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Pimento Cheese

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This spread is basically Southern comfort food in dip form – creamy, tangy, and with just enough kick to keep things interesting.

One bite and you’ll understand why people get genuinely passionate about their pimento cheese preferences, because this isn’t just any cheese spread.

The combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and those sweet-tangy pimento peppers creates a flavor that’s both familiar and crave-worthy.

What makes this version special is the perfect balance of heat from cayenne and fresh jalapeño, giving it personality without overwhelming your taste buds.

The texture is gloriously spreadable yet substantial enough to hold its own on crackers, sandwiches, or straight from the spoon (we don’t judge).

This recipe delivers that authentic Southern pimento cheese experience that’ll have you making excuses to use it on everything from burgers to celery sticks.

Ingredients

For the Pimento Cheese Base

2 cups freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes and softened at room temperature
4 ounces pimento peppers, well drained and chopped if in strips

For the Flavor Enhancement

2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Duke’s is traditional, Sir Kensington’s also works beautifully)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste preference)
½ medium jalapeño pepper, ribs and seeds removed, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

For Seasoning

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Base

1 In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the 2 cups grated cheddar cheese and 8 ounces softened cream cheese cubes. The cream cheese should yield easily to gentle pressure – if it’s still firm, let it sit at room temperature for another 15-20 minutes to ensure smooth blending.
2 Add the 4 ounces well-drained pimento peppers, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and the minced jalapeño (if using). Finish with several generous twists of freshly ground black pepper.

Mix and Combine

3 Using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or sturdy wooden spoon, beat the mixture until thoroughly combined and creamy. If using a stand mixer, start on low speed to prevent ingredients from flying out, then increase to medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and spreadable.
4 The mixture should look cohesive with no visible chunks of cream cheese remaining. If mixing by hand with a wooden spoon, this process will take 5-7 minutes of vigorous stirring, but the arm workout is worth the authentic texture.

Taste and Adjust

5 Taste the pimento cheese and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more freshly ground black pepper for depth, a pinch or two of salt for overall flavor enhancement, or an additional pinch of cayenne if you prefer more heat. Mix briefly after each adjustment to distribute seasonings evenly.
6 Transfer the mixture to a smaller serving bowl or airtight storage container. The pimento cheese can be served immediately for a softer, more spreadable consistency, or refrigerated for up to 1 week for longer storage.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Stand mixer with paddle attachment – makes quick work of combining ingredients and creates the smoothest, most professional texture without overworking the mixture
Large mixing bowls – essential for hand mixing if you don’t have a stand mixer, and useful for ingredient prep and serving
Microplane grater – freshly grated cheddar cheese melts more seamlessly into the mixture than pre-shredded, creating better texture and flavor
Digital kitchen scale – ensures accurate measurements, especially important for achieving the perfect cheese-to-cream cheese ratio

Helpful Upgrades

Hand mixer with multiple speed settings – a great middle ground between manual mixing and a stand mixer, offering better control than a wooden spoon
Silicone spatula set – perfect for scraping down bowl sides and folding ingredients without damaging non-stick surfaces
Airtight storage containers in various sizes – keeps pimento cheese fresh longer and makes portion control easier for meal prep

Nice-to-Have Options

Food processor – while not traditional, it can create an ultra-smooth texture if that’s your preference, though many purists prefer the slightly chunkier hand-mixed version
Wooden spoon with comfortable grip – if you’re going the traditional route, a quality wooden spoon makes the mixing process more comfortable and effective

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Heat Level Variations

Mild version – omit jalapeño and reduce cayenne to ⅛ teaspoon for sensitive palates or when serving children
Extra spicy – add 1 full minced jalapeño plus ½ teaspoon cayenne, or incorporate 1 tablespoon minced chipotle peppers for smoky heat
Sweet heat – add 1 tablespoon honey and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika along with the standard spice levels

Cheese Variations

Three-cheese blend – use 1 cup sharp cheddar, ½ cup aged white cheddar, and ½ cup smoked gouda for complex flavor
Vermont twist – substitute 1 cup sharp Vermont cheddar and 1 cup aged gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor profile
Budget-friendly – use mild cheddar and add 1 extra teaspoon garlic powder to boost flavor

Texture Modifications

Chunky style – reserve ½ cup grated cheese and fold in at the end for more texture
Ultra-smooth – process in food processor until completely smooth, then fold in pimentos by hand
Rustic style – mix by hand with a fork, leaving some cream cheese chunks for varied texture

Flavor Enhancements

Bacon pimento cheese – fold in 4 strips crumbled crispy bacon and 1 teaspoon bacon fat
Herb version – add 2 tablespoons fresh chives and 1 tablespoon fresh dill
Beer cheese style – substitute 2 tablespoons beer for mayonnaise and add ½ teaspoon mustard powder

