The Ultimate Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern dish that is both tasty and versatile. It can be used as a dip, a sandwich filling, or a topping for burgers, chicken, and BBQ. The base ingredients are shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, but there are many variations on this traditional recipe. Some recipes include additional ingredients such as cream cheese, jalapeños, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion. The spread is typically served with crackers or vegetables, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a dip. Pimento cheese is a crowd-pleaser and a true Southern staple.

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Pimento cheese spread ingredients

Pimento cheese spread, also known as "pâté du Sud" or Southern pâté, is a classic Southern dish. It is a creamy, cheesy, tangy, and peppery spread that can be spiced up according to preference. The key ingredients are shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos.

For the cheese, extra-sharp Cheddar is often used, but you can also use a mix of mild and sharp Cheddar, or Colby cheese. It is recommended to shred your own cheese and avoid packaged pre-shredded cheese, as the anti-caking agents can dry out the spread.

The pimentos, or pimiento peppers, provide a mild pepper flavor and a reddish hue to the spread. Jarred pimentos are commonly used, and it is important to drain them well and chop them finely. If you cannot find pimento peppers, roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute.

Mayonnaise is another essential ingredient in traditional pimento cheese spread. It acts as a binder and helps to create a creamy texture. Some recipes also include cream cheese, which adds to the creaminess and tanginess of the spread. However, the amount of cream cheese used can vary, and some prefer to use more mayonnaise for a better spreading consistency.

Additional ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor and spice level of the spread. These include garlic powder, onion or grated onion, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, paprika, and dry mustard. Some recipes also include jalapeños, either fresh or roasted, for an extra kick of spice.

The ingredients are combined and mixed until smooth and spreadable. The spread can be served slightly chilled or at room temperature with crackers, vegetables, or as a sandwich filling. It can also be used as a topping for burgers, chicken, or BBQ dishes.

Mixing and storing the spread

When it comes to mixing your pimento cheese spread, there are a few different approaches you can take. Some recipes suggest using an electric mixer, while others recommend a hand mixer, a stand mixer, or simply mixing by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula. The key is to mix until all the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth and spreadable consistency.

If you find that your mixture is too thick, you can try adding a little extra mayonnaise, some juice from the pimento jar, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to thin it out. On the other hand, if your mixture is too runny, you can add more shredded cheese to thicken it up. It's all about finding that perfect balance to suit your personal preference.

Once you're happy with the consistency of your pimento cheese spread, it's important to let the flavours develop. Cover the spread and refrigerate it for at least 10 minutes, but ideally for a few hours or even overnight. This will allow the flavours to meld together beautifully.

In terms of storage, pimento cheese spread can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it's best served slightly chilled or at room temperature, so remember to take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for another 3-5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze pimento cheese spread for up to three months, although the flavour and consistency may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

Serving suggestions

Pimento cheese spread is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Crackers and Breads

Pimento cheese spread is commonly served with crackers. Try it with Ritz crackers, rice cakes, or your favourite variety of crackers. For a lighter option, serve it with cucumber slices, celery sticks, or other raw vegetables. You can also spread it on toast, baguette slices, or white bread.

Sandwiches

This spread can be used as a delicious sandwich filling. Try it in grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, or chicken sandwiches. For an extra indulgent option, serve it on a toasted bagel with extra shredded cheddar melted on top.

Toppings

Pimento cheese spread makes a great topping for burgers, pulled pork BBQ, or grilled hamburgers. It can also be used as a dip for hot onion rings or tortilla chips. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping tortilla chips into the pimento cheese, and then into a good salsa.

Appetizers and Snacks

This spread is perfect for appetizers or snacks at your next gathering. Serve it with pretzel chips, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or mini peppers. It can also be used as a dip for substantial strips of bell pepper (any colour but green), or celery.

Creative Combinations

For a unique twist, mix a dollop of pimento cheese into mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs. You can also add it to your favourite cheddar dishes, such as mac and cheese. If you're feeling really creative, try using it in sausage balls or meat dishes, such as SPAM or grilled ham.

With its creamy texture and tangy flavour, pimento cheese spread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Get creative and experiment with different serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations.

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Variations on the recipe

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, a spread made with shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling.

• You can use a mix of mild and sharp Cheddar, or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese.
• If you want to avoid the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese, grate your own cheese.
• Some recipes suggest adding cream cheese to make the spread extra decadent and tangy.
• If you want to add a kick to your pimento cheese, add a jalapeño pepper.
• For a spicy flavor, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• For a Southern twist, serve pimento cheese on celery.
• If you can't find pimento peppers, roasted red peppers are a great substitute.
• If you prefer a thicker spread, add slightly more shredded Cheddar.
• For a thinner spread, add some Greek yogurt or the juice from the pimentos.
• For a simple, minimalist recipe, use shredded sharp Cheddar, pimentos, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
• For a different flavor, use Colby cheese instead of Cheddar.
• Add a splash of Tabasco or Worcestershire sauce.
• For a thicker spread, pulse the cheese and pimentos in a food processor.

History of pimento cheese

Pimento cheese, also known as "the pâté of the South", is a spread typically made of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It is usually served on crackers, vegetables, or in sandwiches. Although it is most closely associated with Southern cuisine, pimento cheese actually originated in the Northern United States in the early 20th century.

The dish was first created in the late 1800s as a combination of newly manufactured American cream cheese, newly canned and imported Spanish peppers, and the newly popular concept of "home economics", which favoured canned goods for their ease and orderliness. "Domestic scientists"—turn-of-the-century feminist homemakers—discovered that the mixture of cream cheese and canned pimentos made for a quick and appealing sandwich spread. By the early 1900s, it was being sold by the slice or in a jar in groceries all over the country. During World War I, it became even more popular as a cheap and easy way to feed troops and volunteers, and food writers began publishing recipes instructing readers on how to turn store-bought pimento cheese into something more interesting by adding cream or mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Tabasco.

After World War II, the popularity of pimento cheese decreased in most of the US but remained strong in the South, where home cooks started making their own versions, swapping cream cheese for "hoop cheese" and then cheddar and using mayonnaise to bind it all together. It became a staple at church picnics, school potlucks, and even some of the region's finest restaurants. Pimento cheese sandwiches have been served at the Masters Tournament since the 1940s, and Southern Living magazine called the sandwich one of "the iconic foods of the Masters".

Despite its Northern origins, pimento cheese has become a beloved part of Southern cuisine and culture. As food writer Robert F. Moss puts it, its story "is one of redemption, of a wayward factory child adopted by a good Southern family, scrubbed up nice, and invited to Sunday dinner."

Frequently asked questions