Paula Deen pimento cheese is a quick and easy dip that’s perfect for impromptu parties and get-togethers!
Homemade pimento cheese spread tastes 10 times better than the jarred kind and is incredibly easy to make! It only takes 5 minutes to prepare.
Serve it with chips, crackers, and crudites for an addictive cheesy appetizer that’ll disappear in no time.
Paula Deen Pimento Cheese
Southern pimento cheese is a scrumptious cold dip made of mayonnaise, cream cheese, grated cheeses, seasonings, and the star of it all: pimentos.
It’s rich and creamy, salty and savory, with just a subtle hint of sweetness and spice.
Not only is it ideal as a dip, but as a spread and topping, as well. Heck, I even sometimes eat it on its own with a spoon!
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – Duke’s mayonnaise is a popular brand among Southerners, as it’s made with egg yolks and no added sugars. But I say go for whatever you have on hand, like Hellmann’s.
- Monterey Jack and Sharp Cheddar Cheeses – Besides the pimentos, the cheese is the main feature of this spread. For best results, get good-quality block cheeses and grate them yourself.
- Cream Cheese – I like full-fat cream cheese for maximum flavor. If you want a healthier spread, though, it’s okay to use low-fat.
- Pimentos – wait – what are pimentos? They’re the life and soul of this dip! These little peppers are mild, kinda sweet, kinda warm, and a terrific way to add flavor.
- Grated Onion – Its sweet and pungent flavors provide a nice contrast to the rich spread.
- Paula Deen House Seasoning – A flavor-packed blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to use your own blend.
- Salt and Pepper – Add to taste.
Tips for the Best Pimento Cheese
- Grate your own cheese – Packaged shredded cheese contains cellulose which prevents it from clumping together, but it also lessens the cheese’s creaminess.
- Add some heat – Spice up pimento cheese with finely chopped jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Add some tangy – For a tangy surprise, mix in a few spoonfuls of pickle relish. It also gives the spread a crunchy element.
- Give it some depth – For a smoky flavor, add a tablespoon of finely-chopped chipotle pepper in adobo.
- Make it extra indulgent with bacon! For the ultimate pimento cheese spread, fry up a few strips of bacon, crumble them, and throw them into the mix. You’re welcome.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese
Just like any savory spread or dip, pimento cheese is highly versatile. There are tons of ways you can incorporate it into dishes, but here are some of my favorites.
- With chips, crackers, and pretzel sticks: the combination of crunchiness and creaminess is utterly divine. I love pimento cheese with Ritz chips, in particular.
- With crudites: pimento cheese is a fantastic way to make those nasty vegetable sticks taste so decadent. Serve this with a medley of carrots, cucumbers, radish, and celery for a colorful spread.
- In sandwiches and burgers: smother white bread or toasted buns with this creamy spread to add another layer of flavor.
- Potatoes: whether they’re mashed, baked, or roasted, potatoes will benefit greatly from a dollop of pimento cheese.
- Deviled eggs: instead of just mayo, mix in pimento cheese to your deviled eggs filling for an extra rich and wonderfully salty appetizer.
How to Store Cheese?
Pimento cheese stays fresh for up to 2 weeks as long as you store it properly. Simply place it in an air-tight container and refrigerate.
More Paula Deen Recipes You’ll Love
Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole
Paula Deen Deviled Eggs
Paula Deen Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Paula Deen Chicken and Dumplings
Paula Deen Corn Casserole
Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe
10
servings10
minutesPaula Deen pimento cheese is a quick Southern dip that’s perfect for parties and get-togethers! It’s ready in no time and sure to disappear in a flash.
Ingredients
1/2 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon Paula Deen House Seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons diced pimentos
2 teaspoons grated onion
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, add the mayonnaise and Paula Deen House Seasoning. Beat until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pimentos, onion, and shredded cheese and stir until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl and chill for 1 hour. Then, serve with bread or crackers, and enjoy!
