Hey Foodkly friends! Chef here, ready to share a recipe that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones – classic pimento cheese spread! This spread is a Southern staple, loved for its creamy texture, sharp cheddar flavor, and vibrant pops of pimentos. It’s incredibly versatile, enjoying it on crackers, sandwiches, crudités, or even stuffed into celery sticks.
Today’s recipe focuses on the core flavors, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touches later!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (8 oz) grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or your preferred brand)
- 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the cheese: Grate the extra-sharp cheddar cheese using a box grater or food processor. This cheese is the star of the show, so opt for a high-quality variety for the best flavor.
- Soften the cream cheese: Take out your cream cheese about 30 minutes before starting. Letting it come to room temperature ensures a smooth and creamy spread. If you’re short on time, soften it in the microwave on low power in 10-second bursts, checking and rotating the block in between each burst to avoid overheating.
- Combine everything in a bowl: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix it up: Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat the mixture until everything is well combined. You want a homogenous spread with flecks of pimentos throughout.
- Season to perfection: Now comes the fun part – tasting and adjusting the flavors! Grind some fresh black pepper over the mixture and give it a good stir. Add a pinch of salt at a time, tasting in between, until the flavors come alive. If you prefer a tangier spread, add a bit more Worcestershire sauce.
- Serve and enjoy!: Transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling step also helps firm up the spread for easier serving.
Once chilled, your pimento cheese is ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on crackers, toasted bread, or use it to elevate your next veggie platter. It’s also a fantastic filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Tips:
- Spice it up: Like a little more heat? Add a finely chopped jalapeno pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Go green: For a twist, try adding chopped green onions or chives for a pop of freshness.
- Pimento perfection: Pimentos are jarred red peppers that have been roasted, peeled, and chopped. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with roasted red bell peppers, finely chopped.
- Storage: Your pimento cheese will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Get creative and have fun!:
The beauty of pimento cheese is its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different add-ins. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Chopped cooked bacon
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Diced pickles or pickle relish
- Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill
- A dollop of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick
With Foodkly, sharing food is sharing love. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch of this classic pimento cheese, and enjoy the company and delicious flavors!