If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy spreads that pack a punch of flavor, then this Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe will become your new best friend. This Southern classic blends sharp cheddar cheese with the unexpected sweetness of pimentos, rounded out by a touch of mayo and spices, creating a luscious spread that’s perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or even dolloping on your favorite burgers. It’s both nostalgic and endlessly versatile, making it a must-have recipe that’s stood the test of time with good reason.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe plays a crucial role, combining simple pantry staples to achieve that perfectly balanced creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Each component brings its own texture and zest, so don’t skip or substitute lightly!
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show, shredded sharp cheddar provides bold, tangy flavor and a rich, creamy texture.
- Mild cheddar cheese: Adds a mellow creaminess and balances the sharp cheddar’s intensity for a smoother spread.
- Mayonnaise: Binds everything together seamlessly while adding moisture and a subtle tang.
- Chopped pimentos: Sweet red pimientos offer a pop of color and a gentle sweet contrast to the savory cheese.
- Dijon mustard (optional): Brings a mild kick and depth, enhancing the overall complexity without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory undertone that sings in every bite.
- Onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and a hint of earthiness to round out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential final touches that elevate and balance the spread.
How to Make Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Cheeses
Start by placing both the sharp and mild cheddar cheeses in a medium-sized mixing bowl. The combination of these two cheeses creates a depth of flavor and a luscious texture that is key to that authentic Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe experience.
Step 2: Mix in the Rest of the Ingredients
Add in the mayonnaise, chopped pimentos, Dijon mustard if you’re using it, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until the cheese is completely coated and the mixture is uniform. This step ensures every bite is bursting with balanced flavor and creamy goodness.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your pimento cheese mixture a taste and decide if it needs a bit more salt, pepper, or maybe even a touch more mustard. Personalizing the seasoning allows you to make this dish exactly how you like it, ensuring it shines every time you serve it.
Step 4: Chill to Perfect
Refrigerate your pimento cheese for at least one hour before serving. This resting time lets all the flavors meld beautifully, transforming the spread from good to truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Once chilled, your Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe is ready to be enjoyed. Use it as a savory spread or a creamy topping—the possibilities are endless, and every option is delicious.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
While the spread is outstanding on its own, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives can add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note, elevating the overall presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crunchy crackers, crisp celery sticks, or as a luscious layer in your favorite sandwiches. It also pairs wonderfully with sliced vegetables or a light salad, balancing richness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try dolloping it on top of warm burgers for an indulgent twist or spreading it inside grilled cheese sandwiches for extra creaminess and flavor. For parties, consider serving it in hollowed-out bell peppers or atop toasted baguette slices to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping it chilled preserves its freshness and creamy texture.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because it can change the texture of the cheese and mayo, if you must, freeze in small portions. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator to minimize separation, then stir well before serving.
Reheating
This spread is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want it slightly softer, simply let it sit out for a few minutes to warm gently on its own.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp and mild cheddar are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked cheddar to add a unique twist. Just keep the balance of flavors in mind.
Is Dijon mustard necessary?
Dijon mustard is optional but recommended as it adds depth and a subtle spicy tang. If you prefer a milder spread, you can omit it without compromising the overall taste.
How long does pimento cheese keep in the fridge?
If stored properly in an airtight container, pimento cheese stays fresh and tasty for up to seven days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving if any liquid separates.
Can I make pimento cheese ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and improve. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What are some popular ways to use pimento cheese?
Besides spreading it on crackers or sandwiches, pimento cheese is fantastic as a burger topping, dip for veggies, filling for stuffed peppers, or mixed into deviled eggs for a flavorful boost.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe. It truly captures the heart of Southern comfort food with its creamy texture and bold flavors. Whether it’s a casual snack or the star of your next gathering, this timeless spread is sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a go—you won’t regret making it a regular in your kitchen!
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Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2.2 cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern spread that is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Made with sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and sweet pimentos, this versatile cheese spread is perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers. Simple to prepare and timeless in taste, it offers a comforting and crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Mix-ins
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet pimentos, drained
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Cheeses: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the shredded sharp cheddar and mild cheddar cheeses. Mix them together to evenly distribute the cheese varieties.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir in the mayonnaise, chopped pimentos, Dijon mustard if using, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is fully coated and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the mixture and adjust the seasoning as desired by adding more salt, pepper, or mustard to enhance the flavor balance.
- Chill: Transfer the mixture to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Serve the pimento cheese spread on crackers, sandwiches, or burgers. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh color contrast and added flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños.
- Use fresh-shredded cheese for better texture compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter spread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This spread can also be used as a filling for stuffed celery or deviled eggs.
