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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a smooth base for the classic Southern spread.
- Incorporate shredded Cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Gently fold in finely diced pimientos, adding vibrant color and distinctive tangy flavor.
- Delicately grate fresh onion into the blend, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Sprinkle onion powder, salt, and pepper, carefully balancing the seasonings to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Thoroughly mix all ingredients until completely integrated, achieving a consistent, creamy texture.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve chilled as a luxurious sandwich spread or elegant dip alongside crisp crackers.
- 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