Old fashioned pimento cheese is classic Southern comfort food a nostalgic favorite of pots or cakes at family lunches. This rich, tangy, pleasantly spicy spread is versatile and easy to assemble at home. Whether you use it as a filling for a sandwich, a dip for crackers, or a topping on burgers, this will be your recipe for authentic pimento cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos (drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method:
1. Mix the Base:
- Add mayonnaise and cream cheese to a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Together, they form the rich, creamy base of this old fashioned pimento cheese recipe.
2. Add the Flavor:
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Combine until all components are well mixed. This makes sure every bite of the homemade pimento cheese bursts with flavor.
3. Chill and Serve:
- Wrap the meal in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld together. The resting time really settles the flavor and gives the creamy pimento cheese dip its signature tangy, savory profile.
- Refrigerate to chill and serve as a spread, dip, or topping.
Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese:
- Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar pimento cheese is all about the big hunk of cheddar cheese, To get the best texture, shred your cheese; pre-shredded cheese is usually coated with anti-caking agents to keep the shreds from clumping together.
- Fresh pimentos: Use fresh roasted and diced pimentos for the best flavor if you can. But jarred pimentos are perfectly acceptable and more practical for everyday use.
- Make it Your Own: If you like a little less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper. For something more in the mild range, leave the cayenne out, or add just a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Serving Ideas:
This Southern pimento cheese recipe is so versatile it can be served for almost every occasion. Here are a few fun ways to eat it:
- Classic Sandwich: Spread pimento cheese liberally between slices of soft white bread for the classic traditional pimento cheese sandwich.
- Party Dip: Pair with a selection of crackers, cutup vegetables, or pita chips for a crowd-friendly appetizer.
- Burger Topper: Spoon a dollop of the retro cheese spread recipe on top of a freshly grilled burger.
- Stuffed Celery: Scoop the pimento cheese into celery sticks for a crunchy, low-carb snack.
- Baked Potatoes: Top it with cheese on baked potatoes, allowing it to melt slightly for a rich and tastebud explosion.
History and Popularity:
Old fashioned pimento cheese has long roots in Southern foodways. It dates back to the early 20th century when processed cheese and canned pimentos became common. Over the decades, this once unassuming spread became a Southern cuisine classic. Pimento cheese recipes, from family picnics to church potlucks, have established themselves as icons of comfort and hospitality.
Today, the popularity of pimento cheese knows no region, with chefs and home cooks throughout the United States developing their takes on the spread. Yet these modern variants and the more dotted with spices, herbs, and nuts have not displaced the easy pimento cheese spread ; it remains a beloved old fashioned that brings people together.
Nutritional Information:
As indulgent as pimento cheese is, it can be fit into a balanced way of eating. Here’s an approximate run-down of the nutritionals per serving (2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
For lower-fat options, replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use reduced-fat cheese. These substitutes allow for the same creaminess with fewer calories.
Conclusion:
Pimento cheese is more than a recipe; it’s a nostalgic salute to Southern hospitality and comfort food that is decidedly old fashioned. It’s infused with vibrant flavors; rich, tangy, a little heat; perfect for anything. Whether slathered on sandwiches, made into a dip, or piled upon baked potatoes or cooked vegetables, this homemade pimento cheese is simple to make, and endlessly adaptable. With this simple recipe and a few tips, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful spread that invokes warmth and tradition at your table just like it has for generations.
