If you are craving a taste of Southern comfort that is both nostalgic and irresistibly creamy, this Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with sharp cheddar, sweet pimentos, and just the right touch of spices, this classic spread brings a burst of flavor to crackers, sandwiches, or fresh veggies. It’s an easy-to-make, no-cook delight that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, velvety treat perfect for entertaining or a cozy snack at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the sharpness of the cheddar cheese to the subtle pop of the pimentos. The balance of creamy mayonnaise and warming spices ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and has an inviting texture and color.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar is key for that bold, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the cheese and pimentos together beautifully.
- 4 ounces diced pimentos: These provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant red color to brighten up the cheese spread.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering the spread.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle oniony note that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A pinch of heat to give the pimento cheese a little kick if you like some spice.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors.
How to Make Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by putting your freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and well-drained diced pimentos into a medium mixing bowl. This trio is the heart of the pimento cheese, creating a creamy yet textured base that everyone loves.
Step 2: Season It Perfectly
Add garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you want a hint of heat. Then, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. These spices gently lift the flavors and bring the classic Southern taste to life.
Step 3: Mix Until Creamy and Smooth
Give everything a good stir until the ingredients are fully combined and the spread is creamy and uniform. This step is where all the flavors marry beautifully, creating that luscious texture you’ll crave.
Step 4: Chill to Marry the Flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least one hour. This resting time is crucial—it allows the flavors to deepen and mingle, making the spread taste even better the next day.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a few whole pimentos on top of the spread makes for a pretty presentation and adds a nice visual pop. Fresh chives or a dash of smoked paprika can also enhance the flavor and appearance.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese pairs wonderfully with crunchy crackers, crusty bread slices, or crisp vegetable sticks such as celery and carrots. For a Southern spread, serve alongside fried green tomatoes or pickled okra for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate this humble spread by turning it into a stuffed sandwich layer with ham and pickles or dolloping it onto baked potatoes as a tangy topping. You can also use it as a dip for crispy chicken tenders or as a filling for jalapeño poppers to impress your guests with Southern charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container, your pimento cheese will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will continue to meld, making it taste even better as time goes on, so it’s a great make-ahead option for parties or quick snacks.
Freezing
Freezing pimento cheese is generally not recommended because the texture of mayonnaise and cheese can change when thawed, becoming grainy or watery. For best results, enjoy this Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This spread is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm it slightly, do so very gently to avoid breaking the emulsion and losing that creamy texture—use just a short burst in the microwave, stirring often, or let it sit at room temperature for a while before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with a different type?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe its signature tang, you can mix in Monterey Jack or cream cheese for a milder, creamier variation that’s just as delicious.
Is mayonnaise necessary, or can I use something else?
Mayonnaise is essential for the creamy, spreadable texture that defines good pimento cheese. If you’d like a lighter version, you can try Greek yogurt, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How spicy is this recipe with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds just a subtle warmth, not overwhelming heat. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a gentler flavor or increase slightly if you enjoy a bit more spice.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Traditional Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe relies heavily on cheese and mayonnaise, so for vegan or dairy-free options, you’d need to substitute with plant-based cheese and vegan mayo, which will alter the flavor but can still be tasty.
What’s the best way to shred cheese for this recipe?
For best results, shred your own sharp cheddar from a block using a box grater. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent clumping but can make the spread less creamy and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience a true Southern treasure that’s quick to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser, the Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s comfort food with a vibrant personality that will soon become a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and smiles wherever it’s served. Dive in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
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Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese recipe is a classic Southern appetizer featuring sharp cheddar cheese blended with creamy mayonnaise and diced pimentos, perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powders and a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. It’s a creamy, flavorful spread ideal for serving with crackers, sandwiches, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces diced pimentos (drained)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and drained diced pimentos.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, and add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the pimento cheese chilled as a spread on crackers, in sandwiches, or use as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best texture and flavor rather than pre-shredded cheese.
- For a milder or creamier variation, substitute part of the cheddar with Monterey Jack or cream cheese.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness.
- Make ahead and refrigerate to develop the flavors overnight for even better taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
