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Latest / Snacks / No. 25
Southern Pimento Cheese
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Snacks · 30-Minute

Southern Pimento Cheese

Freshly grated sharp cheddar mixed with mayonnaise, cream cheese, diced pimentos and a little heat. Spread it on crackers, celery or a grilled cheese, or set it out with the holiday snack board.

Prep15 min
CookNone
Total15 min
Serves8

What you'll need

Mixing bowl setFor mixing and marinating
8-inch chef's knifeFor all the chopping

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz extra-sharp yellow cheddar, finely grated
  • 4 oz sharp white cheddar, finely grated
  • 3 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne, or a few dashes of hot sauce
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • black pepper to taste
  • buttery crackers and celery sticks, to serve

Steps

  1. Grate the cheeses on the small holes of a box grater (pre-shredded cheese makes a grainy spread).
  2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
  3. Add the cheeses, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne and Worcestershire and stir until well combined but still a little chunky.
  4. Season with pepper and taste for heat.
  5. Cover and chill at least 1 hour so the flavors come together. Serve with crackers and celery.

TipIt keeps a week in the fridge; let it sit out 15 minutes before serving so it's soft enough to spread.