I have created a Classic Pimento Cheese Recipe that reinterprets a cherished Southern favorite with bold flavors and smooth textures. I blend sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a hint of mayonnaise with diced pimentos to create a rich, spreadable delight. My cherished version offers a surprisingly enticing twist on tradition.

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I’ve always been a fan of classic Southern flavors, and my Homemade Pimento Cheese recipe never disappoints. I remember first trying a simple pimento cheese dip and being blown away by its creamy texture and tangy kick.

In this version, I blend together 8 oz of sharp cheddar cheese, 8 oz of cream cheese, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and a jar of diced pimentos to create a luscious spread. I add a teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of black pepper, and sometimes I even toss in a few dashes of hot sauce for a little extra kick.

This creamy pimento cheese sauce is perfect on crackers or sandwiches and is one of the best pimento cheese recipes out there. It’s the ideal treat for any occasion when you’re looking for something both classic and unexpected.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super creamy and cheesy. When I mix the cream cheese with the mayo, it comes together so smooth and makes every bite feel rich and comforting.

I also love that the sharp cheddar and pimentos give it a nice kick. The flavors really pop and, with a few dashes of hot sauce, it gets that extra spicy vibe that makes it more interesting to eat.

Another reason I’m a fan is how versatile it is. I can spread it on crackers, slather it on bread, or just use it to make a classic pimento cheese sandwich. It fits any snack need without any fuss.

Finally, the homemade feel of it just makes it more special. Even if my stirring isn’t always perfect and sometimes it has a few lumps here and there, it still tastes amazing and reminds me that sometimes the simple, imperfect things really are the best.

Ingredients

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Sharp cheddar cheese: It’s high in protein, has a tangy taste and gives rich flavor.
Cream cheese: Gives smooth, soft texture and slight tang.
Boosts creaminess.
Mayonnaise: Contributes moisture and healthy fats.
It evenly blends flavors with a rich feel.
Pimentos: Add a sweet, peppery tang and vibrant color to brighten up the spread.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances creaminess; cooks use it for fine adjustments.
Black pepper: Brings a slight heat and subtle bite that intensifies the flavor blend.
Optional hot sauce: Adds a kick for those who prefer a spicier twist in recipes.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Optional few dashes of hot sauce for a little extra kick

How to Make this

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1. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the mayonnaise until they are blended enough.

2. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and combine well with the mixture.

3. Add the drained diced pimentos into the bowl and mix them evenly into the cheese blend.

4. Season the mixture with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper, then toss in a few dashes of hot sauce if you want that extra kick.

5. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are well mixed and no lumps remain.

6. Taste your mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed – add a bit more salt or pepper to suit your flavor.

7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least one hour so the flavors can really marry together.

8. Before serving, give the spread one final stir to ensure it’s smooth and well blended.

9. Enjoy your homemade pimento cheese on crackers, with bread, or in a classic pimento cheese sandwich.

10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Equipment Needed

1. A medium mixing bowl to blend the cream cheese, mayo, cheddar and pimentos
2. A stirring utensil such as a spoon or spatula for stirring the mix evenly
3. Measuring spoons for the salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce
4. A refrigerator for chilling the pimento cheese for at least an hour
5. An airtight container or plastic wrap to store any leftovers properly

FAQ

What’s the best way to mix the ingredients together?

You just stir everything together in a bowl until blended. Dont over mix cause sometimes you want a little texture in it.

How long can I keep this pimento cheese in the fridge?

It should be fine for up to a week in an airtight container. Just check it before you use it later on.

Can I use different cheeses than cheddar?

Yeah, you can mix in other cheeses if you want, but keep in mind that it might change the flavor a bit.

What if I dont have diced pimentos?

You can substitute with roasted red peppers or even fresh pimentos thats been chopped up. The flavor will be a little different but still great.

Is it possible to make a spicier version?

Sure thing, if you like it hot, just add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to give it more kick.

Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Cheddar cheese: You can try pepper jack or colby jack for a slightly different kick
Cream cheese: Neufchatel works real good if you want a lighter taste or even mix a bit of mascarpone in for creaminess
Mayonnaise: Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can be a cool change if you want something tangier
Diced pimentos: Roasted red peppers can be a solid swap if you’re aiming for a similar flavor profile
Hot sauce: If you’re out of hot sauce, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for that extra heat

Pro Tips

1. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you mix them up, cuz it really helps avoid those annoying lumps in your spread.
2. If you can, let your pimento cheese chill for more than an hour – even overnight is pretty rad. It gives the flavors time to really blend together nicely.
3. When adding the hot sauce, start with just a few dashes then taste and adjust. It’s easy to overdo it and end up with a spread that’s too spicy.
4. For an even creamier texture, try whisking the cream cheese and mayo a bit longer before adding the cheddar. This little extra step can make a big difference!