Easy Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread, loved for many years. It’s made with shredded Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. This flavorful and versatile dish can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it at a party, a potluck, or when you’re craving a tasty snack. This homemade recipe will impress anyone who tries it.
Starting this Southern classic is easy with a few ingredients. Use extra-sharp Cheddar cheese for a bold, tangy flavor. Mix it with creamy mayonnaise and smooth cream cheese for the right texture. Add diced pimentos for a hint of sweetness and a touch of jalapeños and spices for spice.
To mix, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for a creamy texture. Or, mix by hand with a wooden spoon or spatula. Once mixed, your pimento cheese spread is ready to enjoy.
Key Takeaways:
- Homemade pimento cheese spread is a popular Southern dish made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos.
- It can be served with crackers, used as a sandwich filling, or as a topping for burgers.
- This easy recipe combines extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimentos, jalapeños, and spices.
- Mix all the ingredients until well-combined and enjoy your homemade pimento cheese spread.
- Customize your pimento cheese by adding roasted jalapeños or extra spices for a personalized twist.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make homemade pimento cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Cream Cheese
- Pimentos
- Jalapeños
- Spices (Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, and Pepper)
Pulling these ingredients together gives us a creamy, tasty pimento cheese spread. It’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or topping burgers. Quality matters a lot here, especially with the Cheddar cheese. It makes sure your pimento cheese tastes amazing.
How to Make Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread
Making homemade pimento cheese spread is quick and easy. Start by mixing the shredded Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, jalapeños, and spices. You can mix these ingredients well by hand or use a stand mixer. The goal is to make them smooth and creamy.
First, put the shredded Cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl. Then add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, jalapeños, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix them gently with a spatula or spoon. Ensure the ingredients are mixed well.
“Mixing the ingredients thoroughly is the key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture in your pimento cheese spread.”
For a smoother texture, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until smooth. Don’t overmix, as it could thin the spread.
Without a stand mixer, the same smoothness can be achieved by hand. Continue to mix with a spoon or spatula patiently. Keep mixing until the mixture is creamy.
Ingredients: | Measurements: |
---|---|
Shredded Cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
Cream cheese | 4 ounces, softened |
Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
Pimentos | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
Jalapeños | 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped |
Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cayenne pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
When your pimento cheese spread is ready, put it in an airtight container. Then refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This will help the flavors blend and improve the taste. You can keep the pimento cheese in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy your homemade pimento cheese spread on sandwiches, with crackers, or as a topping for burgers. Its creamy texture and tasty flavors are sure to please!
Tips and Tricks for Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread
Making homemade pimento cheese spread better is easy with some tips. Use these simple steps to improve flavor and texture. You’ll make the best pimento cheese every time.
Grate Your Own Cheese for Better Flavor and Texture
It’s best to grate your own cheese for pimento cheese spread. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can change the taste and texture. Grating cheese yourself lets you control the shred size and makes it taste fresher.
Use a Stand Mixer for Efficiency
A stand mixer with a paddle attachment saves time when making pimento cheese. It mixes ingredients evenly for a smooth texture. But don’t overmix the pimentos. Stop once everything is well-combined.
Dice Jarred Pimentos for Consistency
Dice your own pimentos for consistency in your spread. Buying jarred and slicing them yourself ensures even distribution. It enhances the spread’s color and texture.
Follow these tips for a tasty homemade pimento cheese spread. Grate your own cheese, use a stand mixer, and dice pimentos yourself. These steps will make your spread look and taste great. Try them and see the difference in your pimento cheese!
Serving and Storage Suggestions for Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread
Have you made your own pimento cheese spread? Great! Now, let’s talk about best ways to serve and keep it fresh. Here are some tips to help you out.
Serving Suggestions
Pimento cheese spread is very adaptable. You can enjoy it in several tasty ways. Let me share some ideas:
- Spread it on crackers for a quick and tasty snack.
- Use it as a filling for mouth-watering pimento cheese sandwiches.
- Add it to mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs for more flavor.
- Try it on grilled cheese sandwiches for a new twist.
- Serve it with sliced veggies for a light, healthy option.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own favorites! Have fun trying it in different dishes.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep your pimento cheese fresh:
- Put the spread in a shallow, airtight container.
- Keep it in the fridge to stay cool and fresh.
- It will last in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- If you can’t finish it within a week, freeze it for up to three months. Just know, it might taste a bit different after thawing.
These tips will help you enjoy your homemade pimento cheese spread longer!
Keep these serving and storage ideas in mind for a wonderful homemade pimento cheese experience. Enjoy making and eating it!
What People Are Saying About Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread
People can’t stop talking about homemade pimento cheese spread. They find it delicious and amazing. Many say it’s the perfect mix of rich, creamy, and tangy flavors. It’s also versatile, letting everyone tweak it to their taste.
“I have never tasted pimento cheese spread as good as this! It’s incredibly delicious and addictive. I can’t get enough of it!” – Sarah
Some suggest adding roasted jalapeño for extra zest. Roasting it first boosts the heat and adds a smoky touch. It makes the spread even more exciting for those who love spice.
If you’re into more heat, try more jalapeños or a bit of Sriracha. These kick the spiciness up a notch, delighting those who crave intense flavors. It’s a fun way to make the recipe your own.
“I love a little extra heat, so I added extra jalapeños to my pimento cheese spread. It turned out spicy and flavorful, just the way I like it!” – Michael
This pimento cheese spread inspires creativity. Follow the recipe or add your spin; either way, it’s bound to be a hit. Give it a shot and join the many fans. You’re sure to love it!
Nutritional Information for Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread
Enjoying homemade pimento cheese spread means knowing its nutritional content. The numbers may change based on ingredients and recipe tweaks. On average, a serving has about 208 calories, 20g of fat, 2g of carbs, and 6g of protein.
The calories show the energy it gives. Fat makes it creamy and tasty. Carbs are low, but protein gives a nutritional boost.
Remember, these numbers are general. For exact nutrition facts, check the labels of the ingredients. This way, you’ll know what you’re putting into your pimento cheese spread.
An Overview of the Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: Approximately 208 per serving
- Fat: Approximately 20g per serving
- Carbs: Approximately 2g per serving
- Protein: Approximately 6g per serving
Knowing the nutrition in homemade pimento cheese spread helps you choose how much to eat. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, in moderation.
Conclusion
Homemade pimento cheese spread is a favorite in the South. It’s easy to make and so tasty. You can enjoy it with crackers, on sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers. This spread always impresses guests. Its creamy and tangy flavor, with a hint of jalapeño heat, is loved by all.
To make it, you need shredded Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimentos, and jalapeños. Mixing these ingredients until smooth is simple. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can make this recipe without trouble.
Why not try making this pimento cheese spread today? It’s a homemade Southern treat that everyone will love. It’s perfect by itself, as a dip, or on bread. This recipe adds a creamy and tangy touch to any meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade pimento cheese. It’s sure to enhance your meals and snacks!