Whip Up a Bold Pimento Cheese Recipe Tonight

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a classic pimento cheese delight recipe hits the table.

Creamy, tangy, and packed with bold flavors, this dish speaks to comfort and tradition.

Generations have savored the rich blend of sharp cheddar melting into velvety mayonnaise.

Southern cooks understand how a simple spread can spark memories and conversations.

The zesty pimentos add a vibrant kick that makes every bite memorable.

cheese lovers will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Let’s dive into a culinary journey that celebrates southern hospitality on a plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 211 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Pimento Cheese Spread

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cornerstone that provides the fundamental flavor profile and creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth binding agent that creates luxurious richness and helps achieve silky consistency.

• Pimento Peppers: Sweet, mild red peppers that deliver signature taste and vibrant color to the spread.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated aromatic that infuses deep savory undertones without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Subtle allium essence that adds complex depth without chopping fresh onions.
• Black Pepper: Earthy, warming spice that contributes subtle heat and sophisticated background notes.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy emulsifier that guarantees luscious texture and mild tanginess.
• Cayenne Pepper: Fiery spice that introduces optional zesty kick and warming sensation.
• Minced Jalapeño: Optional fresh chile providing bright, direct pepper heat and crisp texture.

Tools for Pimento Cheese Spread

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creating a creamy, well-blended spread.
• Sturdy Mixing Spoon: Alternative for mixing if no electric mixer is available.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Serving Dish: Attractive vessel for presenting the pimento cheese spread.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for mincing jalapeños and chopping ingredients precisely.

Instructions for Pimento Cheese Spread

• Cheese Blend Prep

Gather all your favorite cheeses and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl. The magic begins with quality ingredients that promise a creamy, flavorful experience.

• Smooth Mixing

Use a mixer or strong arm power to blend everything into a delightfully uniform spread. Aim for a silky texture that invites immediate tasting.

• Flavor Adventure

Taste and adjust your creation. Feel free to experiment with extra spices that spark your culinary excitement. Some like it zesty, some like it mild – make it yours.

• Serving Pleasure

Scoop into a beautiful serving dish or tuck away in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, let the spread sit briefly at room temperature to reach perfect spreadable consistency.

Flavor Boosts & Swaps for Pimento Cheese Spread

• Cheese Mixing Magic: Use room temperature cream cheese and cheddar for smoother, easier blending without lumps.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne and jalapeño quantities to match your personal heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
• Make-Ahead Wonder: This spread tastes even better after 24 hours in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
• Serving Style Secrets: Serve as a dip with crackers, spread on sandwiches, stuff into celery sticks, or use as a gourmet burger topping for multiple delicious applications.
• Cheese Quality Matters: Select high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust and complex flavor profile that elevates the entire spread.

How to Serve Pimento Cheese Spread

• Cheese Board Centerpiece: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging the pimento cheese with crispy crackers, artisan bread slices, and colorful fresh vegetables for dipping.
• Southern-Style Sandwich Upgrade: Spread this creamy mixture generously between toasted sourdough bread, adding crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes for a classic Southern comfort sandwich experience.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform the pimento cheese into a hot dip by baking it briefly in the oven until bubbly, then serve with tortilla chips, pretzel bites, or crunchy vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Gourmet Burger Topping: Elevate your burger game by using this zesty pimento cheese as a luxurious topping, adding a spicy and creamy kick to grilled beef or turkey patties.

Saving & Storing Pimento Cheese Spread

• Flavor Enhancement Techniques: Let the pimento cheese sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving to allow ingredients to meld together, creating a more intense and harmonious taste profile.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cheese spread in an airtight container, which keeps it fresh for 5-7 days. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent air exposure and minimize potential flavor oxidation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pimento cheese up to three days in advance, giving the flavors time to develop and intensify. This technique works perfectly for parties, picnics, or quick weeknight snacking.
• Temperature Transition Tips: Remove the cheese spread from the refrigerator approximately 20-30 minutes before serving, allowing it to soften slightly and become more spreadable. Room temperature helps unlock deeper flavor nuances and creates a smoother texture for easier application on crackers, sandwiches, or vegetable sticks.

Ultimate Pimento Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy pimento cheese delight blends Southern comfort with zesty flavors from classic ingredients. Smooth spreadable texture and rich cheese notes make this recipe a memorable Southern classic you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 oz (113 g) pimento peppers, well-drained and finely chopped
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise (Duke’s or Sir Kensington’s recommended)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 medium jalapeño pepper, deseeded and minced (optional)
• 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional, adjust according to heat preference)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Bring all ingredients to room temperature, ensuring smooth blending and optimal flavor development.
2. Base Mixing: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese, creating a rich dairy foundation.
3. Flavor Infusion: Fold in diced pimento peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional jalapeños and cayenne pepper, integrating each component thoroughly.
4. Texture Refinement: Use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to blend ingredients until achieving a uniform, creamy consistency with balanced flavor notes.
5. Seasoning Adjustment: Taste and fine-tune the mixture, calibrating heat, saltiness, and creaminess to personal preference.
6. Serving Preparation: Transfer the pimento cheese spread to a serving dish or airtight container, allowing it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor complexity and spreadability.

Notes

• Cheese Temperature Tip: Bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature for smoother blending and richer flavor release.
• Mixing Technique: Use a stand mixer or sturdy hand mixer to achieve a perfectly smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Flavor Customization: Adjust seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to balance spiciness, saltiness, and overall taste profile.
• Serving Strategy: Let the spread sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor depth and spreadability.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 211
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg