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If you’ve ever tasted Southern comfort food at its finest, you know that a truly good pimento cheese spread is simply unforgettable. This Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe combines sharp cheddar, creamy cheeses, and just the right kick of spices to create a spread that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly addictive. Whether you’re planning a party snack, a picnic treat, or a quick and satisfying appetizer, this recipe is easy to whip up and promises to become an instant classic in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about using simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and just a little spicy. Each component plays a crucial role in building that rich texture and unforgettable flavor.
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show, providing bold flavor and a satisfying, melty texture.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Adds a subtle nutty depth that elevates the overall taste.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: Brings creamy softness to the spread, making it irresistibly smooth.
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise: Duke’s or Blue Plate work best here, adding moisture and a tangy richness.
- 8 ounces jarred pimiento peppers: Drained and rinsed to add a sweet, slightly smoky pop of color and flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Provides gentle aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to give the spread a playful kick.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the spice profile and rounds out the dish.
- Crackers, mini pretzel twists, and tortilla chips: Your perfect crunchy companions to scoop up the cheesy goodness.
How to Make Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Grate Cheeses
Freshly grating the sharp cheddar cheese is crucial for a creamy, yet textured bite. Whether you use a food processor or a trusty box grater, ensure the cheese is finely grated. For the parmesan, a hand grater or zester is ideal—this fine texture helps it blend seamlessly throughout your spread, bringing bursts of flavor without clumping.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment makes this step super easy, but a hand mixer in a large bowl will do just fine. Combine the grated cheddar, parmesan, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pimiento peppers along with the onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Blend for about two minutes until everything is creamy and evenly incorporated. You’ll see how the colors meld into a luscious, inviting spread.
Step 3: Chill
Pop your pimento cheese into the fridge for at least two hours to let all those flavors marry perfectly. Chilling enhances the depth and gives the texture a chance to firm up just enough for spreading. Believe me, the patience here is so worth it!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
For the ideal experience, bring your pimento cheese to room temperature just before serving—that makes it easier to spread and allows all the nuances of flavor to really shine. Scoop it out with your favorite crackers, pretzels, or tortilla chips and prepare for compliments galore.
How to Serve Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, or chopped fresh herbs such as chives or parsley can add a fresh pop of color and a little brightness to balance the richness. A few whole pimiento peppers laid on top also make for a pretty, inviting presentation.
Side Dishes
This pimento cheese pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like pickles, crisp celery sticks, or even sliced tomatoes. You can also serve it alongside crunchy pickled veggies or fresh crudités for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that keeps your taste buds entertained.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Spread your Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe between slices of buttery toasted bread for ultimate pimento cheese sandwiches, or dollop it atop stuffed celery sticks for a quick snack. It’s also delicious served warm melted over baked potatoes or stuffed into jalapeño poppers for a bold twist on game-day fare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily keep your pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving again to refresh its creamy texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not highly recommended because the texture may change, becoming a bit crumbly after thawing. If you do freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
This spread is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is usually unnecessary. If you’d like a warm dip, try gently melting it on low heat in a saucepan, stirring often to maintain creaminess without separating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional and essential for the classic flavor, you can experiment with extra sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, or even a mix that includes Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier spread.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Not at all! The cayenne pepper adds just a subtle warmth to balance the richness, making it enjoyable even for those who prefer mild flavors. You can always adjust the cayenne up or down depending on your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This particular Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe relies heavily on dairy for its signature texture and flavor. However, there are vegan substitutes like cashew-based cheeses and dairy-free mayo you can try, but the flavor and texture will differ from the classic.
How long does pimento cheese last once made?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. Be sure to keep it tightly covered to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
What’s the best way to serve pimento cheese at a party?
Presentation is everything! Serve your pimento cheese in a pretty bowl surrounded by an array of crackers, pretzels, and fresh veggies. Adding small spoons or spreaders lets guests help themselves easily, and garnishing with a few diced pimentos or herbs adds a welcoming touch.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe is such a joyful and rewarding experience. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile—perfect for everything from casual snacks to elegant gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your friends and family. Once you do, this creamy, cheesy delight will be a staple in your recipe repertoire for years to come!
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Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Homemade Pimento Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy spread made from sharp cheddar, parmesan, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pimiento peppers. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, it combines bold cheeses with a hint of spice and is great served with crackers, pretzels, or tortilla chips. The recipe is quick to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and ideal for entertaining or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (not powdered)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
Other Ingredients
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Blue Plate preferred)
- 8 ounces jarred pimiento peppers, drained and rinsed
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Serving Suggestions
- Crackers
- Mini pretzel twists
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Grate Cheeses: Grate the sharp cheddar cheese using a food processor or box grater for ease and freshness. Finely grate the parmesan cheese with a hand grater or zester to ensure a fine, even texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine the grated cheddar, parmesan, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimiento peppers, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and well-blended.
- Chill: Transfer the cheese spread to a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop depth for a richer taste experience.
- Serve: Before serving, allow the pimento cheese to come to room temperature for ideal texture and flavor. Serve with your choice of crackers, mini pretzel twists, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Using freshly grated cheeses instead of pre-shredded ensures creamier texture and better flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the level of spiciness to suit your taste.
- Allow the cheese spread to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and spreadability.
- Store the pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days.
