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Pimento Cheese Spread

This classic Pimento Cheese Spread combines grated mild and sharp cheddar with canned pimentos, fresh scallions, and a creamy mayonnaise base. Seasoned with lemon, garlic, Worcestershire, and Tabasco, it offers a robust, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. Ideal as a dip with crackers or vegetables, or as a sandwich spread, it's a versatile and flavorful southern staple.
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Servings: 10 people
Course: lunch/dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 2896
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 pound mild yellow cheddar or longhorn cheese
  • 1/2 pound aged white sharp cheddar cheese preferably Vermont or New York
  • One 7-ounce can pimentos with their juice
  • 1 cup chopped scallions
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise preferably homemade
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or more to taste
  • 6 dashes Tabasco sauce or more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Crackers or raw vegetables for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Box Grater Or a food processor with a grater attachment
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Rubber Spatula or Sturdy Spoon For thorough mixing
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • 1 Chef's Knife and Cutting Board For preparing scallions and garlic

Method
 

  1. Using a box grater or food processor, grate both the mild yellow cheddar and the aged white sharp cheddar cheeses into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Finely chop the scallions and mince the garlic.
  3. Open the can of pimentos; do not drain, as the recipe calls for using them with their juice.
  4. Add the chopped scallions, minced garlic, and the undrained pimentos to the bowl with the grated cheese.
  5. Add the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce to the bowl.
  6. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Using a sturdy spatula or spoon, thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined and the cheese is evenly coated.
  8. Taste the spread and adjust seasonings (Worcestershire, Tabasco, lemon juice, black pepper) as desired to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
  9. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm slightly.
  10. Serve chilled with crackers, raw vegetables, or as a delicious sandwich spread.

Notes

For superior flavor and texture, always grate your own cheddar cheeses; pre-shredded varieties contain starches that inhibit a creamy melt. The combination of mild yellow and sharp white cheddars provides a balanced, complex profile. While the recipe calls for pimento juice, be mindful of the overall moisture; if using a very wet brand, a slight drain might be beneficial to prevent a soupy spread. Homemade mayonnaise significantly elevates richness. Crucially, taste and adjust Worcestershire, Tabasco, and lemon juice to your preference. Allow the spread to chill for at least an hour for flavors to fully meld before serving.