Delicious Pimento Cheese Recipe – Easy to Make at Home
My dear food enthusiast, allow me to introduce you to a recipe that will induce a southern-style culinary adventure in the comfort of your own kitchen. Pimento Cheese, an iconic classic of southern cuisine, is a cheese spread traditionally made from shredded cheddar cheese and diced pimento. It has been commonly served in the south since the early 1900s as a sandwich spread, cracker topping or dip.
Now, why settle for store-bought pimento cheese when you can have an authentic homemade version? I assure you; the taste is nothing short of sublime. This recipe boasts a delicious blend of shredded Colby and Sharp Cheddar cheeses mixed with tangy cream cheese, mayonnaise and mild yet flavorful pimentos. Culinary experts will appreciate the spice provided by a pinch of cayenne pepper. The creamy texture and defined flavor of Southern Style Pimento Cheese will make this tasty appetizer stand out at any party or gathering.
Allow me to guide you through “How to Make Pimento Cheese,” a recipe that will enrapture your palate with its exceptional taste and texture. Don’t believe me? Just try it out yourself, and I guarantee that this southern-style comfort food will become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a cheese lover in search of the perfect southern pimento cheese recipe? Look no further! This authentic southern-style pimento cheese recipe is guaranteed to feed your soul and have your taste buds begging for more.
What makes this pimento cheese recipe so amazing is the combination of grated colby and sharp cheddar cheese mixed with diced pimentos for that classic southern flavor. The addition of cream cheese and mayonnaise create a creamy texture that makes this spread irresistible.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the use of cayenne pepper, which adds a subtle kick that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a snack or sandwich spread, this pimento cheese recipe is versatile enough to be used in any dish.
All the ingredients used in this recipe are easily accessible in most grocery stores, making it convenient for anyone to make. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly. With only a few simple steps, you can whip up an impressive spread that will impress your friends and family.
Trust me when I say that once you try this southern-style pimento cheese, you’ll never go back to anything else. The combination of ingredients creates a flavor that is sure to become a household favorite. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why everyone loves Southern-style Pimento Cheese!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this Southern style pimento cheese recipe so irresistible. This cheese spread is traditionally made with shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos but we’ll be adding a few extra ingredients to really kick up the flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces Colby cheese, grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained and chopped
Cheese Spread Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Palmetto Cheese* or any other brand of store-bought pimento cheese spread
- 1 teaspoon coarsely grated onion
- Black pepper to taste
- Jalapeno pimento cheese dip recipe (optional)
These ingredients combine to give the classic Southern-style pimento cheese recipe a delicious new twist.
The Recipe How-To
Before we start the process, gather all the pimento cheese ingredients needed. We will be making a classic Southern-style pimento cheese that is creamy, tangy and flavorful.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by draining the pimentos and finely chop them on a cutting board. Shred the cheddar cheese using a grater, or use pre-shredded cheese if you prefer. For extra sharpness, use grated extra sharp cheddar cheese. Measure 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and set it aside.
Step 2: Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese (3 ounces), 1 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix together using an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cheddar Cheese Mixture
Add the previously shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups) to the bowl with cream cheese mixture. Mix everything together using a spatula until the cheeses are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Pimento Peppers Mixture
Add in 1 jar of drained pimentos (4 ounces) into the bowl, along with 1/2 cup diced onion, and mix well.
Step 5: Seasoning
Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon). Taste as you go to ensure that your seasoning is correct.
Step 6: Final Touches
Transfer to a serving dish or food container for storage. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
That’s it! This recipe only takes about ten minutes to make and yields four cups of delicious pimento cheese spread.
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, the key to making it your own is to experiment with different ingredients and techniques. Pimento cheese is no exception, and there are many variations that you can try out to find what works best for you.
One popular substitution for the cheddar cheese in traditional southern pimento cheese is white cheddar. This gives the dish a milder flavor and a lighter color. Another great variation is to add some spiciness in the form of diced jalapeño peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
If you’re looking to switch up the texture, try using colby cheese instead of extra sharp cheddar. Colby has a smoother texture and melts more easily, making it perfect for a creamy dip or sandwich spread.
For a sweeter version of pimento cheese, consider adding a bit of honey or brown sugar to the mix. This will create a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for serving with sliced apples or pears.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade pimentos by roasting red bell peppers on the grill or in the oven until they’re charred and blistered. Once peeled and diced, these homemade pimentos will give your pimento cheese an extra depth of flavor that can’t be beat.
