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Fun fact, I am a Georgia girl through and through and did not have pimento cheese until my mid 20’s. I remember it like it was yesterday. We had a catered lunch at my office and I had a pimento cheese croissant. My coworker looked like I grew two heads when I said I had never tried it before. And now I know why! Boy was I missing out on such a versatile recipe. Spread it on crackers, scoop it with veggies, or slather it between some bread for a simple sandwich.
Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is a staple in the South. Why? Well it dates back to the 1800s when processed foods became readily available. Foods from all over the world were now available in America, including pimiento, or cherry, peppers. Mix that with the newly invented cream cheese produced in Philadelphia, and you have the perfect appetizer spread.
Unfortunately, pimentos were pretty expensive to import, which made the dish only associated with upscale New York parties. That is until a Georgia farmer started growing pimientos state side. Southerners then added the more flavorful sharp cheddar to the recipe and it went from high society to a southern homey comfort.
This southern staple is so easy to make its insane, and this recipe combines the origins of the dish with its most famous southern twist. All you need is a mixing bowl, a spatula or spoon, and a storage container. Start by adding your ingredients to a mixing bowl. You will need:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 4 oz diced pimentos
Using a rubber spatula or spoon, combine all of the ingredients until well blended. And that’s it! Store it in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 10 days, if it lasts that long.
How to Use Pimento Cheese
As I mentioned, this dish isn’t just some cheese and mayo slapped together. It is a versatile spread that can be used in a lot of ways. Here are some ideas
- On crackers
- In a sandwich
- With Veggies
- On a burger
- In an quesadilla
- Grilled cheese time!
- On a toasted bagel
- In a croquette
- Stuffed in chicken breast
- Warmed as a dip
- On deviled eggs
- In a BLT
- Inside jalapeno poppers
The list goes on and on, and the sky is the limit, so the best approach is to make a triple batch! I may have been late to the pimento cheese game but now that I am on board I am a true believer. Please believe this recipe will be at all of my family gatherings so everyone can nosh on this amazing spread.
Want More Quick Appetizer Recipes?
- Bisquick Sausage Balls
- Lemon Herb Whipped Ricotta Dip
- Italian Pinwheels
- Cucumber Avocado Salad
- Guacamole
- Fiesta Dip
- Cheesy Bagel Dogs
Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
- ½ cup mayonaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 4 oz diced pimentos
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients using a rubber spatula or spoon
- Serve with crackers, vegetables, or on sandwiches.
- Store in an air tight container for up to 10 days
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