Easy, homemade pimento cheese is a creamy Southern dip that is great for parties or as a filling for sandwiches. Budget friendly recipe that anyone can make - and it's delicious!
8ouncesMild Cheddaror one of the variations - shredded
8ouncescream cheesesoftened
8ouncespimentosdrained. You may want to use just 4 ounces - I like a lot of pimentos.
1jalapeno pepperseeds and ribs removed, minced
½cupmayonnaise your favorite brand, or homemade
¼teaspoonSmoked paprika
¼teaspoononion powder
¼teaspoongarlic powder
Instructions
Put everything into a bowl and stir together until well mixed.
Cover and refrigerate 8 hours before using to allow the flavors to blend, if possible.
Sprinkle with more smoked paprika before serving.
Notes
Tips
I used shredded cheese to save time - grating from a block is always the better choice.
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature.
Add more mayonnaise if you want a creamier spread.
You should let pimento cheese sit in the refrigerator for an hour or so to let the flavors blend.
Use it for sandwiches, on top of burgers, on crackers, or as a dip.
StorageThis doesn't freeze well but it will keep in your refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 2 weeks.VariationsThere are a ton of variations to homemade pimento cheese recipes. I think it tastes best served at room temperature - the flavors seem to really bloom.Here are some of my favorites -