Pimento Cheese
The caviar of the South - a sharp, creamy cheese spread studded with sweet pimento peppers.
Ingredients
- 8 ozsharp cheddar cheese(freshly grated)
- 4 ozcream cheese(softened)
- 1/4 cupmayonnaise
- 4 ozpimentos(one jar, drained and diced)
- 1/8 tspcayenne pepper
- 1/4 tspgarlic powder
- 1/4 tsponion powder
- 1/4 tspkosher salt
- 1/4 tspblack pepper
📝 Make Ahead
Keeps refrigerated up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best spreadability and flavor.
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth
- Add grated cheddar and mix until combined
- Fold in diced pimentos
- Season with cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Mix until well combined but still has some texture
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour to let flavors meld
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
💡 Pro Tips
Never use pre-shredded cheese - the anti-caking agents prevent proper binding. Hand-grated creates better texture than food processor. Some traditionalists add a splash of pickle juice. Let it sit overnight for best flavor development.
📜 History
Pimento cheese emerged in the early 1900s when industrial food processing made jarred pimentos widely available. Originally considered fancy "company food," it became a Southern staple served at everything from church suppers to Masters Tournament concession stands. Augusta National's pimento cheese sandwiches are legendary.