Best 8 Southern Pimento Cheese Recipes

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In the realm of delectable Southern cuisine, pimento cheese reigns supreme, captivating taste buds with its creamy, tangy, and oh-so-savory embrace. This iconic spread, crafted from a harmonious blend of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and a symphony of seasonings, has long been a staple on party platters, sandwiches, and crackers throughout the region.

Our culinary journey will delve into the secrets of crafting this beloved classic, with three enticing recipes that cater to diverse preferences. First, we'll embark on a traditional Southern pimento cheese adventure, where the bold flavors of sharp cheddar and pimentos take center stage. Next, we'll explore a modern twist on this timeless recipe, incorporating roasted red peppers and jalapeños for a smoky, subtly spicy kick. Finally, we'll present a vegetarian variation that swaps out the cheese for creamy avocado, resulting in a vibrant green spread that bursts with freshness.

Whether you're a seasoned pimento cheese aficionado or a curious culinary explorer, these recipes promise an unforgettable taste experience. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on this delectable expedition into the world of Southern pimento cheese.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE BURGERS



Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar, room temperature
1/3 cup shredded Monterey jack, room temperature
3 tablespoons mayonnaise, room temperature
2 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature
2 ounces jarred diced pimento peppers, drained
1 tablespoon bread and butter pickle juice
1/2 tablespoon horseradish sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/4 cups shredded cabbage
8 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
1 1/4 pounds ground chuck
1/4 pound cured and smoked country ham, finely chopped (or chopped in a food processor)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 potato hamburger buns, split
1/2 cup crushed kettle-cooked plain potato chips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • To prepare Pimento Cheese, in a medium mixing bowl, combine Cheddar and Jack cheeses, mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimento peppers, pickle juice, horseradish sauce, and mustard; mix until well combined.
  • To prepare Honey Slaw, in a small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, honey, and cabbage; mix until well combined.
  • Heat a 12-inch nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until the bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes, flipping once. Drain on paper towels. Pour off almost all of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving a very thin layer.
  • To make the patties, combine the beef, country ham, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties to fit the buns.
  • Using the same grill pan as before, cook the hamburgers over medium-high heat for 3 minutes per side or until cooked medium rare.
  • Meanwhile, place buns on a rack in the oven. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes. Also, place the plates that the burgers will be served on in the oven to heat.
  • To assemble the burgers, spread a generous amount of Pimento Cheese on the cut sides of the buns. On each bun bottom (on top of the Pimento Cheese), place a thin layer of Honey Slaw. Top the slaw with a burger patty, 2 slices of bacon, and crushed potato chips. Add the bun tops. Place the completed hamburgers on a nonstick baking sheet and bake in the oven for 1 minute. Serve burgers on warm plates.

PIMENTO CHEESE, AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN STYLE



Pimento Cheese, Authentic Southern Style image

Growing up, all of the ladies in my Southern family used to make and serve it to us kids smushed between two slices of white bread. (Ritz Crackers were fancy and for company only.) My Mama & Papa (Grandparents) owned the largest catering business and several restaurants in Jacksonville, Florida. I called my Mom to get the exact recipe. I wanted the familiarity of fishing with a cane pole, cork bobbers and mushed bread for bait on Dunn's Creek in Palatka with dirty hands and a pimento cheese sandwich. It really is delicious.

Provided by SparkleKristy

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4 16oz jelly jars

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese, EXTRA sharp
1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese, Sharp
1 (8 ounce) package colby cheese
12 ounces chopped pimentos, well drained (3 - 4 oz jars)
15 ounces mayonnaise, Dukes Brand (approximate amount)
cayenne pepper (a sprinkle to taste)

Steps:

