Pimento Cheese Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

▢ 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese softened to room temperature
▢ 1 ½ cups (180 g) extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
▢ ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
▢ ½ cup (4 ounces) jarred pimento finely diced (approximately 4 ounces drained weight)
▢ ¼ teaspoon onion powder
▢ ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ Salt and black pepper to taste
▢ Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper optional, to taste

In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and mayonnaise. Using a spatula or a hand mixer on low speed, mix until well combined.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and finely diced pimento until evenly distributed.
Sprinkle the onion powder and garlic powder into the cheese mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and if you prefer a kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Store your pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together. It can be served as a spread on crackers, as a filling in sandwiches, or as a dip with vegetables like celery sticks, carrots, and bell peppers.

Add More Spice: If you want to make a spicy pimento cheese, add a bit of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also mix in finely chopped fresh jalapeno or a bit of hot sauce.
Season to Taste: Pimentos are usually salty from the preservation process, so be sure to taste the dip before adding too much extra salt.
Use a Mixer: If you have an electric hand mixer, it works really well to combine all of these ingredients into a smooth mixture. Otherwise, use a flexible spatula and a little bit of elbow grease to get the job done! I don't suggest using a food processor as the blades will chop up the peppers and cheese too much.
Can't Find Pimentos? If you're in the UK, look for Fragata Pimiento Piquillo Peppers in Tesco and Waitrose, or use Peppadew Sweet Piquante Peppers (available in Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s). They aren't exactly the same as pimentos, but they have a sweet and spicy profile that works just as well.
Serve at Room Temperature: in order for this cream cheese mixture to be spreadable and dippable, you should let it sit out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
To Store: Keep pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.