Ready for the easiest, most crowd-pleasing dip you’ll ever make? Say hello to this classic Southern Pimiento Cheese! With just three simple ingredients and ten minutes of prep, you can create a creamy, savory spread that’s bursting with cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect last-minute appetizer for any gathering or a delicious treat for a quiet afternoon. Forget the store-bought tubs; homemade is where the flavor is at!
Ingredients
• 1 ½ cups / 170g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 jar, 4 ounces / 113g, diced pimientos, drained
• ⅓ cup / 75g mayonnaise
• Assorted crackers, for serving
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded cheddar cheese, drained pimientos, and mayonnaise until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Remove from the refrigerator, give it a final stir, and serve chilled with your favorite assorted crackers.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Facts (per serving)
• Calories: 116
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrate: 1g
Pro Tips
• Grate Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest texture, buy a block of sharp cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the dip grainy.
• Add a Kick: A dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can add a wonderful depth of flavor and a little heat.
• Make it Creamier: For an extra tangy and rich version, substitute 2 tablespoons of the mayonnaise with softened cream cheese.
• Beyond Crackers: This spread is fantastic on more than just crackers! Use it as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for burgers, or a dip for fresh veggies like celery and bell pepper sticks.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe
A: For the best and creamiest texture, it’s recommended to grate a block of sharp cheddar yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy dip.
Q: How can I make pimiento cheese spicy
A: To add a kick, you can mix in a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for more depth of flavor.
Q: Do I have to chill the pimiento cheese before serving
A: Yes, chilling the dip for at least one hour is a crucial step. This allows the flavors of the cheese, pimientos, and mayonnaise to meld together for the best taste.
Q: What can I serve with pimiento cheese besides crackers
A: This versatile spread is also delicious as a sandwich filling, a topping for burgers, or as a dip for fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper sticks.
