This pimento cheese recipe is made with two several types of sharp cheddar and a particular ingredient—pickle brine—for an additional punch of taste, making this the proper snack, appetizer, or sandwich unfold.

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, proper up there with deviled eggs, potato salad, and cornbread. The zesty cheese dip (with a thick texture extra akin to a variety or paté) is one thing I’ve all the time beloved however hadn’t tried my hand at till not too long ago when a pal shared her recipe with me. Not solely is selfmade pimento cheese cheaper, however dare I say it’s exceedingly extra scrumptious than any fancy storebought model I’ve tried.

There are two issues that make this model stand out among the many relaxation. One is the addition of pickle brine. My pal swears by it after attempting hers and being perpetually ruined for some other variations. I agree. I really like pickles and dill pickle brine is filled with scrumptious acidic taste, which is such a tasty addition to this pimento cheese. The opposite tip is to make use of roasted purple bell pepper instead of pimento peppers. Roasted purple bell pepper provides a delicate smokiness to the dip and is less complicated to search out on the grocery retailer. When you’re a traditionalist, def go together with pimentos (I provide you with quantities to make use of within the recipe card under). Or attempt a combo! This pimento cheese unfold recipe is a game-changer, and is addictively good, regardless of the way you eat it.

What’s in Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is comprised largely of pantry components, a lot of which you seemingly have already got. Right here’s what you’ll have to make it:

• Further-sharp cheddar cheese—we’re utilizing yellow and white right here
• Roasted purple pepper—not historically utilized in pimento cheese, however I adore it because it’s simpler to search out on the grocery retailer. Or right here’s shortly roast a purple pepper at house. Nevertheless, I give quantities of pimento peppers to make use of as a substitute.
• Mayonnaise—they’ve lastly began promoting Duke’s model in my space and I actually dig the tang. Use extra mayo if you would like a looser, creamier texture
• Entire grain/stone floor mustard
• Pickle brine—the acidity provides a lot taste and actually makes this pimento cheese recipe stand out from all the remaining.
• Garlic
• Kosher salt and freshly floor black pepper—relying on how a lot pickle brine you add, you might decide that you simply don’t want any salt. Style as you go.
• Cayenne pepper—non-compulsory, however I just like the delicate kick it provides

The way to Make Pimento Cheese

This pimento cheese is made shortly and effortlessly within the meals processor. As you’d count on, there’s no cooking concerned. It comes collectively in simply quarter-hour or much less.

Shred your cheeses. Use the shredder attachment of your meals processor and get grating. I simply changed my 30-year-old meals processor with this meals processor and I adore it. It makes grating cheese a lot simpler than utilizing a field grater. Place the cheeses into a big mixing bowl and put aside.

Combine up the creamy seasoning. Change out the shredder attachment of your meals processor for the blade attachment. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, roasted purple pepper or pimentos or a mixture of the 2, pickle brine, garlic, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, and course of till easy.

Course of ¾ of the shredded cheese into the meals processor and pulse till blended and chopped to the feel you want (I choose a tough, gentle mayonnaise consistency).

Style, season, and mash. Add extra seasoning if desired, then add the combination to the big bowl, together with the remaining ¼ of the shredded cheese, and stir, mashing some with a spoon or spatula till every part is effectively mixed.

Add extra mayonnaise if the combination is stiff. I sometimes add one other spoonful or two of mayo so the dip creamy not chalky.

Observe: Pimento cheese will maintain in a jar or hermetic container within the fridge for about 7-10 days.

What Does Pimento Cheese Style Like

This pimento cheese is the proper mix of creamy and chunky, with some balanced acidity from the pickle brine and mustard, and a little bit of spice from the cayenne. It’s wealthy and addicting!

How do Southerners Eat Pimento Cheese

There are such a lot of scrumptious methods to take pleasure in this traditional Southern dish. Listed below are among the commonest:

• With fried inexperienced tomatoes (additionally makes a stellar sandwich)
• With crackers—ideally Saltines—bonus factors when you fry ’em. I like a buttery cracker too.
• On biscuits
• Slathered on slices of white bread for pimento cheese sandwiches—chilly or as a grilled cheese sandwich
• With uncooked greens
• In deviled eggs
• Blended into omelets or scrambles
• Stirred into grits
• Tossed with pasta—it will be killer in a pasta salad or used for mac and cheese
• On burgers

When you make this recipe, please let me know! Depart a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ score on this recipe under and depart a remark, take a photograph and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.