Fresh Twist on a Classic: Ina Garten’s Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe
Cheese lovers rejoice as this spicy pimento cheese spread captures the essence of southern comfort with Ina Garten’s delightful twist.
Rich, creamy, and packed with a zesty kick, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds.
The blend of sharp cheddar and smoky peppers creates an irresistible flavor profile that sings with every bite.
Garten’s touch elevates this classic spread from simple to spectacular.
Each ingredient is carefully selected to deliver maximum flavor and texture.
The result is a mouthwatering appetizer that will steal the show at any gathering.
Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a southern classic reimagined.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 210 kcal
Servings: 8
Ingredients in Ina Garten’s Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread
For Base Ingredients:
Cream Cheese: Creamy foundation that provides a silky, rich texture to the spread.
Mayonnaise: Adds luxurious smoothness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Granulated Onion: Delivers a concentrated, sweet onion flavor without added moisture.
Grated Garlic: Introduces a sharp, aromatic punch that elevates the entire spread.
Celery Seed: Brings a subtle, earthy undertone with a hint of herbal complexity.
Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors in the mixture.
For Flavor Boosters:
Pickled Jalapeños: Introduces a zesty, spicy kick that adds exciting heat and tanginess.
Scallions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor with a crisp green note.
Roasted Red Peppers: Contributes a sweet, smoky dimension and vibrant color.
Sharp White Cheddar: Delivers a bold, tangy cheese flavor with a creamy melting quality.
Sriracha: Adds a complex, garlicky hot sauce element that heightens the overall spiciness.
For Serving Companions:
Ritz Crackers: Classic, buttery base for spreading that offers a satisfying crunch.
Corn Chips: Provides a hearty, salty vehicle for scooping the creamy spread.
Crudités: Fresh vegetable sticks that offer a light, crisp alternative for dipping.
Equipment List for Mixing Up Ina’s Cheese Spread
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and blending the cream cheese mixture.
Grater: Needed for shredding sharp white Cheddar cheese.
Cutting board: Helps chop scallions and prepare ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate salt and seasoning measurements.
Knife: Useful for chopping pickled jalapeños and scallions.
Step-by-Step: Making Spicy Pimento Spread by Ina Garten
Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread Delight
Creamy Base Blending: Start by grabbing a spacious mixing bowl and gently combine soft cream cheese with mayonnaise. Sprinkle in granulated onion, grated garlic, and a touch of celery seed. Whisk everything together until the mixture turns silky smooth.
Flavor Explosion: Introduce a zesty mix of chopped pickled jalapeños, freshly sliced scallions, and vibrant roasted red peppers. Fold in some sharp white Cheddar cheese and add a generous splash of Sriracha for an extra kick. Stir until all ingredients dance together harmoniously.
Taste Test Magic: Sample your creation and adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. Feel free to add a pinch more salt or a dash of Sriracha if you're craving more heat.
Party Ready: Your spicy spread is now primed for entertaining. Serve alongside crispy Ritz crackers, crunchy corn chips, or fresh veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that'll have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Tips & Ideas for Customizing Ina’s Cheese Spread
Swap sharp white Cheddar with aged yellow Cheddar or pepper jack for a more intense flavor profile that adds depth to the spread.
Reduce or increase pickled jalapeños and Sriracha to customize the spice intensity, catering to mild or bold palate preferences.
Prepare the spread 1-2 days in advance to allow flavors to meld together, creating a more complex and rich taste experience.
Transform this spread into a killer grilled cheese filling, stuffed jalapeño poppers topping, or warm dip by briefly baking until bubbly and golden.
How to Serve Ina Garten’s Southern-Style Spread
Pair with Crispy Companions: Serve this zesty spread alongside a variety of crunchy vehicles like golden Ritz crackers, salty corn chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful texture contrast.
Elevate Party Appetizers: Transform your next gathering by presenting this spicy pimento cheese spread in a beautiful ceramic dish, surrounded by an array of dipping options that'll wow your guests.
Create Sandwich Excitement: Spread a generous layer between two slices of toasted sourdough bread for an incredible lunch upgrade that packs a flavor punch with every bite.
Weekend Tailgate Champion: Pack this spread in a portable container for outdoor game days, picnics, or backyard barbecues where its bold taste will be the star of the snack lineup.
Save & Store Ina Garten’s Spicy Cheese Dip
Refrigerate for Freshness: Store the spicy pimento cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its zesty flavors intact and texture creamy.
Prep Ahead with Ease: Make this spread 1-2 days before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious dip for your gatherings.
Freeze for Future Snacking: Wrap the spread tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Serve at the Perfect Temperature: Let the spread sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its spreadable texture and rich flavors.
Ina Garten’s spicy pimento cheese spread blends sharp cheddar, creamy mayo, and jalapeños for a Southern-style appetizer. Guests will devour this zesty dip with crackers or crudités, making party snacking deliciously simple.
Ingredients
Scale
400 g (10 oz) sharp white cheddar cheese, grated, such as 2-year aged Grafton
225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
180 ml (¾ cup) mayonnaise, such as Hellmann’s
120 ml (¾ cup) pickled jalapeño peppers, drained and chopped
120 g (½ cup) roasted red peppers, drained, chopped (4 oz)
75 g (½ cup) scallions, white and green parts, chopped (3 to 4 scallions)
15 ml (1 tbsp) Sriracha
1.5 tsp granulated onion (not onion powder)
2 large garlic cloves, grated
1 tsp whole celery seed
Kosher salt, to taste
Ritz crackers, corn chips, and/or crudités, for serving
Instructions
Cream Base: Blend softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until achieving a smooth, luxurious consistency in a spacious mixing bowl.
Pepper Incorporation: Fold in diced roasted red peppers and grated sharp white Cheddar cheese, creating a rich, complex flavor profile with vibrant color and tangy undertones.
Heat Enhancement: Drizzle Sriracha sauce and season with salt, carefully adjusting to balance and elevate the spread’s overall taste experience.
Serving Preparation: Transfer the finished spread to a serving dish, presenting alongside Ritz crackers, corn chips, or fresh vegetable crudités for an inviting and versatile appetizer.
Notes
Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the spread for 30 minutes before serving to allow seasonings to meld and intensify the taste profile.
Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality sharp white Cheddar for maximum tanginess and depth of flavor.
Heat Control Tip: Start with minimal Sriracha and gradually increase to personalize spice level without overwhelming the spread.
Storage Strategy: Keeps fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days, making it perfect for advance party preparation.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.