Andy Montoya
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, and while it's hard to beat a homemade batch, there are plenty of store-bought options available. Some popular brands include Queen Charlotte's, MyThreeSons, Palmetto, Publix, Price's, and Mrs. Grissom's. When it comes to finding the best brand, it's a matter of personal preference, as some may prefer a creamier texture or a stronger pimento kick. However, MyThreeSons has been praised for its intense, sharp flavor and homemade texture, while Palmetto has been noted for its sharp cheddar taste and ideal mayo-to-cheese ratio.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best overall pimento cheese | MyThreeSons Gourmet |
| Best store-bought pimento cheese | Queen Charlotte's Pimento Cheese |
| Runner-up store-bought pimento cheese | MyThreeSons |
| Honourable mentions | Knot Yo Grandma's Pimento Cheese, Publix Cheese Spread, Palmetto Cheese, Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread, Mrs. Grissom's Salads, Birdies, Fresh Market, Heritage Market, Roanoke co+op deli |
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What You'll Learn
- Palmetto Cheese: This brand is described as having the sharpest cheddary taste
- MyThreeSons Gourmet: A family-owned brand from Greensboro, North Carolina, with no artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours
- Queen Charlotte's Pimento Cheese: This brand offers a variety of flavours, including jalapeno, blue cheese, and bacon
- Publix Cheese Spread: This spread is known for its intense cheese flavour and bright orange colour
- Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread: A creamy spread with a strong red pepper and mayonnaise flavour
Palmetto Cheese: This brand is described as having the sharpest cheddary taste
Palmetto Cheese is a well-known brand of pimento cheese that is often mentioned in discussions about the best pimento cheese. It is described as having the sharpest Cheddar taste among the options available. The brand was originally developed by Sassy Henry and gained popularity in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, as a weekly offering at the Henry family's Sea View Inn.
Palmetto Cheese has a strong following, with some considering it to be the best store-bought pimento cheese option. It is described as having the right balance of mayonnaise and cheese, resulting in a smooth and well-mixed consistency. The brand offers a variety of flavours, including a Jalapeno flavour that is particularly popular.
However, it is important to note that some people have expressed concerns about the brand due to controversial statements made by the owner in 2020. This has led to a boycott of the product by some consumers.
Despite this controversy, Palmetto Cheese remains a popular choice for those seeking a mass-produced pimento cheese option. It can be found in the deli or specialty sections of grocery stores, offering a product that is a step above the typical prepackaged deli meats.
In conclusion, Palmetto Cheese is a well-known and widely available brand of pimento cheese that is known for its sharp Cheddar taste and smooth consistency. While it has faced some backlash due to the owner's statements, it continues to be a beloved comfort food for many consumers.
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MyThreeSons Gourmet: A family-owned brand from Greensboro, North Carolina, with no artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours
Pimento cheese is an undeniable Southern staple, and while many claim that the best pimento cheese comes from a grandmother's kitchen, there are several brands that come close to the homemade version of the South's favourite dip. One brand that stands out is MyThreeSons Gourmet: a family-owned brand from Greensboro, North Carolina, with no artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours.
MyThreeSons Gourmet takes pride in its handmade, small-batch cheese spreads, crafted with natural sharp cheddar cheese, minimal mayonnaise, and a dash of secret spices. The star ingredients, however, are the roasted red peppers (pimentos) and jalapeños, which are generously added and diced into chunky pieces for a burst of flavour and texture. The result is a pimento cheese spread that is intensely sharp, with a nice bite and a subtle hint of heat.
The editors at Southern Living, who conducted a taste test of several popular pimento cheese brands, described MyThreeSons Gourmet as "the best of the bunch." They praised its sharp cheese and robust pimiento flavour, as well as its well-mixed consistency that is neither overly creamy nor chunky. One editor commented on its surprising lightness and ease of serving, making it a versatile choice for various dishes.
The brand's commitment to using only natural ingredients and avoiding artificial additives sets it apart from many other brands on the market. MyThreeSons Gourmet's pimento cheese is crafted with extra sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and a blend of spices, creating a flavourful and well-balanced spread. The absence of artificial preservatives ensures that the product tastes fresh and homemade, bringing the comfort of a Southern kitchen to your table.
While MyThreeSons Gourmet has earned acclaim for its exceptional pimento cheese, it's important to acknowledge that taste preferences vary, and there are numerous brands across the nation that offer unique interpretations of this Southern classic. From the cream cheese-based spread from Charlotte, North Carolina, to the Texas-based brand with a 1950s family recipe, each brand has its own distinct take on pimento cheese, ensuring that there's something to suit every palate.
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Queen Charlotte's Pimento Cheese: This brand offers a variety of flavours, including jalapeno, blue cheese, and bacon
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, and while it's hard to beat a homemade batch, there are some great store-bought options. Queen Charlotte's Pimento Cheese is one brand that stands out, offering a variety of flavours and a unique twist on the classic spread.
