Homemade Pimento Cheese
Whether you’re slathering it on a sandwich, dipping fresh veggies, or topping off a cracker, this quick and easy pimento cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium Bowl
- Box Grater or Food Processor
- Spatula or Spoon
- Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, not drained
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated for best texture
- 1 cup mayonnaise, preferably full-fat for creaminess
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by grating 1 pound of sharp cheddar cheese into a large mixing bowl. Using freshly grated cheese makes a world of difference—it’s creamier, melts better, and has more flavor than the bagged variety.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the entire contents of a 4-ounce jar of diced pimentos (juice included!) with 1 cup of mayonnaise. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Pour the pimento-mayo mixture over the shredded cheese. Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, fold the ingredients together until everything is fully combined. The cheese should be coated in a creamy, flavorful dressing without being soupy.
- Once mixed, taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with a pinch of each, mix again, and adjust as needed. Some folks like a bit of cayenne or hot sauce for a little kick—feel free to make it your own!This spread is now ready to enjoy, but I always find that letting it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld even more.