Easy Alton Brown Pimento Cheese Recipe: Southern Comfort in Minutes

Pimento cheese stands as a Southern culinary gem that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary flavor experience.

Sharp cheddar mingles with creamy textures, creating a spread that dances between tangy and rich.

Regional kitchens have long celebrated this versatile delicacy as more than just a simple condiment.

Home cooks understand the magic happens when quality ingredients blend seamlessly and unexpectedly.

Each batch carries a personal signature, reflecting the maker’s unique taste preferences.

The combination of smooth and chunky elements makes this recipe irresistibly appealing to cheese lovers everywhere.

Prepare to elevate your snacking game with a recipe that promises bold, memorable flavors:

Pro Tips for Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese

• Select Shredded Cheddar: Grate cheese yourself for superior melting and texture.
• Manage Moisture: Pat pimentos dry to prevent watery spread consistency.
• Control Pepper Heat: Start with half the jalapeño, taste, then add more gradually.
• Blend Strategically: Mix ingredients in stages to develop complex flavor layers.
• Chill for Fusion: Let pimento cheese rest in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

How to Store Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese

• Vacuum Seal Method: Pack pimento cheese tightly in vacuum-sealed bags to extend refrigerator life up to 2 weeks. Remove excess air completely to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
• Portion Control Method: Divide cheese into small, individual serving containers before storing. This technique prevents repeated exposure to air and potential contamination, preserving freshness and flavor longer.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer pimento cheese to clean, wide-mouth glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents flavor absorption and allows easy monitoring of cheese condition, keeping it fresh and appetizing for maximum storage duration.

Delicious Twists on Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese

• Southern Style: Swap sharp cheddar with smoked gouda for a deeper, richer flavor profile that brings southern barbecue vibes to your spread.
• Herb-Infused Edition: Mix in fresh chopped chives, dill, and parsley to create a green-flecked version with bright, garden-fresh undertones that elevate the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwestern Kick: Incorporate diced roasted green chiles and replace jalapeños with chipotle peppers to give the pimento cheese a smoky, bold southwestern flair that tingles taste buds.
• Bacon Lover's Version: Fold in crispy crumbled bacon bits and a touch of bacon grease for an indulgent, salty crunch that transforms the traditional pimento cheese into a hearty appetizer spread.

A Creamy, Tangy Spread with Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese embodies Southern comfort with its creamy, zesty personality.

Classic flavors dance across palates, creating memories of family gatherings and relaxed afternoons.

Alton Brown’s recipe elevates this Southern staple into a culinary masterpiece that speaks directly to cheese enthusiasts.

Spicy jalapeños and smooth cream cheese intertwine for a perfect balance of heat and richness.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and innovation, connecting generations through simple, delectable ingredients.

You’ll find this spread irresistible – so snap a photo, share the recipe, and let others discover this Southern gem that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

What Makes Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese the Ultimate Southern Spread

• Zap-Packed Flavor Burst: This pimento cheese recipe delivers a powerful punch of taste with its blend of sharp cheddar, creamy cream cheese, and spicy jalapeño that dances across your taste buds.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: Whip up this delicious spread in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect go-to recipe when you need a quick and impressive appetizer or snack that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Spice Adventure: The recipe allows you to play with heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and jalapeño, giving you total control to create a mild crowd-pleaser or a fiery flavor explosion that will wow your friends and family.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: This pimento cheese works magic as a dip, sandwich spread, burger topping, or crackers' best friend, proving it's way more than just a simple cheese mixture – it's a game-changing condiment that elevates any dish.

What You’ll Need for Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that provides the primary flavor and creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that adds smoothness and helps bind ingredients together.

• Onion Powder: Adds subtle, concentrated onion flavor without moisture.
• Garlic Powder: Provides rich, aromatic garlic essence without fresh garlic chunks.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a subtle heat and warm spiciness to the spread.
• Black Pepper: Offers a classic, mild peppery kick to enhance overall flavor.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the entire flavor profile.

• Pimento: Sweet, mild red pepper that gives classic color and gentle pepper taste.
• Jalapeño: Fresh pepper that contributes extra heat and bright, fresh pepper notes for those who enjoy spiciness.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese

Step 1: Gather Your Cheesy Companions

• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Cream cheese, softened
• Diced pimentos
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• 1 small jalapeño, finely minced

Step 2: Create Creamy Magic

Toss all ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon, blend everything until the mixture transforms into a smooth, irresistible spread. Work those muscles and mix until the cheeses become one glorious, creamy combination.

Step 3: Season and Taste

Sprinkle in black pepper and salt, starting with a pinch of each. Taste and adjust seasonings to make your pimento cheese pop with flavor. Don’t be shy – give it a good stir and sample until it hits that perfect flavor balance that makes your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and get to know each other. Serve with crackers, spread on sandwiches, or enjoy as a dip that’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Alton Brown Pimento Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pimento cheese brings Southern comfort to your plate with Alton Brown’s classic recipe. Creamy cheddar, zesty peppers, and secret spices create a luxurious spread perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or quick snacking that makes you crave more.

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Ingredients

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Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (4 ounces/113 grams) jar of diced pimento, drained
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (Optional)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (Optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly mix shredded Cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, diced pimento peppers, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and finely chopped jalapeño in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Use an electric mixer or sturdy whisk to create a uniform, creamy consistency, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and no distinct lumps remain.
3. Season the cheese blend with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, adjusting the quantities to enhance the overall flavor profile and personal taste preferences.
4. Gently taste the mixture, making final seasoning adjustments to achieve a balanced and zesty spread with a subtle heat from the peppers.

Notes

• Shredded cheese melts faster and distributes more evenly throughout the dish.
• Grating cheese by hand provides better texture compared to pre-shredded options.
• Room temperature ingredients blend smoother and create a more consistent mixture.
• Letting the dip sit for 10 minutes before serving allows flavors to meld together.
• Covering leftovers tightly prevents moisture loss and maintains creamy consistency.
• Refrigerated dip stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
• Reheating works best in short 15-second microwave intervals, stirring between each.
• Ceramic or glass baking dishes conduct heat more uniformly than metal pans.
• Serving warm ensures maximum flavor and optimal dipping experience.
• Pairing with crisp tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks enhances overall enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 208
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 371 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 43 mg