Southern-Style Pimento Cheese Spread
This iconic Southern delicacy, known as 'the pâté of the South,' blends sharp cheddar, piquant pimentos, and creamy mayonnaise into a versatile spread that carries decades of heritage. Equally at home on sandwiches, crackers, or stuffed into vegetables, this pimento cheese recipe is creamy, tangy, and just a touch spicy – a perfect balance of comfort and bold flavor.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Box grater or food processor
- Rubber spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated, yellow or white
- 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ½ cup mayonnaise prefer Duke’s or Hellmann’s for authenticity
- 1 jar diced pimentos 4 oz jar, well drained
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika optional, adds depth and color
- ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to blend until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Fold in the grated cheddar cheese, mixing gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute.
- Add the drained pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir until uniformly combined. You should see flecks of red pimentos and cheese throughout a creamy base.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add 1–2 tablespoons of finely diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Lighten it by using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a tangy variation.
- Freshly grated cheese is key — it melts better and avoids the additives in pre-shredded varieties.
Nutrition
Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 8gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 321mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 889IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 216mgIron: 0.4mg
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