Southern Cooking
My mom was a southern girl, my dad too. They married the day after her college graduation, and she came to the marriage knowing absolutely zero about cooking. As she often put it, she had to learn how to boil water. Over time, she became a great cook, and her favorite recipes were traditional southern dishes. Fried chicken, okra, grits, and this Pimento Cheese dip for parties.
But it was a long road for her, and I don't think it was ever fun for her in the way it is for me. For her, it was the acceptance that her family needed to eat, she needed to cook, so she might as well get as good at it as possible. And don't forget, this was the 1950's.
I don't remember when I first tried Pimento Cheese, but it was an instant love affair. And full confession, this isn't her recipe, although it tastes just like I remembered. Except for the recipes she gave me when I moved into my first apartment, her wooden recipe box, stuffed with 3 X 5 cards covered in her neat handwriting, is lost.
Why is Pimento Cheese a Southern Thing?
Although Pimento Cheese got its start in New York, the South owns it. It's so deeply woven in the fabric of Southern cuisine, dating from the early 1900's, most people associate it today as a purely Southern dish. I lived in Atlanta for several years, and it was a common condiment for burgers, hot dogs, and often slathered between 2 slices of white bread for a quick lunch sandwich. Specifics are murky, but southern farmers growing red peppers were a big influence. It likely became popular because it's delicious, has only a few ingredients, and is made in about 10 minutes.
So, What is Pimento?
I wondered about this for a loooong time. Pimentos are also called pimientos and cherry peppers. Small and round, they're sweet and hold the lowest spot on the Scoville scale of heat.
Tips for Making Pimento Cheese
This spread is incredibly easy to make, but one thing that does make it a little easier to mix is using whipped cream cheese instead of the regular block.
Southern Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese, or regular cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons grated onion
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimento, drained
- Parsley, minced for optional garnish
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a large bowl, and use a hand mixer to completely fold the ingredients together until thoroughly combined.
Liz says
A Southern classic and SO delicious!!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
I’ve made it now 4 different times for guests, and they all loved it 🙂
Karen says
Oooh. I love that you added jalapeño to your spread! I had never tried pimento cheese until I started blogging. All of these themed events force me to try new (to me) food!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Me too, Karen!!
Laura @motherwouldknow says
I’ve never made pimento cheese, but I do know that it’s a “thing.” And now I can make it in literally minutes. What a great appetizer! thinking about using it on celery or dabbed on endive leaves.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
It is indeed a thing! I’ve made it a bunch on times over the past 3 weeks now, and love how easily it comes together 🙂
Jane says
I am the rare person who has never had pimento cheese but have always wanted to try it. Thanks for this recipe Susan, it will be on my menu soon!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
I recommend it the next time you have guests. Last time I made it, I scooped it into endive leaves and it was the BEST!
Beth says
You and Jenni and your pimento cheese! I am so excited to try this great version of this Southern classic.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Jenni too??!! It’s a totally Southern thing and soooooo good!
Carol Borchardt says
Living in the South, I have seen many recipes for pimiento cheese. I’m all over this one! Love the addition of the jalapeno; it’s right up my alley!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
We like things spicy around here, lol!!!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
I’ll be honest, I’m not a big fan of pimento cheese so I avoided all of the homemade variations too. What a mistake that was. It’s like night and day and adding jalapeno is genius…that bit of heat is a fantastic idea!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Seriously, this is something you must make!!! It’s the perfect last minute appetizer!