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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 Questions & Answers
- → 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.