Best 2 Authentic Southern Pimento Cheese Recipes

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Pimento cheese, a savory Southern spread, is a delicious combination of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and a variety of seasonings. Often served as an appetizer with crackers, vegetables, or bread, it can also be used as a sandwich spread or stuffing for deviled eggs. With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, pimento cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are a Southerner looking for a taste of home or a curious foodie seeking a new culinary experience, finding the perfect recipe for authentic Southern pimento cheese is an essential pursuit.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PIMENTO CHEESE, AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN STYLE



Pimento Cheese, Authentic Southern Style image

Growing up, all of the ladies in my Southern family used to make and serve it to us kids smushed between two slices of white bread. (Ritz Crackers were fancy and for company only.) My Mama & Papa (Grandparents) owned the largest catering business and several restaurants in Jacksonville, Florida. I called my Mom to get the exact recipe. I wanted the familiarity of fishing with a cane pole, cork bobbers and mushed bread for bait on Dunn's Creek in Palatka with dirty hands and a pimento cheese sandwich. It really is delicious.

Provided by SparkleKristy

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4 16oz jelly jars

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese, EXTRA sharp
1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese, Sharp
1 (8 ounce) package colby cheese
12 ounces chopped pimentos, well drained (3 - 4 oz jars)
15 ounces mayonnaise, Dukes Brand (approximate amount)
cayenne pepper (a sprinkle to taste)

Steps:

  • Rough cut all blocks of cheese into chunks about the size of a 50 cent piece.
  • In your food processor with the regular blade, chop the extra sharp cheddar. You may have to do this in batches so you don't get a big lump. Return any removed cheese to the processing bowl and add a couple dollops of mayo and one jar of very well drained pimentos and whir up until blended nicely.
  • Scrape the sharp cheddar, mayonnaise and pimento mixture into a large bowl.
  • Change your blade to the shredding blade. Shred both the Colby and the sharp cheddar in batches. Put in a separate bowl. (Again, batches will be necessary.).
  • Add the shredded cheese to the whirred up cheese folding it in a little at a time. Alternating with dollops of mayo and more of the drained pimentos. Lastly, stir in a smidge of cayenne. You don't want it to be hot, just have personality.
  • Don't over stir to mush, but make sure everything is well incorporated.
  • Some notes:.
  • **Yes, one could use Hellman's instead. But please, no Miracle Whip. Also, no low fat or light mayo. Your already eating a ton of cheese, that light mayo won't help you any.
  • **Serve on very fresh white bread or Ritz Crackers if you are feeling fancy or are serving company. One piece of bread folded in half will transport you home, I'm sure. Yes, you could use anything else you like. It's great by the finger full, on hot dogs, hamburgers and crudités too.).
  • **If you can't find the chopped pimentos. Go ahead and buy the fancy jarred red bell peppers, drain them well and chop / shred them in the food processor. They are the same thing, just more expensive.
  • **This stays good in the refrigerator for up to a month. (If it lasts that long.) Even with mayo? Yes -- How long do you keep your mayonnaise jar in the fridge? Ya'll will know when it's gone bad; the green furry stuff will take over. If it has just a little though, you can scrape it off and its fine. (Now the Food Safety people may disagree with me here, but it never killed any of us, so it's up to you.)
  • **This makes four (4) 16oz Ball jelly jars. Enough to keep and some to share.
  • **Please, for the love of God above -- don't buy pre-shredded cheese. It is too expensive and has extra ingredients in it that keep the shreds separate. 1 cup by volume of shredded cheese is not the same as 8oz of weight. You could go ALLLLL authentic and grate by hand with a box grater and work off some of the calories you'll eat when tasting for perfection. It's tough though. Please, beg, borrow or all but steal to get a food processor for this one.
  • **The mix of cheeses is as similar as you can get to the old government cheese from which this recipe was initially invented. We were just fortunate enough not to be on the list for those 10lb blocks of cheese, but one would find this mixture very similar.
  • ** There is no cream cheese in this recipe. You get the creaminess from the way you process the extra sharp cheddar.
  • **Fancy cheese is not necessary. Get generic, it's perfectly fine.
  • **If you've ever had the kind in the jar and hated it, no worries. This is totally different. That other stuff is chemical in a jar.
  • **Please, enjoy with your choice of a Mason jar of sweet tea, some very sweet red Kool-Aid or fruit punch Fla-Vor-Aid! I hope if your familar that it take you back. If it's new to you -- it can be a new tradition. It's like grilled cheese without the grill.
  • Lip Smack -- ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

MRS. MABLES AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE



Mrs. Mables Authentic Southern Pimento Cheese image

When I lived in the South for a few years, We lived next to the sweetest lady, who had quite the range of old world southern recipes. She taught my mom how to make every southern staple from Sausage gravy to sweet potato pie. But, her Pimento cheese was something special. And I hadn't realized that mom had the recipe until I...

Provided by Anthony Nicometi Jr

Categories     Spreads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pkg cream cheese (room temp)
1/2 c hellmanns mayonnaise
1 c extra sharp cheddar (white or orange, orange is the traditional)
3/4 c monterey jack cheese
1/4 c smoked provolone or pepperjack (can omit and use 1c monterey jack)
3 Tbsp jarred pimentos
1 tsp grated onion
1/2 tsp garlic powder
TT s&p

Steps:

  • 1. Grate your cheeses
  • 2. Mix together the cream cheese and mayo untill combined and light
  • 3. Incorporate the ingredients one at a time starting with the cheeses and so on. After combined tast for salt and pepper, and you're done!

Tips:

  • Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese is always best.
  • Add some finely diced pimentos to the cheese mixture for a classic Southern touch.
  • For a creamier spread, use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip.
  • Season the pimento cheese to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Chill the pimento cheese for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Pimento cheese is a delicious and versatile Southern spread that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be served on crackers, sandwiches, or vegetables. It can also be used as a dip for chips or pretzels. No matter how you serve it, pimento cheese is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

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