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Sharp cheddar and sweet pimentos come together with creamy ingredients to make a classic spread you can scoop onto sandwiches, dip veggies in, or spoon on crackers.
Once I found hand-grating cheese made everything smoother, I couldn’t stop bringing this to get-togethers.
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Tasty Ingredients:
- Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder boost flavor
- Sharp cheddar: Freshly shredded is a must
- Pimentos: Add sweet zip
- Cream cheese: Makes everything smooth
- Good mayo: Gets it all to the right spreadable state
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Let It Chill
- Put in the fridge at least an hour
- Wait until it’s a little less cold to dig in
- Scoop onto whatever you like
- Keep leftovers chill and covered
- Get Those Flavors Right
- Sprinkle in a bit of spice at a time
- Taste as you go
- Decide if you want it with more or less heat
- Add salt once everything else is in
- Add Cheese Stage
- Gradually stir in your shredded cheddar
- Mix in the drained pimentos
- Gently combine — don’t go wild
- Stop as soon as it’s all mixed up
- Mix Up The Base
- Soften the cream cheese and scoop in mayo
- Blend until it’s totally smooth and lump-free
- Season with your spices
Sitting in the fridge for a few hours is where the flavors really start doing their thing.
Keeping It Fresh:
Good in the fridge for seven days. Skipping the freezer is best — texture just won’t be the same.
How to Eat It:
Pile it on celery, spread on crackers or sandwiches, or use as a creamy dip for crunchy veggies.
Switch It Up:
For a new spin, swap in jalapeños or sprinkle in smoked paprika for something different.
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Pro Tips:
- Use softened cream cheese
- Skip the pre-shredded — hand grate!
- Season in small amounts
- Give it time to rest before digging in
All these years of making it, I’ve found it’s the top-notch ingredients and a good chill in the fridge that make this spread taste downright Southern.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which cheese works best?
- Go for sharp cheddar for boldest taste. A little medium cheddar won't hurt either.
- → How long does it stay fresh?
- Pop it in a sealed container in your fridge and it's good for up to a week.
- → Can you freeze this?
- Freezing isn't great. Once thawed, it won't keep that creamy feel.
- → How do you serve this?
- Stack on sandwiches, spread over crackers, fill up celery, or scoop with veggies.
- → No pimentos handy?
- Chop up some roasted red peppers—they work just as well.
Effortless Pimento Cheese
Tasty Southern classic with bold cheddar, tangy pimentos, and simple spices.
Ingredients
→ Seasonings
→ Creamy Elements
→ Cheese Base
Steps
Stick it in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors come together
Taste and sprinkle more salt or pepper if you think it needs it
Stir in pimentos, cheddar, and all the spices
Beat mayo with the cream cheese until creamy
Notes
- Toss in some jalapeños if you like it hot
- Swap in roasted red peppers if you want
- Tastes even better if made the day before
Required Equipment
- Big bowl
- Something airtight for storing
Allergen Information
Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
- Has dairy in it
- Mayo has eggs
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: ~
- Carbs: ~
- Protein: ~