Tangy Southern Pimiento Cheese Delight
Experience a flavorful journey with this Tangy Southern Pimiento Cheese Delight, inspired by family traditions and perfected over years. This spread is characterized by a zesty combination of sharp Vermont cheddar and creamy textures, enhanced by the tanginess of vinegar, lemon pepper, and a hint of mustard. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a simple afternoon snack, this homemade pimiento cheese will leave store-bought varieties in the dust. Serve it generously on toasted bread, crunchy crackers, or fresh veggies for a delightful treat that captures the essence of Southern flavor.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cracker Barrel Vermont Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese
20 ounces (block, grated)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Pimiento Peppers
4 ounces (drained and chopped)
Vinegar
1/4 cup (white vinegar)
All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon (sifted)
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
1 teaspoon (ground)
Yellow Mustard
1 teaspoon (prepared)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (prepared)
Instructions
1
In a microwave-safe bowl, bring the vinegar to a gentle boil for about 1 minute.
2
Once boiling, carefully add the flour to the vinegar, stirring continuously until a smooth paste forms.
3
Stir in the softened cream cheese until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
4
Add the chopped pimientos, lemon pepper, yellow mustard, and mayonnaise to the mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
5
Using a manual cheese grater or a food processor, grate the Vermont extra-sharp cheddar cheese until it reaches a fine consistency.
6
Fold the grated cheese into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution throughout the spread.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired; you can add a pinch of salt or more lemon pepper for an extra kick.
8
Transfer the pimiento cheese spread to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Serve chilled or at room temperature on fresh bread, crackers, or alongside vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Southern Pimiento Cheese Delight?
It is a zesty, homemade cheese spread inspired by Southern family traditions, featuring sharp Vermont cheddar and a tangy vinegar-based texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What brand of cheddar cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for Cracker Barrel Vermont Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
You will need 20 ounces of cheddar cheese.
Should I use block cheese or pre-shredded cheese?
The recipe recommends using a block of cheese and grating it yourself for the best consistency.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of cream cheese.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it combines smoothly without lumps.
What is the purpose of boiling the vinegar?
Boiling the vinegar and mixing it with flour creates a smooth paste that serves as the tangy base for the spread.
How much vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
How long should the vinegar be boiled?
The vinegar should be brought to a gentle boil for about 1 minute.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sifted all-purpose flour.
How many ounces of pimiento peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of pimiento peppers.
Do the pimiento peppers need to be drained?
Yes, the pimiento peppers should be drained and chopped before being added.
What spices give this spread its unique flavor?
The flavor is enhanced with lemon pepper seasoning and yellow mustard.
How much lemon pepper seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground lemon pepper seasoning.
How much yellow mustard is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of prepared yellow mustard.
How much mayonnaise is added to the mixture?
The spread includes 1/2 cup of prepared mayonnaise.
Can I use a food processor to grate the cheese?
Yes, you can use either a manual cheese grater or a food processor to reach a fine consistency.
When should I add the grated cheddar cheese?
The grated cheese should be folded in after the cream cheese, pimientos, and seasonings have been fully incorporated.
How long should the pimiento cheese be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before serving.
Why must the spread be refrigerated before serving?
Refrigeration allows the various flavors to meld together properly.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you can taste the mixture and add a pinch of salt or more lemon pepper if desired.
What is the best way to serve this pimiento cheese?
It can be served chilled or at room temperature on fresh bread, crackers, or vegetables.
Is this recipe considered a spread or a dip?
It is categorized as a spread, though it can also be used as a cheese dip.
What makes this recipe 'Southern'?
Its use of sharp cheddar, pimientos, and mayonnaise is a classic staple of Southern American cuisine.
Can I use a microwave for the vinegar?
Yes, the instructions suggest using a microwave-safe bowl to boil the vinegar.
What should the consistency of the vinegar and flour mixture be?
It should be stirred continuously until it forms a smooth paste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.
What is the preparation for the cheddar cheese?
The block of cheese should be grated to a fine consistency.