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This pimento cheese recipe provides approximately 180-200 calories per ¼ cup serving, with the majority coming from high-quality dairy fats and protein. Each serving delivers roughly 12-15 grams protein from the cheddar and cream cheese combination, making it a satisfying snack that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. The recipe provides significant amounts of calcium (about 25% daily value per serving) and vitamin A from the cheese and pimento peppers, supporting bone health and immune function.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The extra-sharp cheddar cheese provides complete proteins containing all essential amino acids, plus beneficial conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which may support heart health and weight management. Pimento peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, particularly capsanthin which gives them their red color and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. The cream cheese adds vitamin K2, important for bone and cardiovascular health, while jalapeño peppers contain capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide pain-relief properties.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for many dietary restrictions. Each serving contains approximately 3-4 grams carbohydrates, primarily from the peppers and small amounts of natural milk sugars. The high fat content (about 15-18 grams per serving) makes it compatible with ketogenic and low-carb eating plans. Those watching sodium should note the natural salt content from aged cheese, though homemade versions typically contain less sodium than commercial varieties.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Cream cheese → Greek yogurt cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese (use same amount, expect slightly tangier flavor)
Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt or sour cream (reduces calories, adds protein, creates slightly thicker texture)
Fresh jalapeño → pickled jalapeños (use 2 teaspoons minced for similar heat with added tang)
Pimento peppers → roasted red peppers (drain well and chop, slightly smokier flavor)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Extra-sharp cheddar → sharp cheddar plus 1 extra teaspoon garlic powder (boosts flavor of milder cheese)
Organic cream cheese → regular cream cheese (minimal taste difference, significant cost savings)
Fresh jalapeño → cayenne pepper (increase to ½ teaspoon for similar heat level)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Garlic powder → 1 small minced garlic clove (use fresh, adds more pungent flavor)
Onion powder → 2 teaspoons minced green onion whites (provides similar flavor with fresh bite)
Mayonnaise → softened butter plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice (creates richer, more traditional Southern flavor)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using Greek yogurt substitutions, drain excess liquid for 30 minutes in fine-mesh strainer to prevent watery texture
Pre-shredded cheese works but add 1 tablespoon extra mayonnaise to compensate for anti-caking agents that affect creaminess

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Original recipe contains approximately 3-4 grams carbohydrates per ¼ cup serving, primarily from pimento peppers and natural milk sugars
Substitute regular mayonnaise → avocado oil mayonnaise to reduce processed ingredients while maintaining the same carb count
Portion control: Use 2 tablespoons (⅛ cup) as a serving size to reduce carbs to approximately 1.5-2 grams per serving

Blood Sugar Management Tips:

Pair with high-fiber vehicles: Serve with celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or bell pepper strips instead of crackers to add fiber without significant carbs
Protein pairing: Combine with hard-boiled eggs or turkey roll-ups to create a more balanced snack that won’t spike blood sugar
Timing strategy: Consume as part of a meal rather than alone to slow absorption and minimize blood sugar impact

Enhanced Nutritional Profile:

Add fiber: Fold in 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added nutrients without carbs
Healthy fat boost: Use avocado oil mayonnaise or add 1 teaspoon olive oil for anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
Antioxidant enhancement: Increase jalapeño to 1 full pepper for more capsaicin and vitamin C without adding carbs

Total Carb Impact: Modified version contains approximately 1.5-2 grams net carbs per 2-tablespoon serving when paired with low-carb vegetables

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

The rich, tangy flavors of pimento cheese pair beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cut through the creamy richness while complementing the pepper heat. For beer lovers, light lagers or wheat beers provide a refreshing contrast, while hoppy IPAs can stand up to the bold flavors if you prefer more intensity. Sweet tea is the classic Southern pairing, offering cooling sweetness that balances the spice, while sparkling water with lime provides a palate-cleansing effect between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations

Buttery crackers like Ritz or Club crackers are traditional vehicles, but toasted baguette slices offer more substantial texture for entertaining. Fresh vegetables including celery sticks, cucumber rounds, and bell pepper strips provide refreshing crunch and help balance the rich cheese. Pickled vegetables like cornichons, pickled okra, or bread-and-butter pickles create delightful flavor contrast with their acidic bite cutting through the creamy base.

Complete Meal Ideas

Transform pimento cheese into the star of grilled cheese sandwiches paired with tomato soup for ultimate comfort food. Create an appetizer spread with crackers, sliced apples, and cured meats for entertaining. Use as a burger topping alongside bacon and lettuce for Southern-style burgers, or stuff into jalapeño poppers wrapped with bacon for game day treats.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for casual entertaining, tailgate parties, and summer picnics where its make-ahead nature shines. Ideal for holiday appetizer tables, book club gatherings, and potluck contributions since it travels well and appeals to most palates.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Always use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for superior texture and melting properties – the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can create a grainy final product. Room temperature cream cheese is crucial for smooth mixing; if you forgot to soften it, cut into small cubes and microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power. Drain pimento peppers thoroughly by pressing them in a fine-mesh strainer or paper towels to prevent watery pimento cheese.

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies

Pimento cheese actually improves in flavor after 24 hours in the refrigerator as ingredients meld together. Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent drying. For entertaining, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften to ideal spreading consistency. Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture becomes grainy when thawed.

Common Troubleshooting

If your pimento cheese turns out too thick, gradually mix in mayonnaise 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Too thin or watery usually indicates insufficiently drained peppers – fold in extra grated cheese to absorb excess moisture. Grainy texture typically results from cold cream cheese or over-mixing in a food processor; let come to room temperature and mix gently by hand to restore smoothness.

Scaling and Presentation

This recipe doubles or triples easily for large gatherings – just ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate increased volume. For elegant presentation, pipe into celery sticks using a pastry bag, or form into a cheese ball rolled in chopped pecans or fresh herbs.