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Pimento Cheese

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
A delectable cheese platter featuring prosciutto, crackers, and garnished with strawberries.

Pimento cheese is a sharp, textured spread made by folding shredded sharp cheddar into a base of mayonnaise and finely diced pimentos. The secret is to grate your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch that prevents the spread from binding into a cohesive, creamy texture.

Difficulty
Easy
Total time
15 min
Hands-on
15 min
Serves
4-6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb extra-sharp cheddar, cold
  • 4 oz pimentos from a jar, drained and minced
  • 1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste black pepper, freshly cracked

Step by step

  1. Grate the cheese

    Use the large holes of your box grater. Keep the block cold to ensure the shreds remain distinct and don't clump together.

  2. Prep the pimentos

    Drain the jar well. If they are wet, pat them with a paper towel before mincing so they don't water down the mixture.

  3. Combine the base

    In the mixing bowl, stir the mayonnaise, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed before hitting the cheese.

  4. Fold

    Add the cheese and pimentos to the bowl. Fold gently with the spatula until everything is uniformly coated. Stop once there are no dry spots.

  5. Chill

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This allows the sharp cheddar to absorb the spices.

Questions people ask

Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?

It is not recommended. The fat content in full-fat mayonnaise is necessary to keep the spread creamy and prevent it from breaking or becoming watery.

How long will it last?

Kept in an airtight container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, it will remain good for up to five days.

Tips

  • If the spread feels too stiff, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise.
  • Always grate your own cheese; the flavor difference is significant.
  • Serve at room temperature for the best spreadability.

Variations

  • Spicy Heat: Add two tablespoons of minced pickled jalapeños to the mix for a vinegary bite.
  • Herbed: Fold in two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives just before serving.