This classic Southern Pimento Cheese is a delicious make-ahead cheese spread that always vanishes fast! Try it with crackers and veggies for a speedy snack or as a tasty sandwich spread to jazz up your lunch.
Soften cream cheese and combine with mayo, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Whip using an electric hand mixer (my method of choice) or mash well with a fork until well blended.
Add diced pimentos, straining off any of the liquid from the jar.
Freshly grate sharp cheddar cheese (it's a bit more flavorful than bagged if you have time for the extra step) and add to the bowl. Add drained pimentos.
Blend with a hand mixer on lowest setting or mix well with a fork.
Allow to chill in the fridge until ready to dive in. It's great the first day and fantastic the next!
After it's had some time to chill, feel free to add extra spices and even extra pimentos if you'd like. Simply dive in with a cracker or celery stick and and give it a taste first, then adjust as desired for your dream pimento cheese!
Serve with an assortment of crackers and fresh veggies. It's also amazing as a sandwich spread, stuffed into sweet mini peppers, in grilled cheese, and melted on burgers/veggie burgers too!
Notes
Craving a little heat? You can absolutely make it as spicy as you'd like! Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or sprinkle some ground cayenne pepper into your cheese spread. You can also add minced jalapeño pepper to the pimento cheese (I do this all the time - so good!) for a fiery kick!Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy! Each serving is approx. 1 oz or 2 TBSP.