Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Spread – Southern Classic

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern dish loved for generations¹. It’s made with 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded fresh. You’ll also need mayonnaise like Dukes or Blue Plate¹. To make it right, use top-notch ingredients and follow a traditional recipe.

A homemade pimento cheese stays good for up to 10 days in the fridge¹. For the best taste, make it a day before you plan to serve it¹. It’s great as a sandwich filling or as a dip with butter crackers or potato chips².

Key Takeaways

• Pimento cheese is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations.
• The old fashioned pimento cheese recipe typically includes sharp cheddar cheese and mayonnaise.
• Homemade pimento cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
• The classic serving suggestion for pimento cheese is as a sandwich filling or dip.
• A homemade pimento cheese recipe can be made with just a few ingredients, including cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos².
• The nutritional information for pimento cheese includes 146 kcal per serving, with 5g of protein and 13g of fat³.

The Origins of Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese started in the early 1900s in the South⁴. It quickly became a favorite at family and social events. Over time, it became a big part of American food, loved by many.

The traditional pimento cheese is creamy and tangy. It’s made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos⁵. People love it at parties and gatherings.

Some cool facts about pimento cheese are:

• It was first in Good Housekeeping in 1908⁴.
• Georgia farmers made and sent out 10 million cans of pimentos a year early on⁴.
• It’s a big part of Southern culture, seen at church picnics and school potlucks⁴.

Why Choose an Old-Fashioned Recipe?

Old-fashioned pimento cheese recipes offer a real taste of the past⁶. They use mild cheddar cheese and mayonnaise for a rich flavor. This way, you get a spread that’s both tasty and nostalgic.

Using old recipes lets you pick the best ingredients. You can choose fresh cheese and real mayonnaise for a creamy spread⁷. The instructions ensure it’s smooth and creamy.

Some key benefits of old-fashioned recipes include:

• Control over ingredient quality
• Ability to create a smooth and creamy texture
• Authentic and flavorful experience

Choosing an old recipe means a delicious and nostalgic spread. With the right ingredients and methods, you get a blend that’s both authentic and tasty⁶.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Pimento Cheese

To make a tasty retro pimento cheese dish, you need the best ingredients. A classic southern pimento cheese recipe starts with 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. This cheese makes the cheese creamy and rich⁸.

Adding 1/2 cup of mayonnaise helps mix everything together. It also adds a tangy taste⁸. For a homemade touch, use 2 ounces of softened cream cheese. It makes the cheese even better in taste and texture⁸.

Don’t forget 2 tablespoons of diced pimiento peppers. They bring a sweet and smoky flavor. Also, add 1 tablespoon of pickle juice for more tanginess⁸.

When mixing, pay attention to the cheese to mayonnaise ratio. This ensures the cheese is just right⁸. You can use this cheese on sandwiches, with crackers, or on a cheese and charcuterie board⁸.

A similar recipe calls for 2.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of mayonnaise, and 4 oz of jarred pimentos⁹. This cheese is a big hit at family and formal gatherings. It shows how important it is in Southern culture⁹.

Using sharp cheddar cheese is key to making it authentic⁹. By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can make a delicious homemade pimento cheese.

Tools You’ll Need in the Kitchen

To make a tasty old fashioned pimento cheese, you need some basic tools. A food processor or blender is key for grinding cheese and pimentos. You’ll also need a mixing bowl and spatula to mix everything together. The recipe suggests not using a food processor to keep the texture right¹⁰.

For a classic pimento cheese spread, you’ll need more. A cheese grater, a knife for chopping pimentos, and a measuring cup for mayonnaise and seasonings are must-haves.

Here are some of the key tools you’ll need:

• Cheese grater
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Measuring cup
• Knife for chopping

Having these tools is crucial for a vintage pimento cheese recipe. They help you make a creamy pimento cheese perfect for snacks or parties. Making pimento cheese takes about 10 minutes¹⁰, so it’s quick and easy.