Remember, when it comes to pimento cheese, there are endless possibilities for substitutions and variations. So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment until you find the perfect combination of flavors and textures that suit your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Now, it’s time to put your homemade southern-style pimento cheese to good use by pairing it with your favorite snacks and beverages. When it comes to serving pimento cheese, the possibilities are endless!
One classic way to enjoy this cheese spread is as a sandwich filling. Simply slather a generous amount of pimento cheese between two slices of bread and enjoy. Alternatively, you can scoop it up with crackers or chips for an easy and delicious snack.
If you’re looking to add some heat, try serving your pimento cheese with jalapeno peppers or adding some cayenne pepper to the recipe ingredients. This will give your dip or sandwich spread a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with cold beers or refreshing lemonade on a hot summer day.
For those who prefer a milder flavor, you can swap out sharp cheddar cheese for white cheddar. The result is a creamier and less sharp taste that pairs well with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or other fresh veggies.
If you want to take things up a notch, you can even use pimento cheese as a topping for burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches. The creaminess of the cheese is the perfect complement to smoky flavors from any barbecue grill.
No matter how you serve it, one thing is for certain- southern-style pimento cheese is always a crowd-pleaser!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve got your Southern-style Pimento Cheese made, you might be wondering how to store it for later use. The good news is that pimento cheese keeps really well, even when refrigerated for several days.
If you want to make the dish ahead of time, prepare the recipe as normal and then store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. The cheese will stay fresh for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy this delicious spread anytime you want without having to make it from scratch every time.
When reheating the pimento cheese, keep in mind that you don’t want to overheat it. This could cause the cheese to become stringy and clumpy, making it less enjoyable as a spread. Instead, reheat it slowly over very low heat or in short bursts in the microwave just until it reaches your desired temperature.
If you find that your pimento cheese has become too dry after reheating, simply add a bit of mayonnaise or cream cheese to help bring back its luxurious texture.
As always, remember that high-quality ingredients are the key to making any dish great. So be sure to use the freshest and highest quality cheeses and pimentos available when making this delicious Southern-style recipe.
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips that will help you achieve perfect Southern-style pimento cheese every time:
First, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese in a bag. The latter sometimes contains additives that prevent it from clumping and melting nicely.
Second, use room temperature cream cheese, which will blend in with the other cheese ingredients more easily. Don’t be tempted to skip this step or you may end up with lumps of cream cheese in your mixture.
Third, go for a combination of sharp cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses for the classic Southern pimento cheese flavor.
Fourth, if you like your pimento cheese with a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño peppers. Bear in mind that some people may not be able to handle too much heat, so consider the preferences of your guests when making a batch.
Fifth, don’t skimp on the quality of your mayonnaise. Southern-style pimento cheese recipes usually call for Duke’s or homemade mayonnaise because they are richer and more flavorful than other brands.
Lastly, give the flavors enough time to meld together by making pimento cheese ahead of time and refrigerating it for at least an hour before serving it. This allows the flavors to develop and become more complex instead of tasting like individual ingredients. Follow these tips and you will achieve perfect Southern-style pimento cheese every time!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions or concerns that arise while making this southern-style Pimento Cheese recipe. In this section, I’ll address some of the most commonly asked questions and provide answers to ensure that you achieve phenomenal results every time. So, take a breath and read these helpful tips carefully to ensure you make the perfect Pimento Cheese!
What is pimento cheese in the South?
Pimento cheese is a renowned Southern condiment composed of grated Cheddar, mayo and pimentos. It is usually paired with crackers and veggies or utilized as a sandwich stuffing, earning the moniker “southern-style pâté.”
How to make Paula Deen’s pimento cheese?
For this recipe, you’ll need some cream cheese that’s been sitting out at room temperature to make it easier to mix. You’ll also need some coarsely grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Make sure to pack the cheese tightly as you grate it to ensure proper measurement. Additionally, you’ll need some mayonnaise – about ½ cup, though you can adjust this to taste – and some garlic powder, just the smallest amount. To add a bit of zing, you’ll also need some minced pimentos – sweet pickled red or cherry peppers will work perfectly for this. Finally, grate up a bit of onion for some added flavor.
How do you make pimento cheese Trisha Yearwood?
Let’s start with turning those pimientos into a creamy, smooth mixture. Pop them in a blender or food processor and let them whirl until they’re pureed to perfection. Next, grab your trusty electric mixer and mix the pimientos with cheese until they’re smooth and supple. Don’t forget to throw in the mayonnaise and mix it all together until it’s blended like you wouldn’t believe. Once it’s all ready, generously spread it on some classic white sandwich bread. Oh, and remember, room temperature is key!
