Pimento Cheese

Name: Pimento Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
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

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

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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

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

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

Taste and add salt as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.
5

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

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Questions

How long does Pimento Cheese take?

As written, 15 minutes: 15 of prep and 0 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 5, 30 minutes. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

Why fold instead of stir in Pimento Cheese?

Step 3 reads: "For a chunkier texture, fold gently; for a creamier spread, beat briefly with the mixer." Folding keeps the air you just beat in. Stirring at step 3 would knock it out and the result would come out dense.

Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in Pimento Cheese?

The entry for Pimento Cheese calls for 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. In its place: Soy sauce with a few drops of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

Can I make Pimento Cheese less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Pimento Cheese comes from 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes.

Does Pimento Cheese contain fish?

Yes: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is dairy, eggs and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Pimento Cheese?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 290 calories, with 18 g protein, 5 g carbohydrate and 22 g fat, plus 259 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

Comeback Sauce sauce
Sweet Tea drink
Mint Julep drink

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