Having the right ingredients is also important. For a traditional pimento cheese, you’ll need extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. With these ingredients and tools, you can make a delicious old fashioned pimento cheese recipe that everyone will love¹¹.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese

To make authentic pimento cheese dip, you need cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced pimentos¹². Start by getting these ingredients ready. It takes about 10 minutes¹².

Then, mix the ingredients in a food processor or blender. This is where the magic starts. Add mayonnaise and seasonings to get the flavors right¹².

Make sure the dip is smooth and creamy. Adjust the mayonnaise and seasonings to get it just right¹².

Pimento cheese is great with crackers, veggies, and sandwiches¹². It’s also good on baked potatoes and deviled eggs. Its rich flavor makes it a favorite at Southern gatherings¹³.

A serving of pimento cheese has about 195 kcal. It has 6g of protein, 18g of fat, and 1g of carbs¹³. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days¹² or freeze it for 3 months¹³.

Creative Twists on Classic Recipes

Homemade pimento cheese can be made special in many ways. You can add spicy peppers like jalapeños or serrano peppers¹⁴. This makes the classic recipe exciting and bold.

Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill is another great idea¹⁵. It brings a fresh taste to the dish. You can also use it as a topping for burgers or fried chicken¹⁴.

Looking for new ideas? There are lots of recipes and tutorials online¹⁶. With a bit of practice, you can make unique pimento cheese dishes. They will surely impress your loved ones.

• Spicy pimento cheese with diced jalapeños or serrano peppers
• Fresh herb pimento cheese with parsley or dill
• Smoked pimento cheese with smoked cheddar or gouda

These are just a few ideas to get you started¹⁵. There are many more creative twists to try.

Serving Ideas for Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is great for many dishes, making it perfect for any event¹⁷. You can spread it on crackers with meats, cheeses, and veggies¹⁸. It’s a key part of Southern cooking, with its creamy and tangy taste¹⁷.

Try pimento cheese in sandwiches for a unique twist¹⁸. It’s creamy and tangy, great with many fillings. You can mix it with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, or in a grilled cheese¹⁷.

Here are some other ideas for serving pimento cheese:

• As a dip for vegetables or crackers
• As a filling for sandwiches or wraps
• As a topping for salads or soups
• As a side dish for grilled meats or vegetables

Pimento cheese is very flexible, making it great for any meal or party¹⁸. Its creamy and tangy taste is perfect for many dishes, from classic dips to new creations¹⁷.

Storage Tips for Longevity

Keeping pimento cheese fresh is key. It’s made with special ingredients and a blend that’s been around for a long time¹⁹. Storing it right can make it last up to 30% longer. The best ways are vacuum sealing and keeping it cold.

Here’s how to store pimento cheese right:

• Keep it in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below to slow down bacteria²⁰.
• Use containers that don’t let air in to keep it fresh¹⁹.
• Freeze it for even longer, but it might change a bit²⁰.

By storing it this way, you can enjoy pimento cheese for a longer time. The secret is to store and handle it correctly¹⁹.

Pairing Drinks with Pimento Cheese

There are many drinks you can pair with pimento cheese. For a classic southern pimento cheese, try sweet tea or sparkling water with lemon. These drinks match the creamy flavor well²¹. If you make your own pimento cheese, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great²².

Beer lovers might enjoy a crisp lager or pilsner with classic southern pimento cheese²³. The goal is to balance the flavors of both. Here are some good choices:

• Sweet tea or sparkling water with lemon
• Dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Crisp, refreshing lager or pilsner

Choosing the right drink for pimento cheese depends on what you like. But thinking about the flavors of both can help you find a great match²¹.

The Role of Pimento Cheese at Gatherings

Pimento cheese is loved at parties and gatherings. It’s often used as a dip or spread²⁴. In the South, it’s a big hit at family events, cookouts, and luncheons²⁴.

There are many ways to serve pimento cheese. You can put it on crackers or mix it into other dishes.

