In the mood for a savory treat that can both steal the spotlight at the fanciest of garden parties and wow the crowd at an ordinary workplace potluck? Meet pimento cheese: This super Southern dip — which also moonlights as a sandwich spread — is an undoubtedly rich yet decidedly simple staple that pleases everyone (it must have something to do with that luxurious combination of mayonnaise and cream cheese).
Lately, we’ve been nibbling on the pimento cheese recipe in the cookbook When Southern Women Cook, by America’s Test Kitchen’s Toni Tipton-Martin and Morgan Bolling. With just seven ingredients and two steps, the dip comes together in just under half an hour — which means you can finish this off right before guests walk in the door, all without breaking a sweat.
The spirit of pimento cheese is particularly un-demanding, so you’ll have a majority of these ingredients in your pantry already. But if you’ve never made the famous spread before, Tipton-Martin and Bolling have a quick tip that you must follow before proceeding: “Don’t substitute pre-shredded cheese here; it includes added starches (meant to prevent the shreds from sticking together) that will result in a dry spread.” Be sure to break out your trusty grater to keep things moist!
Quick Pimento Cheese Recipe
Serves: 10 (Makes about 3 cups)
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2⁄3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound sharp yellow cheddar cheese
- 1⁄3 cup pimentos, patted dry and minced
Instructions
- Whisk mayonnaise, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and cayenne together in large bowl.
- Shred half of cheddar on large holes of box grater. Shred remaining cheddar on small holes of box grater. Stir pimentos and cheddar into mayonnaise mixture until thoroughly combined. Serve. (Pimento cheese can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.)
Smoked Pimento Cheese: Substitute smoked cheddar cheese, shredded on small holes of box grater, for the finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen, All Rights Reserved. Photo: Steve Klise.
