Ready to add a spark of Southern charm to any table? This Pimento Cheese Spread is a lively, creamy, and utterly irresistible dish that brings together sharp cheeses, sweet pimentos, and a touch of spice in a way that’s both classic and endlessly crowd-pleasing. Whether slathered on crackers, tucked into sandwiches, or served as a dip, this spread captures the heart of comfort snacking and elevates it with little effort. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that gets rave reviews every time, let me show you why this Pimento Cheese Spread deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of vibrant, easy-to-find ingredients, Pimento Cheese Spread comes together with stunning flavor and that signature eye-catching color. Each item plays a crucial role: the cheeses offer richness, the mayonnaise brings creaminess, and pimentos infuse their unmistakable sweet heat. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): The bold backbone of the spread, offering tang and depth.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings milder, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that tempers the zestiness of cheddar.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Gives luxurious smoothness and melds everything together.
- Diced pimentos (1 4-ounce jar, drained): Star ingredient for color and gentle, sweet-tangy flavor bursts.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle savoriness to round out the cheese’s sharpness.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a mild aromatic note that enhances every bite.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick, this brings just enough warmth without overwhelming the spread.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and brightening the flavors—don’t skip the tasting step!
How to Make Pimento Cheese Spread
Step 1: Mix the Cheeses and Pimentos
Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and add your shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and the thoroughly drained diced pimentos. Combining these first ensures that the peppers are evenly distributed and every scoopful gets a little of everything.
Step 2: Add Mayonnaise and Seasonings
Into the cheesy mixture, spoon in the mayonnaise, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Add a pinch each of salt and black pepper to heighten all the flavors. The mayonnaise acts as a luscious glue, bringing the spread together.
Step 3: Stir Until Creamy
Using a sturdy spatula or spoon, fold and mix until the Pimento Cheese Spread looks uniformly creamy and the seasonings have disappeared into the cheese. Scrape the sides and ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Taste and Tweak
Now is your cue for a little kitchen fun: grab a spoonful and give it a taste! Adjust the salt, pepper, or spice to your personal preference—a dash more cayenne for extra zing or perhaps an extra scoop of pimentos for color and brightness.
Step 5: Chill for the Best Flavor
Transfer your finished spread to a serving bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Letting it chill allows all of the ingredients in your Pimento Cheese Spread to meld into creamy, cheesy harmony.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Spread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives, a few extra diced pimentos, or a dusting of paprika right before serving can make your Pimento Cheese Spread look as inviting as it tastes. Bright green onions or sliced jalapeños offer beautiful color and a fresh pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this spread with crunchy celery sticks, carrot rounds, crisp apple slices, or an array of crackers and crostini. For parties, including traditional Southern accompaniments like pickles or a platter of sliced summer sausage makes the Pimento Cheese Spread a star player on any appetizer table.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Use Pimento Cheese Spread to fill halved mini bell peppers, pipe onto cucumber rounds, slather inside a grilled cheese, or swirl into deviled eggs for unexpected Southern flair. It’s perfect spread onto warm biscuits for brunch or dolloped atop baked potatoes for a cheesy upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pimento Cheese Spread in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze Pimento Cheese Spread, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly—the cheese and mayo can separate a bit. If you do freeze it, wrap tightly and thaw in the refrigerator, then give it a good stir before serving for best results.
Reheating
Generally, Pimento Cheese Spread is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like to melt it onto sandwiches or burgers, simply spread on your bread or patty and warm in a skillet or under the broiler for gooey magic!
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding my own?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded cheeses are a time saver, though shredding your own often results in a creamier, smoother Pimento Cheese Spread since bagged cheese can sometimes have added anti-caking agents.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
You can swap in half softened cream cheese for part of the mayo, which makes the spread thicker and richer. Greek yogurt is also a popular lighter option, though you’ll lose a bit of classic flavor.
How do I make it spicier?
For a spicy Southern kick, add diced jalapeños or a bit more cayenne pepper. You can even stir in a splash of your favorite hot sauce to ramp up the heat in your Pimento Cheese Spread.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese and a vegan mayonnaise to create a plant-based version. The results will still be creamy and satisfying.
What can I do if the spread is too thick?
If your Pimento Cheese Spread is too thick to your liking, simply add more mayonnaise a tablespoon at a time and mix until it’s as creamy and spreadable as you like.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for something that’s easy, festive, and guaranteed to win friends and family over, this Pimento Cheese Spread is just the recipe to try. Whip up a batch for your next gathering or enjoy it as a treat just for yourself—you’ll quickly see why it’s a true Southern staple that keeps everyone coming back for another scoop!
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Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and flavorful Pimento Cheese Spread is a classic Southern favorite that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or just snacking. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, tangy diced pimentos, and a hint of spice, this spread is versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
Cheese Spread:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos (drained)
- 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, mix cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and pimentos. Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Serve chilled with crackers, veggies, or as a spread.
Notes
- For a smoother spread, blend ingredients in a food processor.
- Substitute cream cheese for a richer texture or add jalapeños for extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