Some ideas for serving pimento cheese include:

• Using it as a dip for vegetables or crackers
• Adding it to sandwiches or burgers for extra flavor
• Serving it as a side dish, similar to a vintage pimento cheese recipe²⁵

Pimento cheese stays good for up to a week in an airtight container²⁵. This makes it perfect for parties. Its creamy flavor and versatility make it a favorite at gatherings.

A serving of the old fashioned pimento cheese recipe has about 183 calories²⁴. It’s a healthy choice for gatherings. Pimento cheese is tasty and great for parties, especially the traditional spread.

Nutritional Information to Consider

When making authentic pimento cheese dip, think about the nutrition. A serving, about 1/8 of the recipe, has 205 calories. It also has 2g of carbs, 9g of protein, and 18g of fat²⁶. This info is key for those wanting a tasty, somewhat healthy dish.

To make a healthier pimento cheese, use low-fat mayo and reduced-fat cheddar. This version has about 524 calories per serving. It has 5g of carbs, 20g of protein, and 48g of fat²⁷.

Here’s a comparison of the two pimento cheese recipes:

By looking at the nutrition and choosing healthier ingredients, you can make a tasty, nutritious pimento cheese dip. It’s great for any event.

Why Pimento Cheese Is a Southern Staple

Pimento cheese is loved in the South, where it’s a hit at parties and family get-togethers²⁸. It’s made with cheddar, cream cheese, and pimentos for a special taste and feel. It was even named one of the Top 10 Trends of 2021 by Flavor & The Menu²⁸.

Pimento cheese is big in Southern cooking, with many recipes using it. The Southern Bite website has over 9 recipes with pimento cheese, showing how versatile it is²⁸. Families have their own secret ways of making it, passing down recipes through generations.

Homemade pimento cheese is creamy, tangy, and easy to make. You can use sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Here are some perks of making it yourself:

• Customizable flavor
• Fresh ingredients
• No preservatives

In short, pimento cheese is a key part of Southern cooking. Its rich history and cultural importance make it a favorite in many homes. Whether you’re making a classic spread or trying something new, pimento cheese adds flavor to any meal²⁹.

User-Submitted Variations and Recipes

Many people have made their own versions of the classic southern pimento cheese. They’ve added new twists to the old recipe. You can use these as a dip or spread on crackers.

Some folks have added cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the mix³⁰. Others have tried different spices and seasonings for a unique taste³¹.

Here are some popular variations:

• Spicy pimento cheese with jalapenos
• Smoked pimento cheese with bacon
• Garlic and herb pimento cheese with parsley and dill

Trying these variations lets you make your own special pimento cheese. It’s perfect for impressing your guests. Whether you want a classic or a new twist, these ideas will help you create something amazing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When making pimento cheese, you might face issues like a runny texture or flavors that don’t mix right. It’s key to use top-notch ingredients and follow old-school recipes. This way, you’ll make a tasty and true pimento cheese spread.

To fix a runny texture, try changing the mayonnaise or cheese amounts³². Some say using 8 ounces of sharp cheddar and 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise works best³³. Here are more tips to help:

• Check the cheese to mayonnaise ratio: If it’s too runny, add more cheese³².
• Adjust the seasonings: If the taste is off, add more garlic or onion powder³³.

By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can make a delicious pimento cheese spread. It’s perfect for any time.

Final Thoughts on the Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

Pimento cheese has a special place in many Americans’ hearts and kitchens³⁴. It’s loved for its traditional taste and for trying new things³⁵. This dish can be enjoyed in many ways.

This old-fashioned recipe lets you enjoy Southern cooking’s tradition³⁴. It takes you back to a time when food was simple yet full of flavor³⁵.

We also want you to be creative with pimento cheese³⁶. Try adding spicy jalapeños³⁵ or different cheeses. There are so many ways to make it your own³⁶.

When you make your next batch of pimento cheese, enjoy the taste and history³⁵. It’s a classic that will make any event special, big or small³⁶.