Description
This Homemade Pimento Cheese is a creamy, flavorful spread combining sharp cheddar cheese, chopped pimentos, and a blend of seasonings. Perfect as a dip, sandwich filling, or snack served with crackers or fresh vegetables, this easy no-cook recipe comes together quickly and can be chilled ahead for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated (Freshly grated for best texture and flavor)
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened (Helps bind the ingredients)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Adds creaminess and moisture)
Vegetables
- 4 ounces Pimentos, drained (Chop finely before adding)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Enhances savory notes)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (For a bit of heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients on a clean workspace to prepare for mixing.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy for even mixing.
- Combine Mayonnaise: Add the mayonnaise to the cream cheese and mix until fully blended, creating a creamy base.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Gently fold in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese to maintain texture.
- Add Pimentos: Stir in the finely chopped pimentos carefully to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Season: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, then mix well to incorporate all the seasonings.
- Chill: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and firm up.
- Serve: Stir the pimento cheese before serving and enjoy it with crackers or fresh vegetables as a tasty snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Try adding chopped green onions or a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor variations.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
