If you’ve ever experienced the creamy, tangy goodness of a Southern classic, you know that nothing quite beats a homemade Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe. This vibrant, cheesy delight is a true crowd-pleaser, with its perfect balance of sharp cheddar, smooth cream cheese, and just the right amount of zesty pimentos. Whether you’re spreading it on crackers, dolloping it on sandwiches, or stirring it into your favorite dishes, this Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your all-time favorites. Trust me, once you make it from scratch, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect mix of creamy texture, sharp flavor, and a hint of spice that makes this spread so irresistible.
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar gives the spread its unmistakable tang and punch.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness and smoothness to balance the cheddar.
- 4 oz diced pimentos, drained: The star ingredient that brings subtle sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Offers a silky texture and helps bind all the flavors together.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory note that brightens the spread.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds depth and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Delivers a subtle kick to awaken the palate without overwhelming.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by shredding the sharp cheddar cheese finely if it’s not pre-shredded. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it mixes easily without lumps. Drain the pimentos thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the spread.
Step 2: Combine the Cheeses and Mayonnaise
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend the ingredients until you have a smooth, uniform mixture. The combination of cream cheese and mayonnaise forms the creamy base that makes the spread irresistibly luscious.
Step 3: Add the Pimentos and Seasonings
Fold in the diced pimentos along with the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to incorporate without breaking down the pimentos too much, preserving little bursts of sweetness and color throughout the spread.
Step 4: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the spread for at least one hour. This chilling step is crucial because it allows all the flavors to combine and intensify, transforming the spread into something truly spectacular.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dash of smoked paprika or a few chopped green onions on top for a touch of color and a hint of extra flavor. A small drizzle of olive oil can also add a glossy finish that will make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
This Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetables like celery sticks, crisp crackers, or warm toasted baguette slices. It’s brilliant alongside cold cuts or incorporated into a classic Southern meal for an extra cheesy boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spread it between sandwich breads for a rich grilled cheese variation or stuff it into mini bell peppers for colorful, bite-sized appetizers. Serving the spread in a hollowed-out bread bowl makes a stunning statement at parties and encourages everyone to dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Pimento Cheese Spread in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to one week, making it super convenient for snacks or last-minute gatherings.
Freezing
While you can freeze the spread, it may slightly change the texture upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container, and thaw it slowly in the fridge before serving. Give it a good stir before use to get back as much creaminess as possible.
Reheating
This spread is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you want to warm it, do so gently over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Be careful—not to overheat it—as the cheese can separate, altering the creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and provides a nice tang, you could experiment with smoked cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for varying depths of flavor.
Is mayonnaise necessary, or can I substitute it?
Mayonnaise is key for the creamy consistency, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream if you prefer a lighter option or a tangier profile.
How spicy is this spread with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds just a subtle warmth that gently wakes up the flavors without being overpowering. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I make this Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe vegan?
Traditional pimento cheese relies on dairy, but you can create a vegan version by using plant-based cheeses and vegan mayonnaise. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary somewhat.
What is the best way to serve pimento cheese at a party?
Serve it with an assortment of dippers like crackers, sliced veggies, and toasted bread. You can even fill mini bell peppers or endives for elegant bite-sized options that your guests will adore.
Final Thoughts
This Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe is such a joyful, flavorful treat to have on hand, whether for casual snacking or special occasions. Its creamy, cheesy goodness plus that subtle kick makes it impossible to resist. I’m excited for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen. Happy spreading!
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Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Southern Pimento Cheese Spread is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy cheese spread perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or as a flavorful dip. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, and a blend of spices, it is a delicious and versatile appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 oz diced pimentos, drained
Condiments and Spices
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Shred the sharp cheddar cheese and soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature. Drain the diced pimentos thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the spread.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and softened cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or spoon, blend the cheeses until smooth and creamy.
- Add Pimentos and Mayonnaise: Fold in the diced pimentos and mayonnaise, mixing well to evenly distribute the ingredients throughout the cheese mixture.
- Season the Spread: Add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all spices are well incorporated for balanced flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the spread and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use a food processor to blend the cheeses and pimentos.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Pimento cheese spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Serve as a sandwich filling or as a dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