Queen Charlotte's Pimento Cheese Royale is the brand's original flavour, featuring a blend of premium extra sharp cheddar, sharp white cheddar, and pepper jack cheese. It's combined with a cream cheese and mayonnaise base, pimentos, and a secret seasoning blend. This variety has a strong following, with some claiming it's the "World's Finest Pimento Cheese".
For those who like a little spice, the brand offers "Her Royal Hotness", a jalapeño pimento cheese. This variety also includes premium extra sharp cheddar, sharp white cheddar, and pepper jack cheese, blended with a cream cheese and mayonnaise base, pimentos, jalapeños, and the brand's signature seasoning.
If you're a blue cheese enthusiast, "Black and Bleu Blood" combines premium blue cheese with sharp white cheddar and pepper jack. It's mixed with a cream cheese and mayonnaise base, pimentos, cracked black pepper, and the secret seasoning blend. This variety is described as "savoury and exotic", appealing to both blue cheese lovers and skeptics.
Finally, for an indulgent treat, there's "Baconham Palace", which includes premium smoked cheddar, sharp white cheddar, and pepper jack cheese. It's blended with a cream cheese and mayonnaise base, pimentos, real bacon, and the brand's signature seasoning. This variety is hailed as the most decadent pimento cheese, fit for royalty.
Queen Charlotte's Pimento Cheese offers a delightful range of flavours, taking the classic spread to new heights. While it may be a bit challenging to find in stores, it's worth the search to elevate your snacking experience like royalty.
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Publix Cheese Spread: This spread is known for its intense cheese flavour and bright orange colour
If you're looking for a pimento cheese spread with a vibrant colour and a strong cheese flavour to match, then Publix Cheese Spread is a solid choice. It is said to have an intense cheese flavour and a bright orange colour, making it stand out from the other spreads.
The spread has a unique recipe that uses American cheese instead of cheddar and salad dressing instead of mayonnaise, resulting in a sweeter and creamier texture. This distinct combination gives it a flavourful profile that makes it a versatile option for various dishes. One taster even suggested using it as a burger topper to add a tangy twist to their meal.
While the Publix Cheese Spread may not have been the overall favourite among testers, it certainly left an impression with its bold colour and flavour. Its distinct characteristics offer a different experience from the traditional pimento cheese spreads, appealing to those who enjoy adventurous flavours.
The spread's versatility and intense flavour make it a convenient and reliable option for those looking to add a kick of cheese to their meals. Whether used as a dip, a spread, or a topping, Publix Cheese Spread is sure to elevate your culinary creations with its intense cheese flavour and vibrant orange hue.
So, if you're seeking a pimento cheese spread that offers a departure from the classic, Publix Cheese Spread is worth considering. Its unique blend of ingredients and vivid appearance will surely make it a memorable part of your culinary repertoire.
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Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread: A creamy spread with a strong red pepper and mayonnaise flavour
Pimiento cheese is a Southern staple, and while many claim that the best pimiento cheese comes from a grandmother's kitchen, there are several store-bought brands that come close. One such brand is Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread, which is a creamy spread with a strong red pepper and mayonnaise flavour.
Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is a Texas-based brand that offers a range of pimiento cheese spreads, including an original, lite, and bacon variety. The original spread is made with real cheddar cheese, pimentos, and salad dressing, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavour. The lite version has all the same flavour but with less fat, and the bacon variety adds an extra layer of deliciousness. The spreads are versatile and can be used as a snack, a meal, or a topping for crackers or burgers.
Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is known for its creaminess and strong red pepper and mayonnaise flavours. While some may find it too mayonnaise-y and not cheesy enough, others appreciate the smooth texture and tanginess that the mayonnaise provides. The spread is also thick, making it perfect for dipping vegetables or celery sticks. When combined with other pimiento cheese brands, it can create an even more exceptional flavour.
Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is convenient and versatile, adding a robust flavour to sandwiches, appetizers, and other recipes. The spread is made with real cheese and real pimento peppers, providing an authentic taste. It comes in various sizes, making it suitable for both small and large foodservice applications. The brand is also committed to labour savings and menu flexibility, offering pre-made options that boost flavour and creativity in dishes.
Overall, Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is a popular choice for those seeking a creamy, red pepper-forward, and mayonnaise-rich pimiento cheese spread. While it may not be the top choice for those seeking a stronger cheese flavour, it is a versatile and convenient option that can elevate any dish.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several brands of pimento cheese that are considered to be the best. MyThreeSons Gourmet, a family-owned-and-operated brand from Greensboro, North Carolina, is often praised for its homemade texture, intense sharp flavour, and bite.
Yes, there are several other brands that are popular. Palmetto, a mass-produced brand from Pawley's Island, South Carolina, is often mentioned as a good store-bought option. However, some people have boycotted the brand due to the owner's political stance. Other popular brands include Queen Charlotte's, Publix Cheese Spread, Price's, Mrs. Grissom's, and Ruth's.
A good pimento cheese should have a balance of flavours and textures. It should have a sharp cheese taste with a nice bite and a hint of heat from the pimento peppers. A good amount of mayo is also key to achieving a smooth texture and lightening the flavour.
Pimento cheese can be found at most grocery stores across the US, including Publix, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Kroger, Walmart, and Piggly Wiggly.
