“Southern Pimento Cheese Spread”

Feel like we’re living in uncertain times right now? As we all wake to a new day, challenges of keeping ourselves safe and healthy is constantly top of mind.  The struggles of wearing our face masks everywhere we go and social distancing can take its toll. Feeling anxious, sad, and perplexed just comes with the territory these days. But have no fear, I’m a firm believer food brings us all together, so this weekend enjoy my Southern Pimento Cheese Spread with family and friends.

Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

The South has many food traditions and my Southern Pimento Cheese Spread is one not to be missed. Did you know the history of this delicious spread started in New York? Me neither until I did some research. In the mid to late 1800’s New York farmers began making unripened cheese which is known today as cream cheese. During that same period, Spain began sending pimentos to the United States.

Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

According to an article from Serious Eats, a combination of cream cheese, mustard, chives, and pimentos came from a Good Housekeeping recipe in 1908. The pimento and cheese combo became so popular, Southern farmers began to grow their own red peppers. The peppers were roasted and canned and sent by the millions all over the country. From there, after WWII, cheddar cheese was swapped in place of cream cheese and some mayonnaise. This is the pimento cheese of today. Church socials, potlucks, picnics and Southern restaurants would never be without this simple and delicious spread. Simple never tasted so good.

Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

Nothing brings people like food. Smiles on everyone’s faces at the delight of something homemade. It never matters what the food is yet the joy of a favorite food or being adventurous and trying something new is a treat. pimento cheese is very versatile and can be eaten as a sandwich, spread on crackers, and my favorite stuffed in burgers. I find the cheese spread becomes addictive so if you’re serving at a cookout or or gathering be sure to have enough on hand because you will see the bottom of the bowl in no time. Have a great weekend fellow foodies!

Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I used a combo of both yellow and white)

1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise

1/4 cup chopped roasted red pepper or pimentos

3 t. sweet pickle relish

1 1/2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 t. hot sauce

1 t. onion powder

1/4 t. ground black pepper

In a food processor, combine cheeses, mayonnaise, and red pepper until half smooth.

Add in pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, onion powder, and black pepper until mixed in.

Chill spread for at least one hour before serving with pretzels, crackers, crostini, or stuff your burgers.

Note: Try not to make cheese spread into paste. A few chunks of cheese and red pepper is fine.

Makes about 4 cups.