Pimento Cheese Recipe
This classic Southern Pimento Cheese recipe combines creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and tangy diced pimentos into a delicious spread that’s perfect for appetizers or sandwiches. It’s easy to prepare, requiring no cooking, and results in a flavorful, creamy cheesy treat that pairs wonderfully with crackers or bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding cream cheese softening)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (includes softening time)
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of pimento cheese spread, serving about 6-8 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ⅓ cup diced pimento peppers, drained
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for at least 45 minutes to achieve a soft and creamy texture, which makes mixing easier.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimento peppers, mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to the cream cheese. Beat again until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Chill: Cover the pimento cheese mixture and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling helps meld the flavors together and firms up the spread.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftover pimento cheese into an airtight container and keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness for several days.
- Serve: Serve the pimento cheese as a delicious appetizer with crackers or spread it on white sandwich bread for a classic Southern treat.
Notes
- For best texture, freshly grate the cheddar cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese to avoid clumping.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste; a pinch more salt or garlic powder can enhance flavor.
- Pimentos can be found jarred in most grocery stores, typically in the canned pepper or olive aisle.
- For a tangier version, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of hot sauce.
- Storage: This spread keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: pimento cheese, Southern recipe, cheese spread, appetizer, creamy cheese dip, easy no-cook recipe
Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/pimento-cheese-recipe/
