📝 About This Recipe
Often referred to as the 'Pâté of the South,' this iconic spread is a cornerstone of Southern hospitality, blending sharp cheddar with velvety mayonnaise and sweet peppers. This particular version balances the bite of aged cheese with a hint of smoky heat and bright acidity, creating a texture that is creamy yet satisfyingly chunky. Whether served at a high-society garden party or a humble backyard barbecue, this recipe captures the soul of Dixie in every savory bite.
🥗 Ingredients
The Cheese Base
- 8 ounces Extra-Sharp Yellow Cheddar (high-quality block, hand-grated using the large holes of a box grater)
- 8 ounces Sharp White Cheddar (hand-grated using the small holes of a box grater for varied texture)
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
The Aromatics and Peppers
- 7 ounces Diced Pimentos (from a jar, thoroughly drained and patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon Grated Onion (use a microplane to create a paste; yellow or sweet onion works best)
- 1 clove Garlic (very finely minced or pressed)
The Binding Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Duke’s brand is preferred for authentic Southern tang)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (for deep umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (adds a subtle sharp kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for a hint of woodsmoke color and flavor)
- 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a gentle back-of-the-throat heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by hand-grating your cheeses. Grate the yellow cheddar on the coarse side of a box grater and the white cheddar on the fine side; this dual-texture approach is the secret to a professional-grade spread.
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2
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and use a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer on low speed to whip it until it is completely smooth and light.
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3
Add the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the cream cheese. Blend until the mixture is uniform and pale orange.
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4
Fold in the grated onion paste and the minced garlic, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the base sauce.
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5
Drain the jarred pimentos into a fine-mesh sieve. Press them gently with a paper towel to remove excess brine, which prevents the spread from becoming watery.
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6
Add the drained pimentos to the bowl and stir gently to combine.
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7
Add both the coarse and finely grated cheddars to the bowl.
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8
Using a large rubber spatula, use a folding motion to incorporate the cheese into the dressing. Mix until every strand of cheese is coated, but be careful not to over-mash the texture.
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9
Taste the mixture. Add the kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will intensify as it sits.
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10
Transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container or a glass jar.
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11
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This 'resting' period allows the garlic, onion, and spices to meld with the fats of the cheese.
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12
Before serving, remove the container from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly for better spreadability.
💡 Chef's Tips
Never use pre-shredded bagged cheese; the cellulose coating prevents the cheese from binding properly with the mayo. For an extra kick, add a tablespoon of finely chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer a smoother, deli-style spread, pulse half of the finished mixture in a food processor for 5 seconds, then fold it back into the chunky half. Always use a high-quality mayonnaise like Duke's or Hellmann's; 'salad dressing' spreads like Miracle Whip will make it too sweet. Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid unappetizing white lumps in your finished spread.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Classic Pimento Cheese Sandwiches: Spread thickly between two slices of soft white bread with the crusts cut off. Southern Style Burgers: Top a hot-off-the-grill beef patty with a generous dollop and let it melt into a gooey sauce. Garden Party Appetizer: Serve in a bowl surrounded by crisp celery sticks, radishes, and buttery Ritz crackers. Grilled Pimento Cheese: Use it as the filling for a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience. Drink Pairing: Serve alongside a glass of sweet iced tea or a crisp, cold pilsner to cut through the richness of the cheese.