Looking for the perfect pimento cheese recipe? My take on this Southern staple all started with late-night, rooftop drinks for Stella’s graduation, unexpectedly paired with the most PERFECT Negroni of my life.
While many traditional pimento cheese recipes boast a list of ingredients—from pimentos (obviously!) to various cheeses, mayos, jalapeños and a whole spice rack (onion powder, garlic powder, the list goes on!)—I’ve streamlined mine to seven uber-flavorful ingredients (you might even already have them in your kitchen!).
I immediately came home from that trip to create my version of this classic recipe with mega flavor. You’ll find the perfect tang from cream cheese, a wonderful warmth and depth from a generous kick of cayenne, and the secret weapon: finely grated fresh yellow onion. This simple combination creates a rich, creamy, and undeniably addictive homemade pimento cheese that truly stands out (I love it so much!).
Best of all, it comes together in minutes and stays fresh in your fridge for a solid week!
I mostly use my pimento cheese as a dip, paired with pretzels (if you haven’t tried it, DO!). Or, use any old cracker (go Ritz!). It’s delicious smeared on toasted sourdough, grilled cheese sandwiches, paired with deviled eggs, scooped onto crispy celery, on a cheese sandwich (pimento cheese sandwich anyone?!), an added layer to your favorite sandwich…the possibilities are endless.
But again, I go back to where it really shines: AS A DIP. The needed addition to every cheese/charcuterie platter.
Enjoy this! Make it! Adapt it! And let me know how much you’re loving it!
Everyone needs to try this. It is amazing!
—Sally
My Favorite Pro Tips for Making
The Best Pimento Cheese Out There!
Make sure the mayonnaise and cream cheese are at room temperature.
Your first step to making pimento cheese is to blend the mayo and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This is easiest to do when the ingredients are at room temperature. Specifically, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature (or use your electric stand mixer to beat it into submission).
Use the best-quality mayonnaise and cream cheese.
Since they’re the base of this recipe, they need to taste good! I highly recommend Best Foods, Hellmann’s and Sir Kensington’s; all are great mayonnaise options. For cream cheese, there is no substitute for Philadelphia cream cheese, end of story!
Step-by-Step Instructions & Photos to
Make Perfect Pimento Cheese Every Time
More Appetizer Recipes
If we were to sit down right now and share some snacks, it would probably include this Pimento Cheese Dip, as well as this incredibly delicious (and easy!) Strawberry Jam, some goat cheese, a creamy brie, prosciutto and perhaps some homemade focaccia! And you can find all of the appetizer recipes here!
Enjoy this easy pimento cheese recipe!
Positively Delicious Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe (So Easy!)
Equipment
- Le Parfait Jars (perfect for storing your pimento cheese)
Ingredients
- 4 oz (121 g) mayonnaise good quality, such as Best Foods, Hellmann's or Sir Kensington's
- 4 oz (114 g) cream cheese softened, I recommend Philadelphia if you can get it
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 jar (4 oz/113 g) pimentos drained and chopped
- 1/2 (35 g) small onion finely grated; I love a yellow onion for this (don't use purple onion)
- 8 oz (234 g) sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese finely grated
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, cream cheese, cayenne and salt until well blended and smooth. Take care that there aren't any chunks of cream cheese and that it's completely combined.
- Mix in the pimentos and onion until evenly distributed throughout the pimento cheese dip. Finally, mix in the cheese, making sure it is well combined. Break up any clumps of cheddar cheese, stirring until they're all gone and the pimento cheese is a well-blended mixture that's perfect for dipping.
- Stash the pimento cheese in airtight, lidded containers until ready to serve.
Notes
If Using a Food Processor
Using a food processor makes this a breeze to make! First, finely grate the cheese and then transfer it to a large bowl. Next, pulse the pimentos, mayo, cream cheese, onion, and cayenne until everything is combined, but there are still chunks of pimentos. Finally, fold that creamy mixture in with the cheese, and voilà! You’re done!Adding Onion
If your onion is especially strong (you’ll know when you first start grating it!), add 1/2 of the recommended amount and then taste and adjust, adding more if desired.Variations
I really want to make it with small bits of crispy bacon and green onions. If you do this, please report back!Storing Pimento Cheese
Store in an airtight container in the refridgerator for up to one week. You can freeze pimento cheese, but I don’t recommend it. The texture goes off and it can become a bit grainy.The post Positively Delicious Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe appeared first on DisplacedHousewife.
