Description
Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in this classic pimento cheese spread, blending sharp cheddar, tangy cream cheese, and roasted peppers into a rich, irresistible dip. Serve alongside crackers or slather on sandwiches for a delightful taste of Southern hospitality you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (at room temperature)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Wet Ingredients and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
- 4 ounces (113 grams) diced jarred pimentos (drained)
- Fresh chives (chopped, to garnish)
Instructions
- Vigorously whip cream cheese and mayonnaise in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform consistency, utilizing an electric hand mixer for enhanced texture and aeration.
- Incorporate paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, blending thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the creamy base.
- Gently fold in vibrant red pimentos and sharp, aged cheddar cheese, ensuring delicate integration without overmixing to maintain a rustic, chunky texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a sealed container, allowing the robust flavors to harmonize and intensify during a minimum 30-minute chilling period in the refrigerator.
- Prior to presentation, delicately sprinkle finely chopped chives across the surface, adding a fresh, verdant accent that elevates the visual and flavor profile of the classic Southern spread.
Notes
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to lighten the dip and add protein, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a more intense, tangy flavor that elevates the entire spread.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding monterey jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick and varied texture.
- Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Southern (American)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 232
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 408 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg