Get ready to dive into the most irresistible Southern comfort food that's about to become your new obsession! This isn't just another cheese spread – it's a creamy, tangy explosion of flavor that'll transport you straight to a Southern kitchen, where tradition meets pure deliciousness. Whether you're a cheese lover, a Southern cuisine enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates mind-blowing appetizers, this homemade pimento cheese recipe is about to change your culinary game forever!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- cream cheese
- pimentos, diced
- mayonnaise
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Allow cream cheese and cheddar cheese to soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes to ensure smooth mixing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine grated sharp cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese, ensuring they are thoroughly blended.
- Drain diced pimentos completely and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in the cheese spread.
- Add mayonnaise to the cheese mixture, stirring until the ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the mixture, stirring carefully to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Fold in the drained pimentos gently, ensuring they are distributed throughout the cheese spread.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Before serving, stir the pimento cheese and adjust seasonings to taste if needed.
- Serve chilled with crackers, as a sandwich spread, or as a dip for vegetables.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Let your cheeses soften at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing. Cold cheese will create lumpy, uneven texture.
- Drain Pimentos Thoroughly: Excess moisture can make your spread watery, so pat those pimentos dry with paper towels.
- Quality Ingredients Make a Difference: Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor punch and full-fat cream cheese for richness.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Letting the spread rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the seasonings to meld and intensify.
- Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with adding a dash of cayenne for heat or fresh chives for extra zing.
- Storage Tip: This pimento cheese keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days – if it lasts that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
