What is pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese is a treasured Southern dish. It is sometimes referred to as “the pâté of the South”.
The base of the recipe is pretty simple – shredded cheese is combined with mayo and diced pimentos.
Everyone has their own little variation though – some people use different types of cheese, add spices, or even bread and butter pickles (yuck!).
My recipe, the one I’m sharing with you today, includes diced jalapeños, white pepper, and celery salt.
My personal favorite cheeses for this dish are sharp cheddar and extra sharp white cheddar. It is best to buy block cheese and shred it yourself. Store bought shredded cheese is full of preservatives that alter the taste. Tillamook makes an excellent version of both cheddars.
What goes with pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese can be eaten simply as a dip. When serving this way, I think it’s best on Ritz crackers. (What isn’t best on Ritz crackers???)
It is also often served on celery sticks. (My favorite way to eat it growing up!)
You can add it to virtually any dish you would use cheddar cheese in: pimento cheese burgers, pimento cheese grits, pimento grilled cheese, pimento queso…the possibilities are endless!
What is a pimento cheese sandwich?
One of the simplest and most popular ways to serve pimento cheese is in a sandwich.
Traditionally, white bread is used and the only condiment is mayo.
The pimento cheese sandwich is undoubtedly the most popular item at the Master’s golf tournament in Georgia.
I think pimento cheese is one of those recipes that gets better a day or two after you make it. 24-48 hours gives all those ingredients and flavors a chance to meld together and really become something phenomenal.
But you know I can never wait and always sample some the first day I make it.
How long does it last? Can you freeze it?
Pimento cheese should last at least a week when stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. Unfortunately, pimento cheese does not freeze well.
Other Pimento Cheese Recipes
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Best Pimento Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2.5 Cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar
- 1.5 Cups Shredded Extra Sharp White Cheddar
- 1 Cup Pimentos, diced
- 1-2 Jalapenos, diced
- 1/2 Cup Mayo
- 3/4 Tsp Vinegar Based Hot Sauce, optional
- 1/2 Tsp Celery Salt
- 1/4 Tsp White Pepper
- 1/8 Tsp Salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients in a large bowl, stir until well combined.
- Serve as a sandwich between 2 slices of white bread, or serve as a dip with crackers or vegetables.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to one week.
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