Southern Pimento Cheese

Southern Pimento Cheese is a quintessential Southern delicacy, often referred to as “the caviar of the South.” This creamy, tangy spread is a harmonious blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, seasoned with a hint of spice for an added kick. Served cold, it’s a versatile dish enjoyed in a multitude of ways—from a sandwich filling to a cracker topping or even as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Welcome back, y’all! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s as Southern as sweet tea and porch swings: Pimento Cheese. This creamy, tangy spread is a staple at any Southern gathering, whether it’s a church potluck, a family reunion, or just a lazy afternoon on the porch. But before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a little stroll down memory lane and chat about the history of this beloved dish.

The History of Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese has been gracing Southern tables since the early 20th century. Originally a delicacy made with imported Spanish pimientos, cream cheese, and mild cheddar, it quickly became a favorite among Southern ladies who loved to serve it at their luncheons. Now, I don’t know about y’all, but I can just imagine those prim and proper ladies, all dressed up in their Sunday best, gossiping about the latest town news while nibbling on dainty sandwiches filled with this delightful spread.

Over the years, the recipe evolved, and every Southern cook worth her salt has her own version. Some like it chunky, some smooth, some spicy, and some sweet. But one thing’s for sure: a good pimento cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

One thing is for sure, homemade pimento cheese doesn’t in any way compare to store bought pimento cheese. Once you’ve have had a taste of homemade, you’ll never buy store  bought again.

Now, let me share my take on this classic. This recipe is rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of kick to make your taste buds sing. And because we like to keep things interesting around here, I’ve included a few optional add-ins to jazz it up even more.

Ingredients that you will need to make Southern Pimento Cheese. (Be sure to see the full printable recipe below this post.)

• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Be sure to buy block cheese. Packaged shredded cheese will not work in this recipe.)
• Shredded mild cheddar cheese (Buy block cheese and shred)
• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Diced pimentos
• Yellow sweet onion or green onion
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper
• Tabasco sauce

Optional Add-ins:

Crumbled crispy bacon

Toasted pecans

Ritz crackers, celery sticks or bread, for serving

How to make Southern Pimento Cheese

1. Shred cheese by hand or use a food processor.  prepared shredded cheese will not work in this recipe.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheeses, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. Stir until well mixed.

3.  Add the onions, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

4. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

5. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in some crumbled bacon or toasted pecans for an extra layer of flavor.

6.  Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy!

Serve your pimento cheese with crackers, on a sandwich, or even as a dip for fresh veggies. And if you really want to impress your guests, top it with a bit of bacon or a sprinkle of toasted pecans before serving. It’s sure to be the hit of the party!

Entertaining Ideas

Pimento Cheese is versatile and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Here are a few entertaining ideas to make the most of this Southern favorite:

1. Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches- Perfect for a ladies’ luncheon. Cut the crusts off your bread and slice the sandwiches into cute little triangles or using a small round biscuit cutter, cut out circles  from a slice of bread and spread pimento cheese on top of each circle. Sprinkle each mini sandwich circle with crushed bacon, toasted pecans or slice a cherry tomato on top with a sprig of fresh parsley.

2. Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Celery- A healthier option that’s still delicious.

3. Pimento Cheese Burger- Slather some pimento cheese on your next burger for a decadent twist.

4. Pimento Cheese Deviled Egg-: Mix a bit of pimento cheese into your deviled egg filling for a new take on an old classic.

Tips for making the best pimento cheese!

– Always use freshly grated cheese. The pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. So buy the block cheese and shred by hand or in a food processor. Most important tip!!

– Let your pimento cheese sit in the fridge for a bit before serving. It allows the flavors to really come together.

– Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients. Add a bit more mayo if you like it creamier, or throw in some extra pimentos for more texture.

So there you have it, folks! A classic Southern Pimento Cheese recipe that’s sure to win over any crowd. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. And remember, the secret ingredient is always a heaping spoonful of Southern charm!

Happy cooking!

Aletia

Check Out these recipes! Perfect for summer entertaining.

Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Canapés

Lemon-Raspberry Tassies

Strawberry Marshmallow Dip

Be sure to check out my cookbook Deliciously Southern for a wonderful collection of tried and true Southern recipes.

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Thank you so much for stopping by. I’ll be back soon with more delicious recipes!

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