Ultimate Creamy Pimento Cheese
This ultimate creamy pimento cheese recipe combines sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack with a rich, seasoned mayonnaise and cream cheese base for a perfectly smooth, flavorful spread.
Equipment
- Box Grater
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium Bowl
- Whisk
- Sturdy Spoon
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
Pimento Cheese Ingredients
- 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese block, freshly grated
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese block, freshly grated
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise like Duke's or Hellmann's
- 4 oz cream cheese full-fat, softened to room temperature
- 4 oz diced pimentos jar, well drained
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a little kick
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Grate both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses using a box grater and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Gently fold the well-drained diced pimentos into the mayonnaise mixture.
- Pour the mayonnaise-pimento mixture over the grated cheeses in the large mixing bowl.
- Gently mix all ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to prevent greasiness; ensure all cheese is coated.
- Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, adjusting to your preference.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
- Before serving, let the pimento cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for optimal spreadability and flavor.
Notes
For best results, use good quality sharp cheddar and full-fat ingredients. The chilling time is crucial for flavor development and texture, so don't skip it!