Fortunately, my husband is an amazing cook, and he’s really good at taking over kitchen duty on the weekends. Today I’m sharing one of his best recipes (you’re welcome); homemade pimiento cheese. We eat a batch of this almost every week; it’s my favorite for lunch and I catch my son eating it for breakfast all the time.
If you’re not from the South, then pimiento cheese might be a bit of a mystery to you. Trust me, it’s definitely something you want to try. Homemade is hands-down the best (dare I say, the only) way to go, and this is the best recipe I’ve ever had.
Pimiento Cheese
This Southern staple is easy to make and incredibly addictive!
Ingredients
- 16 oz high quality extra sharp cheddar cheese (buy a block and grate by hand)
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
- 4 oz jar of pimientos (with the oil they're packed in)
- 1/2 c mayo (we prefer Duke's)
- 1/4 t onion powder
- 1/4 t pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, finely minced
- pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Grate cheddar and cube cream cheese.
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Put all ingredients into bowl of stand mixer, and using paddle attachment, mix until well combined.
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Add a little more mayo if you like your cheese creamier/wetter. Adjust seasonings based on taste and heat preference.
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Optional: add 1-2 T. of crumbled bleu cheese.
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Store in refrigerator.
Duke’s Mayonnaise is a southern favorite, but if you can’t find it where you are, Hellman’s Original is a good substitute. Or if you have access to fresh local eggs, you can make your own mayo (SO easy and SO good!). I can’t vouch for your results if you try to go low-fat with your mayo…but why would you?!?!
Be sure to pin this one for later–it’s a delicious (and different) appetizer. Enjoy!
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Pimiento cheese is one of my husband’s favorite Southern foods, but I’ve never made it at home. I am going to make this for him this week. Thanks for the recipe!
You’re so welcome. Let me know how he likes it!
Too funny… I Just recently had this at a friend’s in Nashville, and until then, Had never heard of it. it is amazing, and I’m so excited to be able to make it! Thank you…
Enjoy–let me know how you like it!
I used to have a recipe for pimiento cheese but lost it. So glad you shared this ~ thank you! I love the inclusion of the garlic, jalapeno & pepper flakes. My kinda dish!
xo
Pat
You will love this recipe–I promise!
I made this.. but blended Boars Head Smoked Cheddar, and Smoked Gouda.. and Fontina cheese to the cream cheese.. smoky wonderful flavor.
Oh, now that sounds heavenly! Thanks for sharing your tweaks with everyone so we can try them in the future.
Christy