The combination of ingredients for this Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe is pure delight! Southern Pimento Cheese can be served in a varity of ways. Piled high between two pieces of bread, smeared on a celery stick, spread on a cracker, or served hot is a matter of preference.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Dukes mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (4 ounce) jar of diced pimento
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place the Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and pimento into the large bowl of a mixer.
2. Beat at medium speed, with paddle if possible, until thoroughly combined.
3. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Author’s Notes:

• In this recipe, I only used half of the pimento peppers. You can use the juice of the pimento peppers for added moisture and flavor.
• In this recipe, I used a Fiesta Blend that I had left from Cinco de Mayo. It included shredded Montrey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, and Asadero cheeses. Normally, I would have crated my cheese and not used a store bought shredded cheese.
• I use my Geroge Foreman grill to make my grill cheese sandwiches.
• Other add ins may include: one jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced, instead of the cayenne pepper, add in 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce, toasted pecans, or a couple of dashes of worcestershire sauce.
• Ways to serve Southern Pimento Cheese:
  • mixed into grits
  • spread on celery sticks
  • spread on assorted crackers
  • grilled cheese sandwiches
  • replace the yolks in deviled eggs with pimento cheese
  • as a dip (can be hot or cold)
  • on top of a hamburger