PIMENTO CHEESE

I can't for the life of me remember where I first heard of pimento cheese. I think I saw someone on youtube using it to make some kind of funky American cheeseburger. 843 youtube searches later though, and I can't find any evidence of this memory. Well, whether I'm going insane or have somehow transferred over from an alternate universe, my curiosity was piqued and I had to start making my own pimento cheese.


2 cups grated extra sharp cheddar

8 oz cream cheese at room temperature,

and softened

4 oz pimento peppers, drained, and

finely chopped

2 Tbsp mayonnaise

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 habanero pepper, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste


In a large mixing bowl combine the cheddar, cream cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, seasonings, and habanero.


Using a fork or a stand mixer, beat the mixture until thoroughly combined.


Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. If you added more salt and pepper, stir to incorporate.


Transfer the mixture to a smaller bowl, cover and refrigerate. Pimento cheese will harden as it cools in the fridge. If you want to use it as a spread on crackers or bagels, let it sit on the counter and come to room temperature. It will become easier to spread then.


*If you want to cut back on the spice, substitute half of a jalapeno for the habanero.


**Pimento cheese makes a great addition to a grilled cheese sandwich.

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