  • Rough cut all blocks of cheese into chunks about the size of a 50 cent piece.
  • In your food processor with the regular blade, chop the extra sharp cheddar. You may have to do this in batches so you don't get a big lump. Return any removed cheese to the processing bowl and add a couple dollops of mayo and one jar of very well drained pimentos and whir up until blended nicely.
  • Scrape the sharp cheddar, mayonnaise and pimento mixture into a large bowl.
  • Change your blade to the shredding blade. Shred both the Colby and the sharp cheddar in batches. Put in a separate bowl. (Again, batches will be necessary.).
  • Add the shredded cheese to the whirred up cheese folding it in a little at a time. Alternating with dollops of mayo and more of the drained pimentos. Lastly, stir in a smidge of cayenne. You don't want it to be hot, just have personality.
  • Don't over stir to mush, but make sure everything is well incorporated.
  • Some notes:.
  • **Yes, one could use Hellman's instead. But please, no Miracle Whip. Also, no low fat or light mayo. Your already eating a ton of cheese, that light mayo won't help you any.
  • **Serve on very fresh white bread or Ritz Crackers if you are feeling fancy or are serving company. One piece of bread folded in half will transport you home, I'm sure. Yes, you could use anything else you like. It's great by the finger full, on hot dogs, hamburgers and crudités too.).
  • **If you can't find the chopped pimentos. Go ahead and buy the fancy jarred red bell peppers, drain them well and chop / shred them in the food processor. They are the same thing, just more expensive.
  • **This stays good in the refrigerator for up to a month. (If it lasts that long.) Even with mayo? Yes -- How long do you keep your mayonnaise jar in the fridge? Ya'll will know when it's gone bad; the green furry stuff will take over. If it has just a little though, you can scrape it off and its fine. (Now the Food Safety people may disagree with me here, but it never killed any of us, so it's up to you.)
  • **This makes four (4) 16oz Ball jelly jars. Enough to keep and some to share.
  • **Please, for the love of God above -- don't buy pre-shredded cheese. It is too expensive and has extra ingredients in it that keep the shreds separate. 1 cup by volume of shredded cheese is not the same as 8oz of weight. You could go ALLLLL authentic and grate by hand with a box grater and work off some of the calories you'll eat when tasting for perfection. It's tough though. Please, beg, borrow or all but steal to get a food processor for this one.
  • **The mix of cheeses is as similar as you can get to the old government cheese from which this recipe was initially invented. We were just fortunate enough not to be on the list for those 10lb blocks of cheese, but one would find this mixture very similar.
  • ** There is no cream cheese in this recipe. You get the creaminess from the way you process the extra sharp cheddar.
  • **Fancy cheese is not necessary. Get generic, it's perfectly fine.
  • **If you've ever had the kind in the jar and hated it, no worries. This is totally different. That other stuff is chemical in a jar.
  • **Please, enjoy with your choice of a Mason jar of sweet tea, some very sweet red Kool-Aid or fruit punch Fla-Vor-Aid! I hope if your familar that it take you back. If it's new to you -- it can be a new tradition. It's like grilled cheese without the grill.
  • Lip Smack -- ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE BURGER BY HAROLD COHEN - ULTIMATE BURGER



Southern Pimento Cheese Burger by Harold Cohen - Ultimate Burger image

Entered for safe-keeping. Entered for safe-keeping. This was submitted by Harold Cohen to the Ultimate Recipe Showdown on the Food Network. The pimento cheese has also been saved as Southern Pimento Cheese from Harold Cohen's Ultimate Burger, and the slaw was saved as Honey Slaw from Harold Cohen's Ultimate Burger

Provided by KateL

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 50m

Yield 4 hamburgers, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, at room temperature
1/3 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded, at room temperature
3 tablespoons mayonnaise, room temperature
2 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature
2 ounces diced pimentos, drained (from jar)
1 tablespoon bread and butter pickle juice
1/2 tablespoon horseradish sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/4 cups cabbage, shredded
8 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
1 1/4 lbs ground chuck
1/4 lb cured and smoked country ham, finely chopped (or chopped in a food processor)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 potato hamburger buns, split
1/2 cup potato chips, crushed (preferably plain flavor, kettle-cooked)

Steps:

  • MAKE PIMENTO CHEESE:.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine Cheddar and Jack cheeses, mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimento peppers, pickle juice, horseradish sauce, and mustard; mix until well combined.
  • MAKE HONEY SLAW:.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, and cabbage; mix until well combined.
  • COOK BACON:.
  • Heat a 12-inch nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until the bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes, flipping once. Drain on paper towels. Pour off almost all of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving a very thin layer.
  • MAKE PATTIES:.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (for toasting buns).
  • Combine the beef, country ham, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties to fit the buns. Make an indentation in the middle of the top of each pattie to ensure even cooking.
  • Using the same grill pan as before, cook the hamburgers over medium-high heat for 3 minutes per side or until cooked medium rare.
  • Meanwhile, place buns on a rack in the oven. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, place the plates that the burgers will be served on in the oven to heat.
  • ASSEMBLE BURGERS:.
  • Spread a generous amount of Pimento Cheese on the cut sides of the buns.
  • On each bun bottom (on top of the Pimento Cheese), place a thin layer of Honey Slaw.
  • Top the slaw with a burger patty, 2 slices of bacon, and crushed potato chips.
  • Add the bun tops.
  • Place the completed hamburgers on a nonstick baking sheet and bake in the oven for 1 minute.
  • Serve burgers on warm plates.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 906.4, Fat 67.8, SaturatedFat 25.8, Cholesterol 187.1, Sodium 1490.8, Carbohydrate 24.8, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 7.3, Protein 49.1

SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE



Southern Pimento Cheese image

This wonderful version of pimento cheese can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches, as a spread for crackers, or served alongside your favorite fried green tomatoes.

