My grandmother ALWAYS had pimiento cheese in her refrigerator. It was one of the treats that I sought out within 15 minutes of arriving at her house. It was savory, a little spicy, and oh so special! We ate it on crackers for a snack, on celery sticks as a side dish to fancy meals or melted on rye bread as cheese toast for breakfast or lunch. It’s just one of those things that tastes like home.
When both of my grandmothers were in the nursing home, they asked for me and my mom to bring them pimiento cheese sandwiches, with the “good” cheese. That meant Tillamook or Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar in the black wrapper, not generic.
We would leave pints of it in the fridge at the nursing stations so that they could have it whenever they wanted. Maybe, if I live that long, someone will remember to bring pimiento cheese sandwiches with the “good” cheese when they come visit.
Pimiento Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 1/2 quarts 1x
Description
My grandmother ALWAYS had pimiento cheese in her refrigerator. It was one of the treats that I sought out within 15 minutes of arriving at her house. It was savory, a little spicy, and oh so special!
Ingredients
- 2 x 2 pounds blocks extra sharp cheddar (black label)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 42 ounce jar of roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp granulated onion
- ½ to 1 tsp chipotle (or cayenne)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Finely grate cheese into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix in mayo, chopped peppers with liquid, and all seasonings until well combined.
- Refrigerate overnight.
Notes
This yields 2 ½ quarts, which is a lot, but I always share. Isn’t that part of the joy of cooking! There are always people who are happy to receive a little homemade pimiento cheese. You can easily cut the recipe in half, if refrigerator space is an issue.
Also, my mom prefers cayenne pepper to chipotle and smoked paprika. But, I like the smokey flavor. The low salt Tony Chachere’s seasoning is also good. Make it how you like it!
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Spreads
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Southern, Game Day Foods, Apps, Tailgate Eats