"Killer" Pimento Cheese
A Southern Tradition

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

In Kentucky and Tennessee, some recipes even call for adding bourbon and honey to the
pimento cheese recipe, to add a local flavor.

 

It's one of those Southern traditions that all of us have "grown-up with," a source of comfort for any occasion, from the dinner-on-the-grounds, to the funeral meal, to the dinner party where it is served as an appetizer. We're talking about pimento cheese!

In the South, it is a staple, something that can be served at almost any occasion, from a trip to the beach or lake, to spread on crackers at an elegant party, and the recipes for making it are as varied as the small and large communities where it is served.

Try some of the following recipes to see if you like these particular versions of the #1 Comfort Food of the South:

 

 

Mom's "Killer" Pimento Cheese

1 pound sharp cheddar cheese

1 pound Monterey Jack cheese
2 medium Kosher dill pickles
2 or 3 cloves of garlic
1 (4 oz.) jar of pimentos, drained

1/2 Jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional)

Cut all ingredients except the pimentos, into large chunks.
Add pimentos and place mixture in a food processor and pulse
just long enough to roughly chop.
Remove and stir in 3 large tablespoons of mayonnaise.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

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Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

1 (3 oz.) package of cream cheese, at room temperature

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 to 3 tablespoons of pimentos, mashed

1 teaspoon grated onion

2 tablespoons chopped pecans

cracked black pepper, to taste

salt to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

3 or 4 dashes of Tabassco Sauce (optional)

In a large mixing bowl and using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and
fluffy. Add all the other ingredients and beat well, until fully blended.

Refrigerate until ready to serve and serve with crackers, celery, or as a
spread on sandwiches.

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Quick Pimento Cheese Spread

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup small Vidalia onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon Louisiana hot sauce
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

1/2 cup diced and drained pimentos

Mix ingredients in a large mixing bowl, until thoroughly mixed.
Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least one hour.

Serve with crackers, crudites, or as a sandwich spread.

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