What is Southern pimento cheese? What is love language? What is the taste of summer picnics, church potlucks and Grandma’s hugs all rolled into one? If you’ve ever had a grilled cheese sandwich and thought, “This is good, but it needs *something*,” then you know it isn’t. If you want to have a happy life, then you need this. Is it okay to forget Brie and crackers? What is Southern pimento cheese? – The Pimento Cheese Queen herself.

What is Southern pimento cheese?

Think of Southern Pimento Cheese as the caviar of the South – but way more approachable and delicious. Is it better to eat meat? What is a creamy, cheesy spread made with sharp cheddar cheese and pimentos? What are some good little red peppers and mayonnaise recipes? What are the secret ingredients that make it sing? Some folks call it “the pâté of the South,” and while I can see the similarity in texture, pimento is the same. Why is cheese so addictive? Is it that staple that everyone has their own version of, but this one… This one’s special. It’s Betty Sue’, after all!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best ways to fall head over heels for this Southern Pimento Cheese?flavorIs it insane? You get that sharp cheddar bite, the sweetness from the pimentos, and this creamy, tangy richness. What is a chef’s kiss? What I love most is that it’s so beautiful.easyIs it really that easy to whip up?What are– no fancy ingredients required. And let’s talk about food.versatilityCan you slathe it on crackers, make grilled cheese sandwiches, use it as a dip for veggies? What are some good ways to stuff celery sticks with it? What is your signature dish? What’s that go-to recipe that always impresses, and it just screams Southern hospitality? Is this better than any store bought version? If you like cheese balls, think of this as its cool cousin. It’s got that same cheesy satisfaction, but with a whole lot more personality.

How do you make Southern pimento cheese?

Quick Overview

How do I make Southern Pimento Cheese? What is the recipe for grating cheese, chopping up pimentos, and mixing it all together? With some mayo and spices. What is the right balance of ingredients and texture? Some folks like it chunky, some like smooth – I’ll show you how to customize it to your liking. What’s special about my grandma’s method is that she always used a little bit of cream cheese to bake cookies. What does it feel like to have extra creamy taffy?

Ingredients

For the Base:
* 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (I like to use a mix of yellow and white for extra flavor)
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (this is Grandma’s secret ingredient!)
* 4 ounces jarred pimentos, drained and chopped (don’t skimp on these!)
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is the only acceptable answer here, y’all know it!)
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (just a little tang)

For the Flavor Boost: What are some examples
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because everything’s better with garlic)
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little kick – adjust to your liking)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, if you have it!)
* Pinch of salt (taste and adjust as needed)

How do I follow

Step 1: Prep the Cheese

What is the best way to grate cheddar cheese? Pre-shredded cheese often has cellulose in it, which can affect the texture. How do you grate it yourself to ensure it melts into the spread? Make sure your cream cheese is softened! If it’s still cold, it won’t mix in smoothly and you’ll end up with little clumps.

Step 2: Combine the Cheeses

In a large bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Set aside. Use a fork or rubber spatula to mash them together until they’re well combined. What is the foundation of pimento cheese?

Step 3: Add the Pimentos and Mayonnaise

Add the chopped pimentos, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard to the bowl. I know some people have opinions about mayonnaise, but trust me, Duke’s is the way to go for it. Southern Pimento Cheese. What is the right balance of tang and richness that makes this recipe perfect. I can experiment with others if I must, but don’t say I didn’T warn you!

Step 4: Spice It Up

Add the garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt to the bowl. Mix well. Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, skip it altogether. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Step 5: Mix It Well

How do you mix all the ingredients together using a fork or rubber spatula? How do I not overmix? Is pimento cheese a smooth paste? I like to leave some small chunks of cheese for added character.

Step 6: Chill Out

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. What is the best way to make pimento cheese firm? I think it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Southern Pimento Cheese with crackers, celery sticks, or on a grilled cheese sandwich. Get creative and enjoy! Is this stuff addictive?

