Sandra This Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect party snack, ready in about 10 minutes.
Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened (4 oz or 113g)
- 3 tablespoons diced pimentos, drained
- 2 teaspoons grated onion
- ¼ teaspoon Paula Deen House Seasoning (or a mix of 1/8 tsp salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder)
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
How To Make Paula Deen Pimento Cheese
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Monterey Jack, grated sharp cheddar, diced pimentos, grated onion, and seasonings.
- Mix until smooth: Using a handheld electric mixer on low speed or a sturdy spatula, beat or stir all the ingredients together until they are fully combined and the mixture is relatively smooth.
- Taste and serve: Taste the pimento cheese and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with crackers or as a sandwich filling, or chill until ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- How do I get the smoothest texture? The absolute key is to make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before you start mixing. Cold cream cheese will create lumps that are difficult to get rid of.
- Should I grate my own cheese? For the best flavor and texture, yes. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in starches to prevent clumping, which can make your pimento cheese gritty. Grating a block of cheese yourself results in a creamier spread.
- How do I grate the onion without it being watery? The best way to get grated onion is to rub a piece of peeled onion against the small holes of a box grater. This creates a fine pulp and releases the onion juice, which adds flavor without large, crunchy pieces.
- Can I adjust the consistency? Yes. If you prefer a creamier, looser pimento cheese, you can add a little more mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
What To Serve With Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is a versatile Southern staple. Here are the most popular ways to serve it:
- As a spread with crackers (like Ritz or Saltines), celery sticks, or bell pepper strips.
- As a filling for classic white bread finger sandwiches (with the crusts cut off).
- As a topping for burgers or fried chicken sandwiches.
- Stuffed into celery stalks or mini sweet peppers.
How To Store Pimento Cheese
Refrigerate: Store the pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week. The flavors will actually meld and become even better after a day. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise and cream cheese-based spread will separate and become watery upon thawing.
Pimento Cheese Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Pimentos (or pimientos) are a type of sweet, red cherry pepper. They are very mild and are typically sold diced in small glass jars. Be sure to drain them well before adding them to the recipe.
Yes, absolutely. A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon and some elbow grease will work just fine. Just make sure your cream cheese is very soft to make mixing by hand easier.
For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or some finely minced fresh jalapeños to the mixture.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Paula Deen Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
- Paula Deen Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe
Description
A classic, creamy, and cheesy Southern pimento cheese spread that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all ingredients—softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, both grated cheeses, pimentos, grated onion, and seasonings—into a large bowl.
- Using a handheld electric mixer or a spatula, mix everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve with crackers, vegetables, or as a sandwich filling.
Notes
- For the creamiest result, use block cheese that you grate yourself and ensure the cream cheese is fully softened.
- The flavors deepen as the pimento cheese chills, so making it a few hours ahead is a great idea.
- To add a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
