The Pimento Cheese recipe that convinced me I liked Pimento Cheese

This pimento cheese recipe comes courtesy of  my brother and his husband, who is a true Southerner. 

I confess I always said I didn’t like pimentos growing up, but I learned from them that I probably never had real pimentos. 

Instead I probably had red bell peppers, because people use them as a substitute for pimentos.

In fact, when I was writing this article, I looked for pictures of pimentos, and instead of pimentos, all I could find were pictures of red bell peppers.

Real pimentos come from a cherry shaped pepper and are not the same as a red bell pepper.

They give pimento cheese its distinctive taste, and when you use the real thing, it makes all the difference.

It seems like every Southern family has a recipe for pimento cheese, and they all have a secret ingredient or two. 

The biggest secret, though, is that no one really measures anything, and they keep adding their favorite ingredients until the mix tastes just right. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe because it's truly a labor of love. 

It has become a staple at our home, and I hope it becomes a staple at yours too.

Tips for Pimento Cheese Success

Let all of the ingredients come to room temperature. 

If that freaks you out with the mayonnaise, you can skip that part.

My brother and I like to add as much shredded cheddar as the mix will hold and still be creamy enough to spread. 

If you prefer less, then use less.  

Some people prefer a more prominent pimento taste and use the entire jar of diced pimentos. 

Some prefer a milder taste and use less. 

Important note: The hot sauce is crucial.

As someone who is a complete baby when it comes to spice, I promise the hot sauce in this will not burn.

Without a few dashes of it your pimento cheese will taste bland and boring.

My brother  sometimes adds a spicy pepper to give it a kick. 

I never do.

We serve this dip with gluten free crackers and/or veggie dippers. 

We especially love it on celery, and my husband thinks pimento grilled cheese is pretty darned tasty.

So Let’s Make This!

Easy Homemade Pimento Cheese

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Cheesy and delicious in so many ways. Try some today!

Ingredients

• 1 – 8oz Cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Duke’s mayo (I tried others but Duke's tastes best)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 
• 8 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese, you can use pre-shredded, but this is one recipe that I recommend shredding your own
• 2-4 oz diced pimentos 
•  A few dashes of hot sauce
• Sea salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions

1. Combine the cream cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and half of the mayo completely in a medium size bowl.
2. Keep adding mayo until the mixture is soft but not soupy.
3. Sprinkle in the grated sharp cheddar cheese an ounce or two at a time.
4. Add until you have a creamy, cheese filled mixture.
5. Pour half the jar of pimentos into a strainer.
6. When the pimentos are strained, add into the cheese mixture. 
7. Add hot sauce, a few dashes at a time, tasting as you go
8. Serve with crackers and/or celery

Notes

This dip doubles well and makes some awesome deviled eggs

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

•  Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese
•  Duke's Real Mayonnaise
•  McCormick Onion Powder, 2.62 oz
•  McCormick Classic Garlic Powder, 3.12 oz
•  365 by Whole Foods Market, Cheese Bar, Sharp Cheddar, 8 Ounce
•  Cento Sliced Pimentos, 4 oz
•  Cholula Hot Sauce, Original, 5 oz
•  McCormick Sea Salt, 2.12 oz Table Grinder
•  McCormick Ground Organic Black Pepper, 3 oz
•  Keebler Club Crackers, Original, 13.7 oz Box
•  Simple Mills, Snacks Variety Pack, Fine Ground Sea Salt, Rosemary & Sea Salt, Farmhouse Cheddar Variety Pack, 3 Count (Packaging May Vary)
•  Cuisinart FP-13DGM Elemental 13 Cup Food Processor and Dicing Kit, Gunmetal
•  KitchenAid 4-1/2-Quart Ultra Power Stand Mixer, Twilight Blue