Andy Montoya
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty that is traditionally made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is creamy, tangy, peppery, and spreadable. The cheese is often grated by hand or with a food processor, and the spread is typically served with crackers, bread, or vegetables. It can also be used as a sandwich filling, a dip, or even an appetizer. While there are many variations of the recipe, the key ingredients of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos remain consistent across different versions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, a mix of mild and sharp Cheddar, or two types of Cheddar cheese (white and yellow) |
| Peppers | Pimento peppers, roasted red peppers, or jalapeños |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, cream cheese, pickle juice, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion |
| Texture | Creamy, spreadable, fluffy, or smooth |
| Flavour | Tangy, peppery, spicy, or salty |
| Serving suggestions | Crackers, bread, crudités, sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, or tea sandwiches |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, do not freeze |
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What You'll Learn
Pimento cheese is made with sharp cheddar cheese
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty and a staple at almost any event that requires food. It is often called the "pâté of the South". The dish is traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling.
Pimento cheese is super easy to make and is ready in 10 minutes. You essentially just need to stir the ingredients together until combined. It is creamy and cheesy, tangy, and peppery. It is also spreadable.
To make pimento cheese, grate the cheese into a large mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimento peppers, pickle juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, by hand or with a mixer. Transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container. It is best to store it in the fridge for 24 hours and let all the flavors combine and come together.
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It's also made with mayonnaise
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty and a staple at almost any event that requires food. It is also called the "pâté of the South". It is a popular spread that is traditionally made with shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling.
Mayonnaise lends a silky texture and some key flavours to the pimento cheese. It is a crucial ingredient that contributes to the creaminess of the spread and imparts a rich, slightly tangy flavour. It is recommended to use a good-quality brand of mayonnaise, such as Hellmann's, Duke's, or Best Foods. The amount of mayonnaise used can vary depending on how creamy you prefer your pimento cheese to be. It is important to ensure that the mayonnaise is fully mixed into the spread, as this improves the texture and flavour.
The process of making pimento cheese is simple and involves mixing all the ingredients together. The cheese is grated and then combined with mayonnaise, pimentos, and various seasonings. The mixture is then stirred or blended until it reaches the desired consistency.
Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyed as a dip with crackers or crudités, spread on sandwiches, or served as a snack with bread and vegetables. It is a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for gatherings and get-togethers.
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Cream cheese is often added
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty that is traditionally made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling.
Some recipes for pimento cheese include additional ingredients such as jalapeños, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The cheese used can also vary, with some recipes calling for a mix of mild and sharp cheddar.
Pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling. It is a popular choice for parties or gatherings and can also be enjoyed as an everyday snack.
When making pimento cheese, it is recommended to mix the ingredients by hand or with a mixer until they are well combined. It is important to ensure that the mayonnaise is fully mixed in, as this will improve the texture and flavor of the final product.
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It's flavoured with pimento peppers
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty and a staple at almost any event that requires food. It is often called the "pâté of the South". It is a creamy and cheesy, tangy, peppery, and spreadable dip that is traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos.
Pimento peppers are small red peppers that are not spicy at all. They infuse the dip with a mild pepper flavour and provide its signature reddish hue. If you can't find pimento peppers, roasted red peppers are a great substitute. It is important to drain your peppers well, and give them a few extra chops if they come in slices rather than a tiny dice.
Some recipes also add jalapeños and cayenne pepper for extra spice. You can also add cream cheese to make the pimento cheese extra decadent. Other spices and seasonings that can be added include garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pimento cheese is commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling. It is also great as a dip for bread slices or crudités.
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Cayenne pepper is also added for spice
Pimento cheese is a Southern specialty that is traditionally made with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is a popular spread commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling.
While pimento peppers provide pimento cheese with a mild pepper flavour, cayenne pepper is added to the mix for an extra kick of spice. Cayenne pepper is a key ingredient in pimento cheese, adding a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish. The amount of cayenne pepper added can vary depending on personal preference and desired spice level. For a milder version, less cayenne pepper is used, while those who enjoy a spicier dish may opt for a more generous amount.
The addition of cayenne pepper not only contributes to the flavour but also adds a subtle warmth and depth to the cheese spread. It is this subtle warmth that makes pimento cheese so versatile, pairing well with a variety of crackers, vegetables, and breads. The spice level can be further adjusted by adding jalapeños, either fresh or in the form of jalapeño olive oil, resulting in a spicier version of the classic Southern dish.
Pimento cheese is a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, often referred to as the "pâté of the South". It is a simple yet addictive dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether served as a snack, appetizer, or sandwich filling. The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy mayonnaise, and the subtle kick of cayenne pepper creates a unique and indulgent flavour profile that has made pimento cheese a favourite among many.
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Frequently asked questions
Pimento cheese is traditionally made with sharp cheddar cheese. However, you can use a mix of mild and sharp cheddar, or even two types of sharp cheddar (white and yellow).
Some recipes include cream cheese, which acts as a creamy base that binds the ingredients together and ensures a smooth, spreadable consistency.
In addition to cheese, pimento cheese typically includes mayonnaise, pimentos (or roasted red peppers), and spices such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
