cheese turns out perfectly:
Firstly, make sure that you use high-quality ingredients. Freshly grated cheese will give your pimento cheese a much better texture than pre-shredded cheese, which can be coated in anti-caking agents. You should also use good quality mayonnaise and cream cheese to get the best taste.
Secondly, feel free to experiment with the recipe to find the perfect balance of flavors for your tastes. Some people like their pimento cheese to be spicier, so you could add extra cayenne pepper or even some hot sauce. Others prefer a milder flavor, so you could reduce the amount of onion or garlic that you use.
Finally, we hope that you enjoy sharing your pimento cheese with friends and family. This recipe is perfect for parties and picnics, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. So why not whip up a batch today and see for yourself just how delicious Southern Pimento Cheese can be?
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People Also Ask About Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe:
- What ingredients are needed to make Southern pimento cheese?
- How do you make pimento cheese from scratch?
- Can you freeze homemade pimento cheese?
- What are some variations of traditional Southern pimento cheese?
- What ingredients are needed to make Southern pimento cheese?
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 oz. diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- How do you make pimento cheese from scratch?
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with crackers, celery sticks, or use as a sandwich spread.
- Can you freeze homemade pimento cheese?
- What are some variations of traditional Southern pimento cheese?
- Use different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Add chopped jalapenos or green onions for a spicy kick.
- Try using roasted red peppers instead of pimentos for a smoky flavor.
- Stir in some bacon bits or ham for a meaty version.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
To make Southern pimento cheese, you will need:
Here are the instructions to make Southern pimento cheese:
Yes, you can freeze homemade pimento cheese. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.
There are many variations of traditional Southern pimento cheese that you can try: