Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe

Cozy Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe Ideas You’ll Love

Paula Deen’s pimento cheese transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary Southern delicacy that sparks instant comfort.

Creamy textures blend with sharp cheese flavors, creating a vibrant spread that dances across your palate.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this versatile recipe as a staple for gatherings and casual meals.

Tangy pimentos add unexpected brightness to the rich cheese mixture, elevating a simple combination into something memorable.

Crafting this spread requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction for hungry crowds.

You can enjoy this delightful mixture as a dip, sandwich filling, or elegant appetizer that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Bold yet approachable, this recipe promises to become a fast favorite in your culinary repertoire: prepare to be delighted.

What Makes Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese So Addictive

  • Whip Up a Southern Classic: This pimento cheese recipe captures the heart of Southern comfort food with its creamy, tangy blend of cheeses that instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and love.
  • Super Quick Flavor Explosion: In just 10 minutes, you'll create a versatile spread that packs an incredible punch of flavor, making it perfect for spontaneous snacking or unexpected guests who drop by.
  • Customize Your Cheesy Delight: The recipe offers multiple serving options, from classic sandwich fillings to cracker toppings, allowing you to get creative and enjoy this crowd-pleasing spread in countless delicious ways.
  • Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Results: With basic pantry staples and minimal prep work, even novice cooks can effortlessly craft a restaurant-worthy spread that tastes like it was made by a professional Southern chef.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese

Dairy Base:
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild cheese that adds smooth, creamy texture to the spread.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides classic tangy flavor and richness.
  • Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps blend ingredients and adds richness.
  • Pimentos: Sweet, mild red peppers that give a distinctive flavor and bright color.
  • Grated Onion: Adds sharp, fresh flavor and helps distribute onion flavor evenly.
Seasoning:
  • House Seasoning: Provides a signature blend of savory flavors.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances other ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the cheese spread.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese

Step 1: Gather Your Cheese Companions

Collect these delightful ingredients:
  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Mayonnaise
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Diced pimentos, drained
  • Grated onion
  • Paula Deen's House Seasoning
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth blending.

Step 2: Create Creamy Magic

Use an electric hand mixer or sturdy spatula to combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fully integrated. Mix for about 2-3 minutes to ensure no lumps remain.

Step 3: Unleash Serving Possibilities

Spread this tangy cheese mixture on crispy crackers, create mouthwatering sandwiches between soft white bread slices, or use as a dip for fresh vegetables. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature for maximum flavor explosion.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese

  • Elevate Flavor Depth: Experiment with aged cheddar or smoked gouda for a more complex, robust taste profile.
  • Master Texture Balance: Pat pimentos completely dry to prevent watery spread, ensuring creamy consistency.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Optimize Cheese Melting: Grate cheese manually moments before mixing to maximize smoothness and prevent clumping.
  • Enhance Spreadability: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature, guaranteeing silky, effortless blending.
  • Boost Richness Strategy: Select full-fat, premium mayonnaise to create luxurious, velvety texture.
  • Preserve Peak Freshness: Store pimento cheese in an airtight container, consuming within 5-7 days for maximum flavor.
  • Amplify Serving Versatility: Serve as dip, sandwich spread, or stuffing for jalapeño poppers to maximize recipe potential.
  • Upgrade Garnish Appeal: Sprinkle fresh chives or cracked black pepper on top for visual and taste enhancement.
  • Develop Make-Ahead Technique: Prepare mixture one day prior to allow flavors to meld and intensify dramatically.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese

  • Refrigerator Preservation: Seal the pimento cheese in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to lock in flavor and prevent absorbing other food odors. Transfer the spread immediately after cooling to maintain its creamy texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezing Technique: Portion the pimento cheese into small freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, understanding the texture might slightly change upon thawing but the taste remains delicious.
  • Serving Recommendation: Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent contamination and extend shelf life. Keep the cheese away from direct light and heat sources, storing it in the coldest part of the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese

  • Southern Smoky Spin: Add crispy bacon bits and a dash of smoked paprika for a rich, savory flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe with extra depth.
  • Jalapeño Heat Wave: Incorporate finely chopped fresh jalapeños or a teaspoon of jalapeño juice to give the pimento cheese a spicy kick that will wake up your taste buds.
  • Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh chopped chives, dill, or parsley to introduce a bright, herbaceous element that complements the creamy cheese mixture and adds a fresh dimension.
  • Roasted Red Pepper Remix: Swap pimentos for roasted red peppers and include a touch of garlic powder to create a slightly more sophisticated and intense cheese spread perfect for gourmet sandwiches or appetizers.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese

Southern charm meets culinary comfort in Paula Deen’s pimento cheese masterpiece.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with sharp cheddar and smooth cream cheese.

House Seasoning elevates this classic spread beyond ordinary expectations.

Monterey Jack adds delightful complexity to each luxurious bite.

Southern kitchens whisper generations of love through this simple yet profound recipe.

Grab crackers, call friends, and savor authentic Southern hospitality – scroll, share, comment, and let this cheesy magic inspire your next gathering.

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Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe

Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Paula Deen’s pimento cheese elevates Southern comfort with creamy, zesty charm. Blending sharp cheddar, roasted peppers, and tangy mayonnaise, this spread delivers rich flavor you’ll crave on crackers or sandwiches.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese

Binding/Flavor Ingredients:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons diced pimentos
  • 2 teaspoons grated onion

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon Paula Deen House Seasoning
  • freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Gather and prepare all ingredients, ensuring they are at room temperature for optimal blending and smooth texture.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, diced pimentos, finely grated onion, House Seasoning, ground black pepper, and kosher salt.
  3. Utilize an electric hand mixer or sturdy spatula to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, creating a uniform and creamy consistency that allows each component to meld seamlessly.
  4. Continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until the cheese spread develops a silky, spreadable texture with no visible lumps or unmixed ingredients.
  5. Transfer the pimento cheese spread to a serving dish or storage container, smoothing the top with the spatula for an even presentation.
  6. For immediate serving, spread generously on crisp crackers, toasted bread slices, or use as a delectable sandwich filling between soft white bread.
  7. If not serving immediately, cover the container tightly and refrigerate for up to 5-7 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time.

Notes

  • Unlock intense flavors by letting the pimento cheese rest in the refrigerator for at least half an hour before serving.
  • Remove excess moisture from pimentos using paper towels to prevent a runny spread.
  • Select premium mayonnaise that delivers rich, creamy consistency without compromising texture.
  • Grate cheese directly from block for superior melting and more vibrant taste profiles.
  • Warm cream cheese slightly at room temperature to ensure seamless blending and silky smoothness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 368
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 564 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 66 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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