Description
This creamy pimento cheese spread is a quick and easy Southern-inspired appetizer, perfect for crackers and veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup pimentos, diced and drained
- 2 tsp pickle juice (optional, but recommended)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- Assorted crackers, for serving
- Fresh veggies (celery sticks, carrot coins, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips), for serving
Instructions
- Grate the cheddar cheese using a box grater or microplane.
- Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated cheddar, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Beat with a hand mixer on medium until creamy and well combined (about 2 minutes), or stir vigorously by hand.
- Fold in diced pimentos, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix gently for a chunky texture or longer for a smoother spread.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: add salt, more pickle juice, or cayenne as desired. If too thick, add a tablespoon of mayo; if too loose, add more cheese.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and texture firm up.
- Serve chilled in a bowl, garnished with paprika or extra pimentos if desired. Arrange crackers and veggies around for dipping.
Notes
- Chill the spread for optimal flavor.
- Customize the spices to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Creamy Pimento Cheese Spread, Southern appetizer, cheese spread