This classic recipe works as a dip, spread, or all by itself.
It can be chunky, spiked with hot sauce and cayenne pepper, and stuffed into celery sticks.
It can be made with extra mayonnaise for a creamy cracker topper.
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The list goes on and on.
A food processor will get the job done, but don’t cheat with the pre-grated stuff.
Second, pick jarred pimientos that are diced, not sliced.
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What Is Pimiento Cheese Made Of?
Classic pimiento cheese is made with three ingredients only: shreddedCheddar cheese,mayonnaise, andpimientos.
What you do with your pimiento cheese from there is up to youand probably the people who raised you.
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Cheddar cheese
The choice of Cheddars is up to you.
Some people like all of one variety, or a combination of two.
We use both classic sharp and extra-sharp in this recipe because we like the dual layer of cheese flavor.
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Whatever you do, don’t buy the pre-shredded Cheddar cheese.
That cheese is too dry and crumbly to make a spreadable pimiento cheese.
Shred the cheese yourselfby hand or with a food processor.
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Mayonnaise
You already know what we’re going to sayDuke’s or bust.
Nothing else matches the flavor.
Pimiento peppers
You’ll most likely find pimientos diced in a small jar at the grocery store.
They can be labeled as cherry peppers, too.
If you find them fresh, be sure to dice them, not cut them into strips.
Are pimiento peppers hot?
They are sweet and aromatic, not hot and spicy.
What Does Pimiento Cheese Taste Like?
Pimiento cheese is a tangy, creamy cheese spread.
The Cheddar cheese provides the strong base of flavor.
Pimiento peppers add a hint of sweet pepper tang without any heat.
The mayonnaise combines it all into a spread or spoonable dip.
Combine ingredients.First, you’ll add the mayo, Cheddar cheese, and pimiento peppers in a bowl.
Stir.With a large spatula, stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Some people like to take out a hand mixer and quickly whip the ingredients together.
It does make the pimiento cheese ever so slightly more spreadable.
So that’s up to you.
We also won’t shy away from putting pimiento cheese on foods to make them even more Southern.
Stir pimiento cheese into scrambled eggs, macaroni and cheese, or even chili.
Then, pop the bowl in the fridge.
Ingredients
1(4-oz.)
jardiced pimiento, drained
1 12cupsmayonnaise
1tsp.Worcestershire sauce
1tsp.finely grated yellow onion
14tsp.cayenne pepper
1(8-oz.)
block extra-sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1(8-oz.)
Stir cheeses into pimiento mixture until well combined.
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s almost no way Southerners won’t eat pimiento cheese.
This classic recipe works as a dip, spread, or all by itself.
Serve it as tea sandwiches between two slices of white bread.
Put it in a bowl beside crackers, vegetable chips, or crostini for easy dipping and spreading.
Or get fancy, and add it to sandwiches, salads, or even pasta.
