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Creamy Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

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A classic Southern pimento cheese spread that’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for easy summertime snacking. Quick to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (about 8 ounces / 225 grams)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 4 ounces pimentos, diced and drained (about ⅓ cup / 90 grams)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (about 60 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (5 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (2.5 ml)
  • Pinch or two of cayenne pepper, to taste
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste (about ¼ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper)

Instructions

  1. Grate 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) of sharp cheddar cheese finely.
  2. Soften 2 oz (60 g) of cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for 20 minutes or microwaving for 10 seconds.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute evenly.
  5. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar and drained pimentos (4 oz / 90 g), being careful not to over-stir.
  6. If the spread is too thick, add a teaspoon of mayo at a time until desired creaminess is reached. For a thicker spread, chill for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne if needed.
  8. Transfer to a bowl and serve with crackers, celery sticks, or as a sandwich spread. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for best texture and flavor. Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Fold ingredients gently to keep spread light and fluffy. Chill before serving to firm up texture and meld flavors. Worcestershire sauce adds subtle umami and should not be skipped. For a lighter version, substitute half mayo with Greek yogurt. Vegan and dairy-free substitutions are possible with plant-based cream cheese and vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: pimento cheese, Southern recipe, cheese spread, easy snack, creamy spread, summer snack, party appetizer

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/creamy-southern-pimento-cheese-spread-recipe-perfect-for-easy-summertime-snacking/