Southern Style Pimento Cheese Spread
This Southern Style Pimento Cheese Spread is a delightful blend of creamy and tangy flavors that captures the essence of traditional Southern cooking. Inspired by a cherished family recipe, this spread features a rich combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, balanced with the creamy goodness of cream cheese and mayonnaise, and enhanced with the subtle kick of minced pimentos and onions. Whether served on crispy crackers, slathered on sandwiches, or enjoyed as a tasty dip for veggies and chips, this versatile dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or casual get-together. Perfect for picnics, parties, or as a delicious snack at home, this recipe is a true testament to comfort food done right!
N/A
Servings
90
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
3 ounces (softened)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (grated)
Monterey Jack Cheese
1 cup (grated)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
Pimentos
2-3 tablespoons (minced)
Onion
1 teaspoon (grated or dried)
Black Pepper
to taste (cracked)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
2
Gradually mix in the mayonnaise until fully combined with the cream cheese.
3
Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, minced pimientos, grated onion (or dried onion), and a generous dash of cracked black pepper into the bowl.
4
Using a spatula, fold the ingredients together gently until evenly distributed and mixed well.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more black pepper for heat or additional pimentos for a punch of flavor.
6
Transfer the pimento cheese spread to a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7
Serve chilled or at room temperature with your favorite crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
1.3g
Carbs
4.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Style Pimento Cheese Spread?
It is a creamy and tangy cheese spread made with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and minced pimentos.
What type of cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese.
How many ingredients are needed for this pimento cheese?
There are 7 main ingredients: cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, mayonnaise, pimentos, onion, and black pepper.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for the spread?
The cream cheese should be softened and then beaten with an electric mixer until it is smooth and fluffy.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
For the best texture and flavor, it is recommended to grate your own sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from blocks.
What are pimentos?
Pimentos are mild, sweet red cherry peppers typically found jarred and minced in the grocery store.
Is there onion in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for one teaspoon of either grated fresh onion or dried onion for a subtle savory flavor.
How should the ingredients be mixed?
After beating the cream cheese and mayo, the remaining ingredients should be folded in gently with a spatula.
Does this spread need to be refrigerated before serving?
Yes, it should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to properly meld together.
What is the best way to serve pimento cheese?
It can be served chilled or at room temperature on crackers, bread, sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 90 calories per serving of this pimento cheese spread.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is very low in carbs, containing only 1.3g per serving.
How much fat is in the Southern Style Pimento Cheese Spread?
Each serving contains 7g of fat.
How much protein does this spread provide?
Each serving contains 4.3g of protein.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you can taste the spread before chilling and add more black pepper or pimentos to suit your preference.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mild, with a subtle kick from black pepper and onions, but you can increase the pepper for more heat.
What kind of mayonnaise should I use?
Standard full-fat mayonnaise is typically used to achieve the traditional creamy Southern texture.
Can I use a food processor to mix this?
It is better to use an electric mixer for the base and fold the rest by hand to maintain the texture of the grated cheese.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains 0g of sugar.
Can I substitute Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can substitute it with more cheddar or a mild white cheese like Gouda, though Monterey Jack is traditional.
What kind of black pepper is recommended?
Cracked black pepper is recommended for a more robust flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for a picnic?
Absolutely, it is a classic Southern picnic and party food.
How much cream cheese is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it consists of cheese, mayonnaise, and vegetables.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
No, there is no significant fiber content in this cheese-based spread.
Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead of time is actually better as it allows more time for the flavors to develop.
How much pimentos should I add?
The recipe suggests 2-3 tablespoons of minced pimentos.
What size batch does this make?
With about 2 cups of grated cheese and other binders, it makes a substantial bowl suitable for a small gathering.
Can I use white cheddar?
Yes, sharp white cheddar can be used instead of orange sharp cheddar, though it will change the color of the spread.