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showing how to serve pimento cheese recipe adding to a platter with cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, cauliflower and crackers
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Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern cheddar cheese and pimento pepper dip or spread that’s a must-make for game-day, holidays, get-togethers, or just to enjoy every day! It’s luxuriously creamy, cheesy, tangy, and as-spicy-as-you-like and so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients in less than 10 minutes.  This Pimento Cheese recipe is guaranteed to knock the socks off of any store-bought version and is incredible versatile: use it as a spread on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, etc. as a dip for vegetables, crackers, chips, or in stuffed chicken breasts, potatoes, quesadillas and more!  It also earns major points because it’s make-ahead friendly and tastes even better the next day for an outrageously delicious, stress-free, crowd pleaser.
Course Appetizer, Condiment
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz. block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

ADD LAST

  • 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (go extra sharp if you can)
  • 1 4 oz. jar diced pimentos, drained
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos, well drained (or substitute with 1 seeded diced jalapeno, cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste)

Garnish

  • Green onions (optional)

Instructions

  • Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream/Greek yogurt and spices to a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it is well combined and fluffy, about 1 minute.
  • Add the cheese, pimentos and jalapenos and stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with optional green onions. Serve with crackers, vegetables, or as a spread. See post for TONS of serving ideas!

Video

Notes

  • Pimentos:  These are easy to find at the grocery store, typically in glass jars, stocked with the olives and pickles.  You will need one 4-ounce jar for this recipe.  Pick up a jar of chopped pimentos, otherwise, if they come in slices, just chop them yourself into a ¼-inch dice.
  • Storage:  The shelf life of your Pimento Cheese will depend on the freshness of your sour cream/Greek yogurt. If they are fresh, then your Pimento Cheese should last for up to 7-10 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before serving, or microwave for 20 seconds.