Grandma’s Secret Pimiento Cheese Recipe That Wows Guests

Southern kitchens buzz with warmth when rosalynn carter’s pimiento cheese recipe appears on the table.

Memories of georgia’s culinary traditions dance through each creamy bite.

Her signature blend captures comfort and elegance in a single spread.

Generations have cherished this classic southern staple with genuine affection.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical and memorable.

Cheese lovers will adore the rich, tangy combination of sharp cheddar and smooth pimientos.

Classic and Creamy Rosalynn Carter’s Pimiento Cheese

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This homemade pimiento cheese recipe is a guaranteed hit at gatherings, bringing people together with its rich, creamy flavor that everyone loves.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Requires minimal cooking skills and uses basic ingredients, making it perfect for quick snacks, sandwiches, or last-minute appetizers that impress without stress.
• Celebrate Southern Comfort: Connects you to a beloved Southern tradition with Rosalynn Carter's personal recipe, offering a taste of classic American comfort food that feels like a warm hug from home.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily transforms from a sandwich spread to a dip for crackers, vegetables, or as a topping, providing endless delicious possibilities for different meals and occasions.

Ingredients for Rosalynn Carter’s Pimiento Cheese

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that provides the primary tangy taste and creamy texture of the spread.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth and rich consistency to the pimiento cheese mixture.

• Pimientos, Onion: These ingredients bring a sweet and aromatic dimension to the classic cheese spread.
• Onion Powder: Provides a concentrated onion flavor without the raw texture of fresh onions.

• Mayonnaise, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients help bind the cheese mixture together and create a balanced, seasoned flavor profile.

How to Make Pimiento Cheese Rosalynn Carter Style

Step 1: Blend Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Diced pimientos
• Freshly grated onion
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a harmonious, tangy spread with a consistent texture.

Step 2: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the cheese mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a more intense and balanced flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare Serving Options

• Spread generously on soft white bread for classic sandwiches
• Use as a dip with crispy crackers
• Dollop on top of fresh vegetables
• Stuff into celery sticks for a quick snack

Step 4: Store and Enjoy

Transfer any remaining pimiento cheese to an airtight container.

It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a convenient and delicious spread for quick meals or unexpected guests.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pimiento Cheese

• Select extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor profile that elevates the entire spread.
• Grate onion fresh instead of using pre-chopped to release more aromatic oils and enhance overall taste.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture without lumps.
• Drain pimiento peppers completely to prevent excess moisture from making the spread runny or watery.
• Store pimiento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, letting flavors meld and develop over time.

Variations on Pimiento Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Pimiento Spread: Replace regular cheddar with pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños for a zesty kick.
• Greek-Inspired Cheese Blend: Swap cream cheese with crumbled feta, use extra virgin olive oil instead of mayonnaise, and sprinkle dried oregano for Mediterranean flair.
• Low-Fat Wellness Version: Use reduced-fat cheddar, Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and add chopped fresh chives for lighter texture.
• Vegan Plant-Based Alternative: Create with cashew cheese, dairy-free cream cheese substitute, nutritional yeast, and roasted red peppers for similar creamy consistency.

Pairing Suggestions for Pimiento Cheese

• Savor Complementary Cheese Board: Pair this creamy pimiento cheese with artisan crackers, sharp cornichons, and tangy green olives for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Refreshing Wine Companion: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to balance the rich, sharp flavors of the pimiento cheese, cutting through its creamy texture.
• Southern-Style Sandwich Delight: Transform the spread into a classic Southern sandwich by layering between toasted sourdough bread, adding crisp lettuce and sliced cucumber for extra crunch.
• Chilled Beer Pairing: Select a cold, light American lager or wheat beer that will complement the cheese's bold flavor and provide a refreshing counterpoint to its creamy richness.

Storage Advice for Rosalynn Carter’s Pimiento Cheese

Store pimiento cheese in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.

Portion cheese spread into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Warm small portions at 50% power in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to maintain creamy texture. Stop heating once just warmed through.

Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Stir gently to restore original consistency.

FAQs

• What is pimiento cheese?

A savory Southern spread made with shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimientos, known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• Is this an authentic Southern recipe?

Yes, this is a recipe from Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady and a Georgia native, representing a classic Southern culinary tradition of pimiento cheese.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pimiento cheese can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop.

• What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor and texture, but you can use mild or medium cheddar depending on your preference.

Rosalynn Carters Pimiento Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rosalynn Carter’s pimiento cheese blends Southern comfort with nostalgic charm, celebrating classic flavors passed down through generations. Creamy, zesty, and irresistibly smooth, you’ll savor every bite of this timeless recipe that connects family and tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon yellow onion, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (4-ounce/113 grams) jar pimientos, drained

Serving:

• Bread or crackers, for serving

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Instructions

1. Combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a smooth base for the classic Southern spread.
2. Incorporate shredded Cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
3. Gently fold in finely diced pimientos, adding vibrant color and distinctive tangy flavor.
4. Delicately grate fresh onion into the blend, releasing its aromatic essence.
5. Sprinkle onion powder, salt, and pepper, carefully balancing the seasonings to enhance the overall taste profile.
6. Thoroughly mix all ingredients until completely integrated, achieving a consistent, creamy texture.
7. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Serve chilled as a luxurious sandwich spread or elegant dip alongside crisp crackers.
9. Store remaining pimiento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its rich, creamy consistency.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the depth of flavor and ensure a rich, tangy taste.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture throughout the spread.
• Grate fresh onion instead of using pre-chopped to release more natural oils and provide a more vibrant, fresh flavor profile.
• Consider making this pimiento cheese ahead of time and refrigerating for several hours to let the flavors meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious spread.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 197
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 295 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg