Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe

Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Diced pimentos: Sweet red peppers that add flavor and color.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the mix.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a mild garlic taste.

Cayenne pepper: Adds a bit of heat and spice.

Salt: Balances the flavors.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the overall taste.

For a smoother texture, consider using a food processor to blend the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mayonnaise before adding the diced pimentos, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This will help create a more cohesive spread, making it easier to use as a dip or sandwich filling.

• shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack offers a milder flavor and melts well, providing a creamy texture similar to sharp cheddar.

• shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Colby cheese: Colby cheese has a similar texture and a slightly milder flavor, making it a good alternative to sharp cheddar.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture while being lower in fat and calories compared to mayonnaise.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream offers a similar creamy consistency and tangy taste, making it a suitable replacement for mayonnaise.

• diced pimentos - Substitute with roasted red bell peppers: Roasted red bell peppers have a similar sweet and smoky flavor, making them an excellent substitute for diced pimentos.

• diced pimentos - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes provide a different but complementary flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce offers a similar umami flavor and can be used as a substitute in equal amounts.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, adding depth to the dish.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor, adding a subtle sweetness to the dish.

• cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder heat and a smoky flavor, making it a suitable alternative to cayenne pepper.

• cayenne pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes provide a similar level of heat and can be used as a direct substitute for cayenne pepper.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt offers a similar flavor and can be used in equal amounts as a substitute for regular salt.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor, with a slightly different color and aroma.

• To keep your Southern pimento cheese fresh, transfer it to an airtight container. This will prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
• Store the container in the coldest part of your fridge, typically the back, to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
• For optimal taste, consume within 1 week. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even more delectable after a day or two.
• If you wish to freeze your pimento cheese, spoon it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
• After thawing, give it a good stir to restore its creamy consistency. If it seems a bit dry, you can mix in a little extra mayonnaise.
• Avoid refreezing once thawed, as this can affect the texture and flavor of your Southern pimento cheese.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the pimento cheese in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splattering.
  3. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Stir well and check the temperature. If needed, continue heating in 10-second intervals until warm.
  5. Be cautious not to overheat, as the mayonnaise can separate.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Transfer the pimento cheese to a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even warming.
  3. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
  4. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pimento cheese in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and slightly bubbly.
  5. Stir before serving to ensure an even texture.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
  2. Place the pimento cheese in the top part of the double boiler.
  3. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
  4. This method helps to gently warm the pimento cheese without the risk of separating the mayonnaise.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pimento cheese in a small, oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Heat for about 10 minutes, checking halfway through to stir.
  5. Once warmed, remove and stir before serving.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the cheese and mayonnaise.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

• Cheese grater: Needed if you are shredding the cheddar cheese yourself.

• Strainer: To drain the diced pimentos before adding them to the mixture.

• Refrigerator: To chill the pimento cheese for at least 1 hour before serving.

Pre-shredded cheese: Use pre-shredded sharp cheddar cheese to save time on grating.

Pre-mixed spices: Combine garlic powder and cayenne pepper in advance for quicker mixing.

Food processor: Use a food processor to blend ingredients faster.

Pre-drained pimentos: Drain the diced pimentos ahead of time to streamline the process.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch and store in the refrigerator for multiple uses.