Nostalgic Old-Fashioned Southern Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

Creamy southern pimento cheese spread brings back memories of lazy afternoons and cherished family gatherings.

Grandmothers across the region perfected this simple yet delectable recipe generations ago.

Tangy cheddar blends smoothly with roasted peppers, creating a rich and comforting texture.

Sharp cheese and zesty ingredients dance together in a delightful harmony.

Soft bread or crisp crackers provide the perfect canvas for this classic Southern staple.

Each bite connects you to traditional kitchen wisdom passed down through loving hands.

FAQs

• What is pimento cheese spread?

A Southern classic dip made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and diced pimentos, creating a creamy and tangy spread perfect for snacking.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give the spread a spicy kick while maintaining its traditional flavor profile.

• Is homemade pimento cheese better than store-bought?

Homemade offers fresher ingredients, customizable flavor, no preservatives, and allows you to control the texture and taste precisely.

• What are the best ways to use pimento cheese spread?

Use as a dip for crackers, spread on sandwiches, stuff into jalapeños, top burgers, or use as a filling for stuffed celery sticks.

Why Fans Love Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

• Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic Southern recipe that brings generations of flavor to your table, capturing the heart of traditional home cooking.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust ingredients to suit personal taste preferences, making this spread a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family reunions, this cheese spread instantly becomes the star of any spread.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients in one bowl with simple mixing, creating a delicious dip that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum taste.

What Goes into Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A key ingredient that provides a rich, tangy flavor to the spread.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Mayonnaise, Worcestershire Sauce: Create a zesty and creamy base that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Parsley, Sugar: These seasonings add depth, complexity, and a balanced taste to the pimento cheese spread.

• Pimentos: Provide a sweet, mild pepper flavor and a vibrant red color to the spread.

Easy Steps for Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

Step 1: Grate Cheddar Cheese

Break down the block of cheddar cheese using a box grater or food processor. Freshly grated cheese provides a more vibrant texture and melts beautifully compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Step 2: Prepare Creamy Base

• Softened cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Finely chopped pimentos
• Minced fresh parsley

Whip these ingredients until they create a smooth, silky foundation for your spread.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Pinch of granulated sugar

Stir these seasonings thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the cheese mixture.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gently fold the grated cheddar cheese into the creamy base. Mix until all ingredients are perfectly incorporated, ensuring no dry cheese spots remain.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more complex taste profile.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and serve with an array of accompaniments like crisp crackers, toasted bread, fresh vegetable sticks, or as a delightful sandwich spread. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Smart Notes on Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor profile and better texture in your spread.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother consistency.
• Pat pimentos dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the spread watery.
• Start with small amounts of spices and taste, then add more to suit your preference.
• Prepare the spread a day in advance to allow flavors to meld together in the refrigerator.

New Takes on Pimento Cheese Southern Style

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate diced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery Southern-style spread that adds extra heat and excitement.
• Smoky Bacon Blend: Fold in crispy, crumbled bacon bits to create a rich, savory version that enhances the classic cheese spread with a smoky depth.
• Herb Garden Upgrade: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like chives, dill, or basil to brighten the spread and add a fresh, aromatic dimension to the traditional recipe.
• Roasted Red Pepper Remix: Replace pimentos with chopped roasted red peppers for a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor profile that still honors the original Southern classic.

Snacks to Enjoy with Pimento Cheese Spread

Perfectly Pair Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, tangy cheese spread with its bright, refreshing acidity.
• Southern-Style Cracker Ensemble: Choose buttery, flaky crackers like water crackers or butter toast points to provide a delicate crunch that highlights the creamy spread's texture.
• Fresh Vegetable Dipping Delight: Slice crisp cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, and celery sticks to offer a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to the cheese's richness.
• Craft Beer Matchmaker: Opt for a light, hoppy pale ale or wheat beer that cuts through the spread's creaminess and enhances its savory flavors with a refreshing finish.

Keeping Pimento Cheese Spread Tasty Longer

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the pimento cheese spread fresh and delicious in the coldest part of your refrigerator.

Transfer to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you press out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Move frozen spread to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to slowly defrost and maintain its creamy texture.

Stir well after thawing, and if needed, add a small amount of mayonnaise to restore the original smooth consistency.

Old-Fashioned Southern Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy southern pimento cheese spread blends sharp cheddar, tangy cream cheese, and roasted peppers into a nostalgic Southern classic. Generations of home cooks have cherished this simple yet irresistible appetizer that connects you to comfort and tradition.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (600 ml) cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) pimentos, drained

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder with parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Sweetener:

• 1 teaspoon sugar

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Instructions

1. Grate the cheddar cheese using a box grater or food processor for optimal texture and even distribution.
2. Place softened cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl to ensure smooth blending.
3. Add shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, drained pimentos, and seasonings into the bowl, creating a vibrant mixture.
4. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce and sugar, which will enhance the spread’s complex flavor profile.
5. Vigorously mix all ingredients using a spatula or electric mixer until achieving a uniform, creamy consistency.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a balanced blend of tangy, sharp, and slightly sweet notes.
7. Cover the spread and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop depth.
8. Serve chilled as a delectable dip alongside crackers, fresh vegetables, or as a savory sandwich spread.
9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining optimal freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing sharp and mild cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt to decrease calories.
• Enhance spiciness by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for those who enjoy extra kick.
• Create a gluten-free option by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks instead of traditional bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg