After having consumed approximately half of Vermont’s supply of Cheddar cheese in the name of research, I’ve discovered that this pimento cheese recipe from Rebecca Lang is the best dang pimento cheese I’ve ever had. I also found that doing yourself a favor and making it a day ahead of time only improves the taste. The onion mellows, the pimento perks up, the color blends, and everything becomes, well, ambrosial. And it’s one less thing for you to do the day of when guests are on their way. And you can do waaaaay more than just slather the pimento cheese on crackers. You can also set it out as part of a crudités platter, stuff it in sandwiches (whether petite tea party bites or gooey grilled cheese sandwiches), or perhaps even scoop it straight from the container at 2:00 a.m. as you lean against the sink. Not that I know anything about that.–David Leite
Mellow Yellow Cheddar Cheese Note
When a Southerner makes pimento cheese, he or she is usually pretty particular about the type of cheese. David isn’t a Southerner but he is plenty particular about his recipes. He instructed us to share with you that he uses white Cheddar, not orange. He prefers the flavor of white. Besides, you still get a lovely orange tint from the pimentos. We haven’t run this by the author of the recipe, Rebecca Lang, although we’re curious to hear what she thinks. Let’s see if she notices…
Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound sharp white Cheddar cheese, (or if you’re a true Southerner, by all means, stick with orange Cheddar)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- One (4-ounce) jar pimentos, drained well
- 2 tablespoons grated Vidalia or other sweet onion
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crackers, toast points, crudités, or anything else you can think to serve with it
Instructions
- Grate the cheese in a food processor or on the large holes of a box grater. (Just between us, a food processor is the way to go. Five seconds max. Although you can do it by hand just for old-time's sake to get that Southern nostalgia mood going.)
- In a bowl or your food processor, mix the grated cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, grated onion, and a few good grinds pepper until blended. Resist the urge to dig in immediately. Instead, cover it and stash it in the fridge for at least a couple hours and, preferably, 24 hours. (Trust us, the pimento cheese is unspeakably better after it rests. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days, provided you can resist it that long.)
- To serve, decant the pimento cheese into your loveliest serving dish. Serve with crackers, toast points, crudités, or anything you fancy.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Testers’ Reviews
This pimento cheese is very addictive! It’s easy to prepare but the 2-hour to overnight waiting period is definitely difficult to endure. Your reward, though, is a pleasingly rich cheese dip that really shows itself off, especially at room temperature.
Using a food processor will save some time but I do recommend grating the cheese first. After that, put everything into the processor and pulse a few times until you get texture and orange color you’re after. I found some of the pimento from the jar were rather large, so if doing this all by hand, be sure to finely chop the pimento so they mix adequately with the cheese, mayo, and onion.
So glad you discovered Pimento Cheese. It’s a staple for sure. As a personal slant on the wonderful stuff, I use Extra-Sharp Cheddar and I do not drain my pimentos. I think the tiny bit of liquid in the jar adds to the overall flavor. Plus, I love just a pinch of celery seed. I’m kinda known for my Pimento Cheese around my hometown, and I’m always happy to whip up a bowl for a special soiree or no reason at all. I even have an antique bowl that I’ve labeled my “Pimento Cheese” bowl.
Sounds wonderful, Anne. Do you use Duke’s, too?
No, I use Hellman’s. I live in Louisiana and Duke’s isn’t readily available. I think Hellman’s is just wonderful. Another thing I didn’t mention, chives. I like to add just a scattering of chopped chives from my little herb garden and then mix in. It’s a fresh green addition.
I use Hellman’s, too. Anne. I do have a jar of Duke’s in my Amazon cart. When I get enough items in there, I’ll pull the trigger and order. And chives sound great. I love chives, and we have tons in the garden.
Anne, I live in Louisiana too! And I use Hellman’s (or Best if I am in Utah!) unless I am feeling especially patriotic and then I use Blue Plate. OR – ta da – Tabasco Mayo which is really really good in Pimento Cheese.
Hello Karen! I’ve never used Tabasco Mayonnaise but on your recommendation I’m going to try it. I’m sitting here conjuring up several ways Tabasco Mayo would be terrific, such as Deviled Eggs! Thanks…
I am betting you will love it. And it is just perfect in egg salad. And on ham and cheese sandwiches. And tuna salad? Yes. Back to Pimenna cheese – a dash of Steens Cane Syrup vinegar does wonders for it!
I have some strong southern tendencies from my mother’s side of the family. When I was pregnant with my daughter in Las Vegas, I suddenly had the urge for a pimento cheese sandwich. Of course, being pregnant, that reads as: NEED. ONE. RIGHT. NOW! Luckily it only took 2 stores before I found a tub and soothed my dairy craving! You have inspired me to make some homemade–I shall share it with my daughter, who is now almost 13, and marvel how quickly time passes!
How wonderful, Bloominanglophile. And, hmmmm. I get that NEED. ONE. RIGHT. NOW. feeling all the time. And I know we gays are big on equality in everything; I certainly hope this doesn’t mean I’m preggers….
Having grown up in the South, I adore Pimento Cheese. I even use it to make Pimento Cheese Macaroni and Cheese – I have a major weakness for Mac & Cheese and consider it one of my top ten comfort foods. And I too use Duke’s Mayo and I add a touch of cayenne and a mix of sharp and extra sharp cheeses.
Darn you, Susan. I’m at my parents’ home in New England, and now I’m just aching for pimento cheese mac & cheese. Thank ya, very much, missy.
This DOES sound very good. Recipe??
Unfortunately, I don’t write anything down but as a general guideline, I make the usual mac & cheese base with a milk sauce thickened with a light roux. Instead of adding grated cheeses, I add an equal amount of homemade pimento cheese and an extra dash of cayenne or Siracha Sauce and bake it. Then top with crumbled, crisp bacon.
I soooooo have to make this, Susan!