What is the difference between Palmetto Cheese and pimento cheese?
There is a well-known brand of pimento cheese called Palmetto Cheese that is distributed by Pawleys Island Specialty Foods, which is owned by Get Carried Away. The cheese is made and packaged by Duke Sandwich Productions in Easley, South Carolina.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an authentic southern-style dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings, then look no further than this delicious pimento cheese recipe.
With its creamy texture and spicy kick from cayenne pepper, this classic southern spread is perfect for snacking, sandwiches or as a dip for your next gathering. And with all of the options for substitutions and variations, you can customize it to your liking and create your own signature version.
Whether you choose to try Palmetto Cheese from Pawleys Island or use all of our recommended ingredients, there’s something about the taste of homemade pimento cheese that just can’t be beat.
So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch today and experience the taste of true southern comfort food right in your own home. Trust me, once you taste this cheese spread, you won’t regret it!
Pimento Cheese, Authentic Southern Style Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese, EXTRA sharp
- 1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese, Sharp
- 1 (8 ounce) package colby cheese
- 12 ounces chopped pimentos, well drained (3 - 4 oz jars)
- 15 ounces mayonnaise, Dukes Brand (approximate amount)
- cayenne pepper (a sprinkle to taste)
Instructions
- Rough cut all blocks of cheese into chunks about the size of a 50 cent piece.
- In your food processor with the regular blade, chop the extra sharp cheddar. You may have to do this in batches so you don't get a big lump. Return any removed cheese to the processing bowl and add a couple dollops of mayo and one jar of very well drained pimentos and whir up until blended nicely.
- Scrape the sharp cheddar, mayonnaise and pimento mixture into a large bowl.
- Change your blade to the shredding blade. Shred both the Colby and the sharp cheddar in batches. Put in a separate bowl. (Again, batches will be necessary.).
- Add the shredded cheese to the whirred up cheese folding it in a little at a time. Alternating with dollops of mayo and more of the drained pimentos. Lastly, stir in a smidge of cayenne. You don't want it to be hot, just have personality.
- Don't over stir to mush, but make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Some notes:
- **Yes, one could use Hellman's instead. But please, no Miracle Whip. Also, no low fat or light mayo. Your already eating a ton of cheese, that light mayo won't help you any.
- **Serve on very fresh white bread or Ritz Crackers if you are feeling fancy or are serving company. One piece of bread folded in half will transport you home, I'm sure. Yes, you could use anything else you like. It's great by the finger full, on hot dogs, hamburgers and crudités too.).
- **If you can't find the chopped pimentos. Go ahead and buy the fancy jarred red bell peppers, drain them well and chop / shred them in the food processor. They are the same thing, just more expensive.
- **This stays good in the refrigerator for up to a month. (If it lasts that long.) Even with mayo? Yes -- How long do you keep your mayonnaise jar in the fridge? Ya'll will know when it’s gone bad; the green furry stuff will take over. If it has just a little though, you can scrape it off and its fine. (Now the Food Safety people may disagree with me here, but it never killed any of us, so it's up to you.)
- **This makes four (4) 16oz Ball jelly jars. Enough to keep and some to share.
- **Please, for the love of God above -- don't buy pre-shredded cheese. It is too expensive and has extra ingredients in it that keep the shreds separate. 1 cup by volume of shredded cheese is not the same as 8oz of weight. You could go ALLLLL authentic and grate by hand with a box grater and work off some of the calories you'll eat when tasting for perfection. It's tough though. Please, beg, borrow or all but steal to get a food processor for this one.
- **The mix of cheeses is as similar as you can get to the old government cheese from which this recipe was initially invented. We were just fortunate enough not to be on the list for those 10lb blocks of cheese, but one would find this mixture very similar.
- ** There is no cream cheese in this recipe. You get the creaminess from the way you process the extra sharp cheddar.
- **Fancy cheese is not necessary. Get generic, it's perfectly fine.
- **If you've ever had the kind in the jar and hated it, no worries. This is totally different. That other stuff is chemical in a jar.
- **Please, enjoy with your choice of a Mason jar of sweet tea, some very sweet red Kool-Aid or fruit punch Fla-Vor-Aid! I hope if your familar that it take you back. If it's new to you -- it can be a new tradition. It's like grilled cheese without the grill.
- Lip Smack -- ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!
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