Try Grandma’s Soulful Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe Today

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic pimento cheese spread that brings comfort and nostalgia to every gathering.

Creamy textures merge with sharp cheddar and vibrant peppers for an irresistible blend.

Generations of home cooks perfected this simple yet remarkable recipe passed down through family traditions.

Cheese lovers appreciate the rich, tangy flavors that dance across their palate with each spoonful.

Sharp cheddars and smooth cream cheese create a magical combination that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Families and friends will adore this timeless southern staple that pairs perfectly with crackers, sandwiches, or as a delightful dip.

Dive into this delectable recipe and experience a taste of authentic southern hospitality.

Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Worth Making

• Craft Quickly: Minimal steps and basic ingredients make this recipe super simple for cooks of all skill levels, perfect for beginners wanting to impress.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy as a spread, dip, sandwich filling, or appetizer topping, bringing incredible flexibility to your meal planning and entertaining needs.
• Southern Comfort: Captures classic Southern cuisine charm with traditional ingredients, delivering nostalgic flavors that remind you of family gatherings and potluck celebrations.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Requires just one mixing bowl and simple stirring technique, ensuring fast creation without complicated cooking methods or special kitchen equipment.

Ingredients for Classic Pimento Cheese Spread

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that provides the classic tangy base for old-fashioned pimento cheese.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor to the spread.

• Mayonnaise, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: These ingredients work together to create a complex, savory flavor profile that makes the pimento cheese irresistible.
• Sugar: Balances the sharp and tangy flavors with a subtle hint of sweetness.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to brighten the overall taste.

• Pimentos: Sweet, mild red peppers that give the classic pimento cheese its distinctive color and signature flavor.

How to Whip Up Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese

Step 1: Shred Cheese Goodness

Grab your block of sharp cheddar and use a box grater to create fluffy, light cheese strands. Make sure the cheese is cold for easier grating.

Step 2: Whip Up The Creamy Base

• Softened cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Shredded cheddar
• Diced pimentos

Step 3: Season With Flavor Boosters

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Tiny pinch of sugar

Step 4: Blend Until Heavenly

Use a sturdy spatula or electric mixer to combine all ingredients. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and completely integrated.

Make sure no dry patches remain.

Step 5: Chill And Enjoy

Transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors mingle and develop. Spread on crackers, stuff into sandwiches, or enjoy as a dip with fresh vegetables.

Pro Tip: This Southern classic tastes even better the next day after ingredients have melded together.

Tips to Perfect Pimento Cheese Every Time

• Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust and flavorful pimento cheese spread.
• Let cream cheese and cheddar sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Adjust seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper to match your personal taste preferences.
• For a chunkier spread, slightly under-mix the ingredients; for a creamier consistency, blend thoroughly.
• Prepare the pimento cheese a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator.

Delicious Variations on Pimento Cheese

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a zesty, heat-packed version of the classic pimento cheese spread.
• Smoked Gouda Upgrade: Replace half the cheddar with smoked gouda cheese to introduce a rich, smoky flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix in chopped fresh basil, oregano, and a touch of sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired pimento cheese with bright, aromatic notes.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Fold in crispy, crumbled bacon bits to create a savory, indulgent variation that adds crunch and smoky depth to the classic spread.

Pairing Ideas with Pimento Cheese Spread

• Rustic Wine Companion: Pair this tangy pimento cheese with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, its bright acidity cutting through the rich, creamy texture.
• Southern Comfort Brew: Complement the bold cheese spread with a light, hoppy craft beer like a pale ale, balancing the sharp cheddar flavors.
• Cracker Canvas Celebration: Serve alongside stone-ground wheat crackers or buttery toasted baguette slices to provide the perfect crunchy base for spreading.
• Pickle Punch Partner: Add some quick-pickled vegetables like cornichons or dill pickle spears to introduce a zesty, tangy counterpoint to the creamy cheese mixture.

Storing Pimento Cheese for Freshness

Store in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ensuring tight seal to prevent absorbing other food odors.

Transfer to a freezer-safe container, seal completely, and freeze for 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Never leave pimento cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Gently stir at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore creamy texture; avoid microwave as it can separate ingredients and make mixture grainy.

FAQs

• What exactly are pimentos?

Pimentos are sweet, red peppers with a mild flavor, typically sold in small jars and used in various dishes like this classic cheese spread.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like monterey jack or sharp cheddar for slightly different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

Traditional pimento cheese contains dairy, so it’s not ideal for those with lactose intolerance. Consider dairy-free alternatives if needed.

• How long can I keep homemade pimento cheese?

Typically, homemade pimento cheese stays fresh in the refrigerator for 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container.

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern kitchens buzz with nostalgia when classic Pimento Cheese spreads its creamy magic across crackers and sandwiches. Grandma’s secret recipe blends sharp cheddar, tangy cream cheese, and roasted pimentos into a Southern comfort classic you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (590 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cream cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) pimentos, drained

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder with parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Binding Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly grate sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring uniform texture for optimal blending.
2. Soften cream cheese at room temperature to facilitate smooth incorporation into the mixture.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate shredded cheddar and cream cheese with mayonnaise, creating a rich foundational base.
4. Introduce aromatic seasonings including salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Fold in finely chopped pimentos, adding vibrant color and tangy undertones to the spread.
6. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce and a hint of sugar, balancing the savory components with subtle sweetness.
7. Vigorously mix until ingredients meld into a cohesive, creamy consistency with no visible lumps.
8. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to set, enhancing overall taste profile.
9. Serve chilled as a dip, sandwich spread, or condiment, storing any remaining mixture in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, tangy flavor that elevates the entire spread.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to blend seamlessly and create a smoother texture.
• Mix ingredients gently to prevent overworking, which can make the cheese spread dense and less creamy.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 279
• Sugar: 1
• Sodium: 331
• Fat: 26
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 16
• Trans Fat: 0.5
• Carbohydrates: 2
• Fiber: 0.3
• Protein: 9
• Cholesterol: 40