Provided by QUEENREYNEY

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes     Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes     Cold Cheese Dip Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon onion powder
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained
salt and black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place the Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, minced jalapeno, and pimento into the large bowl of a mixer. Beat at medium speed, with paddle if possible, until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 207.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 44.2 mg, Fat 19.9 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 229 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE FROM HAROLD COHEN'S ULTIMATE BURGER



Southern Pimento Cheese from Harold Cohen's Ultimate Burger image

Entered for safe-keeping. This was submitted by Harold Cohen to the Ultimate Recipe Showdown on the Food Network as one part of his winning burger.

Provided by KateL

Categories     Spreads

Time 5m

Yield 1 3/4 cups, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, at room temperature
1/3 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded, at room temperature
3 tablespoons mayonnaise, room temperature
2 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature
2 ounces diced pimentos, drained (from jar)
1 tablespoon bread and butter pickle juice
1/2 tablespoon horseradish sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Steps:

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine Cheddar and Jack cheeses, mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimento peppers, pickle juice, horseradish sauce, and mustard; mix until well combined.
  • Store in refrigerator until needed; it can be frozen. Bring to room temperature for serving for best taste and easy melting on hamburgers.

MRS. MABLES AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE



Mrs. Mables Authentic Southern Pimento Cheese image

When I lived in the South for a few years, We lived next to the sweetest lady, who had quite the range of old world southern recipes. She taught my mom how to make every southern staple from Sausage gravy to sweet potato pie. But, her Pimento cheese was something special. And I hadn't realized that mom had the recipe until I...

Provided by Anthony Nicometi Jr

Categories     Spreads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pkg cream cheese (room temp)
1/2 c hellmanns mayonnaise
1 c extra sharp cheddar (white or orange, orange is the traditional)
3/4 c monterey jack cheese
1/4 c smoked provolone or pepperjack (can omit and use 1c monterey jack)
3 Tbsp jarred pimentos
1 tsp grated onion
1/2 tsp garlic powder
TT s&p

Steps:

  • 1. Grate your cheeses
  • 2. Mix together the cream cheese and mayo untill combined and light
  • 3. Incorporate the ingredients one at a time starting with the cheeses and so on. After combined tast for salt and pepper, and you're done!

SOUTHERN STYLE PIMENTO CHEESE WITH A KICK



Southern Style Pimento Cheese with a kick image

As a child, I can remember having a Pimento Cheese Sandwich with a tall glass of cold milk on a pretty regular basis. As a grown-up, my husband and I eat Pimento Cheese on our burgers, with corn chips as a dip or just like the old days, as a sandwich with a cold glass of milk. Give this Pimento Cheese spread recipe a try if you...

Provided by Jody Ayers

Categories     Other Main Dishes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 c sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c medium cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c pepper jack cheese, shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp
1/2 c mayo or miracle whip
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp greek seasoning (such as cavender's)
4 oz jar of pimentos, drained
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Shred the cheese and put aside in a bowl.
  • 2. Place the Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise, Garlic Powder and Greek Seasoning in a stand mixer with paddle attachment and cream together until mixed.
  • 3. Add the shredded cheese and the drained pimentos to the cream cheese mixture and mix until everything is incorporated well.
  • 4. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired. Allow to chill in refrigerator for at least an hour prior to enjoying.

SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE



Southern Pimento Cheese image

This quick and easy flavor packed Southern Pimento Cheese takes less than ten minutes to make and is a friend and family favorite appetizer. Sharp cheddar, white cheddar, pimentos and a handful of other common kitchen ingredients are added to a cream cheese mayonnaise base to make one of the best dips ever known to man (or...

Provided by Beth Pierce

Categories     Cheese Appetizers

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 box (8 ounces) cream cheese
1/2 c mayo
1 c sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1 c white cheddar cheese shredded
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp mirin (optional)
1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos drained
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. In stand mixer using paddle attachment beat cream cheese and mayo until smooth and creamy. Add cheddar cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mirin (optional); beat just until blended. Stir in pimentos. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • 2. Refrigerate until 30 minutes prior to serving.
  • 3. NOTES Mirin is sweetened sake and is found in the Asian section of fine grocery stores. It adds a little bit of sweetness.

Tips:

  • Choose the freshest ingredients. High-quality cheese, vegetables, and spices will make all the difference in the flavor of your pimento cheese.
  • Use a food processor or blender to finely chop the vegetables. This will help to create a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Don't overmix the pimento cheese. Overmixing can make the cheese tough and rubbery.
  • Let the pimento cheese chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Serve pimento cheese with crackers, vegetables, or bread. It's also a great addition to sandwiches and burgers.

Conclusion:

Pimento cheese is a delicious and versatile Southern dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're serving it as a dip, a spread, or a sandwich filling, pimento cheese is sure to be a hit. With its creamy texture, sharp flavor, and bright color, pimento cheese is a classic Southern dish that is sure to please everyone at your next gathering.

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