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Pimento Cheese

The classic Southern cheese spread made from sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and diced pimentos blended into a rich, tangy dip that is perfect with crackers, celery sticks, or as a sandwich spread.

15 minEasyServes 8290 cal/serving

Southern AmericanAppetizerNo-CookVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 oz diced pimentos (from a jar), drained
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • to taste salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy.

  2. 2

    Add 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  3. 3

    Stir in 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 4 oz drained diced pimentos (from a jar) until evenly incorporated. For a chunkier texture, fold gently; for a creamier spread, beat briefly with the mixer.

  4. 4

    Taste and add salt as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.

  5. 5

    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld. Serve chilled with crackers, celery, or bread.

Questions

Can I make Pimento Cheese dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, 8 oz cream cheese, softened) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free appetizer collection instead.

Can I make Pimento Cheese ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. It is served cold; there is nothing to reheat.

Can I halve or double Pimento Cheese?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. There is no cooking pitfall here; the quantities simply scale.

Serve it with

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