Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread: A Southern Classic

All great stories start with someone saying, “Do you remember …” This is no different. Madam Badwolf asked If I remembered a Southern tea party staple called the cheese sandwich.

The sandwich consisted of two pieces of toast spread with a cheese concoction called pimento cheese spread. It may be cut into quarters or layered with thinly sliced ham and pickles.

In any case, the question started an obsession, as these types of things often do. Alas, pimento cheese spread, or at least fresh/good pimento cheese, is not easy to find in my region, leaving the only option, i.e., to make it myself. This is quite ironic as this was originally a dish created in the North.

A quick run to the local not-so-mega-mart yielded zero pimento peppers but did supply a jar of roasted red peppers, which will substitute. I also picked up some Jalapeno peppers and thin-sliced bacon for a follow-on recipe.

As a taste test, I’ll not fly in the face of tradition and shall spread my mixture upon the required two slices of toast and cut into quarters for the taste testing.

For a more filling meal, one may fortify the basic sandwich with thinly sliced ham, tomato, onion slices of crisp-cooked bacon, or even an over-easy fried egg.

Wikipedia speaks of Pimento Cheese as follows:

Pimento cheese (or pimiento cheese) is a spread typically made of cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos and is typically served on crackers and vegetables or in sandwiches.

Although the recipe has its origins in the northern United States, it is generally most closely associated with the cuisine of the Southern United States and has been referred to as the “pâté of the South” and “the caviar of the South.” Pimento cheese sandwiches have a long history as a concession at the Masters golf tournament; Southern Living called it one of “the iconic foods” of the tournament. Sports Illustrated called it “a representation of the sport’s history and its traditions”.

Pimento Cheese Spread

Cheesy, tangy, and peppery (spicy if you wish), it's perfect for stuffing, smearing, spreading, and slater.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Ingredient

Cuisine snack

Servings 2 cups

Calories 768 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Stand or Hand mixer Optional, or a Stout spoon and strong arm

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1/2 pkg Cream Cheese ~8oz, soften at room temp
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Extra Sharp, grated fine
• 4 oz Peppers Roasted Red, Drained, chopped fine
• 1 ea Jalapeno Pepper Optional, Medium, stemmed, seeded, chopped fine
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (Make your own)
• 1/3 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/3 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/3 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• Salt and Pepper To Taste

Instructions

 

• Mix all together in the bowl of a stand mixer.
• Taste, Balance Flavor, reseason and remix if necessary
• Move to the refrigerator to chill and meld.

Notes

This is a basic recipe. Pimento Cheese spread is a Southern staple; I have no idea how many pimento cheese sandwiches I have eaten at various social gatherings.

This spread is perfect to spread on celery, crackers, cucumbers,  or warmed to room temp as a dip for tortilla chips.

I have been known to stuff jalapenos with this, wrap in thin bacon and grill, for appetizers, or even a main course. 

Nutrition

Calories: 768kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 31gFat: 68gSaturated Fat: 35gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 176mgSodium: 1008mgPotassium: 274mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2115IUVitamin C: 46mgCalcium: 862mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Cheese, Spread

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