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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Use an electric mixer or sturdy whisk to create a uniform, creamy consistency, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and no distinct lumps remain.
- 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.
- 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