Step 8: Clean Up (Optional)

What’s the best part about this recipe? Just a few dishes and you’re done. More time to enjoy that pimento cheese!

What should I serve it with?

What are some good uses for Southern pimento cheese?For a Party:Think crackers, veggies, and toasts. I love setting out a platter with an assortment of goodies for dipping and spreading.What is a quick lunch?Slather it on some bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, or stuff it into celery sticks for healthy snacking.For a Southern Spread:Serve it with fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, and some sweet tea for the ultimate Southern treat. My family always serves it with Ritz crackers – it’s a tradition! I like to sprinkle paprika on top of everything. It just makes it look extra fancy, even though it’s the easiest thing in the world to make.

How do I make a perfect Southern pimento cheese?

What are some insider secrets I’ve learned from years of making this Southern lifestyle? Pimento cheese.Cheese Choice:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheddar cheese. I love using a mix of sharp and extra-sharp for more complex flavor. What are some good ways to add smoked cheddar to a dish? I tried a pepper jack once… wouldn’t recommend it. Stick with the cheddar family.Mayonnaise Matters: As I mentioned before, Duke’s is my go-to mayonnaise for this recipe. But if you can’t find it, look for a mayonnaise that has a good tang and isn’t too sweet. I’ve heard good things about Hellmann’s, but I haven’t tried it myself.

Pimento Prep: Make sure to drain the pimentos really well before chopping them. You don’t want any extra moisture in your pimento cheese. I usually pat them dry with a paper towel just to be safe.

Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, start with a small pinch and add more as needed. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. My husband likes his super spicy, so I sometimes make a separate batch just for him.

Texture Talk: If you prefer a smoother pimento cheese, you can use a food processor to blend the ingredients together. But be careful not to overprocess it! You still want some texture. Personally, I like it a little chunky, so I just mix it by hand.

Resting Period: Don’t skip the chilling time! This is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together and the pimento cheese to firm up. I usually make it a day ahead of time for the best results. I tried skipping the chill once when I was short on time. It was still tasty, but definitely not as good.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s the lowdown on storing your Southern Pimento Cheese:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Mayonnaise is involved, so you want to be careful about spoilage. If you’re serving it at a party, keep it chilled as much as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store your pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It might dry out a bit over time, so you can add a little bit of mayonnaise to freshen it up.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing pimento cheese. The texture can change when it thaws, and it might become watery. But if you absolutely have to, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: There’s no glaze in pimento cheese (that would be weird!), but if you’re serving it with crackers or other toppings, keep them separate until serving time to prevent them from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with pre-shredded cheese?

While it’s definitely more convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly and give your pimento cheese a slightly grainy texture. I always recommend grating your own cheese for the best results.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While sharp cheddar is the classic choice for Southern Pimento Cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese if you like. A mix of sharp cheddar and Colby Jack can be delicious, or you could try adding a little bit of Gruyere for a more complex flavor. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well and complement the other ingredients.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making it at least a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I add other ingredients?

Of course! Southern Pimento Cheese is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can add chopped pickles, bacon, jalapenos, or even a little bit of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Just be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Is Duke’s mayonnaise really that important?

Okay, I might be a little biased, but yes! Duke’s mayonnaise has a unique tang and richness that just makes Southern Pimento Cheese taste like home. If you can’t find it, look for a mayonnaise that has a similar flavor profile and isn’t too sweet.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my Grandma Betty Sue’s secret Southern Pimento Cheese recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party, packing it for a picnic, or just enjoying it as a snack, I guarantee it’ll be a hit. What makes this recipe so special? It’s the little things, like using good quality cheese, not skimping on the pimentos, and adding that little bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. And of course, a whole lotta love! If you’re a fan of easy, cheesy dips, you might also enjoy my recipe for Jalapeno Popper Dip – it’s another crowd-pleaser. Happy cheese spreading, y’all! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and be sure to share any variations you come up with. And don’t forget to rate the recipe!