Growing up in the South, I remember my grandmother’s kitchen. The smell of her homemade pimento cheese was always there. It was a creamy, comforting spread that brought us together.

This old-fashioned pimento cheese recipe is a Southern favorite. It combines sharp cheddar cheese, tangy mayonnaise, and diced pimento peppers. It’s perfect as a dip, burger topping, or sandwich filling. It’s a taste of the South that never goes out of style.

What Makes Authentic Southern Pimento Cheese Special

Pimento cheese is a favorite in Southern cuisine, loved by many in the U.S. It’s creamy and savory, with a history that makes it unique. To understand its charm, we need to look at its origins and traditions.

Origins of Pimento Cheese in Southern Cuisine

The story of pimento cheese starts in the early 1900s. The pimiento pepper, a mild sweet pepper, was introduced to the South. Cooks mixed it with cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, creating a tasty spread. This spread became a favorite, shared by Southern families for years.

Why Traditional Methods Matter

Authentic Southern pimento cheese is made the old way. Grating cheese by hand gives it a creamy texture. Using sharp cheddar and Duke’s Mayonnaise is key. These steps keep the flavor rich and true to its roots.

The No-Cream-Cheese Debate

There’s a debate about cream cheese in pimento cheese. Some recipes include it, but traditionalists say no. They think the cheese and mayonnaise should be enough, letting the flavors of each ingredient shine.

What makes Southern pimento cheese special is its connection to Southern cooking. By sticking to traditional methods and ingredients, we keep its timeless charm alive. This way, it will continue to delight people for years to come.

Essential Ingredients for Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

Making the perfect vintage pimento cheese starts with the right ingredients. At its core, you’ll find sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and pimento peppers. Let’s explore the key elements that make this recipe so beloved.

The recipe begins with 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This cheese is the base that lets other flavors stand out. Choose a high-quality cheddar like Cabot or Kerrygold for the best taste.

Next, you’ll need 8 ounces of diced pimento peppers. These sweet, roasted peppers add color and flavor. If jarred pimentos are hard to find, you can roast and dice your own bell peppers.

To hold it all together, use about 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, like Duke’s. This mayonnaise adds a silky texture that goes well with the cheese and olives.

Ingredient	Amount
Sharp Cheddar Cheese	2 cups, shredded
Pimento Peppers	8 oz, diced
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup
Pickled Jalapeños	1 tablespoon
Worcestershire Sauce	1 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Paprika	1/4 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper	To taste

For a bit more flavor, add a tablespoon of pickled jalapeños, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper and paprika. These will add to the cheese’s vintage taste without overwhelming it.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a creamy, flavorful pimento cheese. The quality of the cheddar and mayonnaise is key to getting the right texture and taste.

Kitchen Tools and Preparation Tips

Making the perfect old-fashioned pimento cheese recipe needs the right tools and techniques. You’ll need a food processor with a grating attachment or a simple box grater. Grating the cheese by hand is best, as it keeps the texture right.

For mixing, you can choose between two ways. You can mix by hand for a chunkier pimento cheese, or use a food processor for a smoother dip. A sturdy mixing bowl and a flexible spatula are key for both methods.

Cheese Grating Techniques

The secret to the perfect pimento cheese texture is in grating the cheese. A coarse grater or a food processor with the grating attachment will give you that classic, chunky pimento cheese. For a finer, more spreadable texture, use a microplane grater for the cheese and garlic.

Proper Mixing Methods

The mixing method is key, whether you like it chunky or smooth. For a heartier texture, mix by hand with a sturdy spoon or spatula. This keeps the cheese’s natural shape and size. For a creamier dip, blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

Storage Equipment Needed

Storing your homemade pimento cheese right is important to keep its freshness and flavor. Use airtight containers, like glass jars or sturdy plastic containers, to store it. This prevents the dip from drying out or picking up bad flavors from the fridge.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Making the classic fashioned pimento cheese recipe is easy and fun. It brings out the true taste of Southern cuisine. Here’s how to do it:

1. Grate the cheese. Use a box grater or food processor for the best results. Mix extra-sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheese.
2. Mix the cheese with mayonnaise and seasonings. In a bowl, combine grated cheese, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it’s all mixed up.
3. Fold in the drained pimentos. Drain the pimento peppers and gently mix them into the cheese. Make sure they’re spread out evenly.
4. Adjust the consistency, if needed. If it’s too thick, add a bit more mayonnaise. This will make it creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings. Try the mix and add more salt, pepper, or spices if you need to.

For the best taste, chill the pimento cheese in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This lets the flavors blend together perfectly. Making this recipe takes about 10-15 minutes.

Ingredient	Amount
Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese	1 ½ cups, grated
Smoked Gouda Cheese	½ cup, grated
Pimento Peppers	½ cup, drained
Mayonnaise	¼ cup
Sour Cream	¼ cup
Old Bay Seasoning	½ teaspoon
Smoked Paprika	¼ teaspoon
Salt	⅛ teaspoon
Black Pepper	⅛ teaspoon

Follow these easy steps to make a delicious fashioned pimento cheese. It’s perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or as a dip. Enjoy it with your favorite snacks.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The classic southern pimento cheese spread is very versatile. It can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you like it the traditional way or want something new, it’s always a hit.

Classic Serving Options

The traditional pimento cheese dip goes great with crisp crackers, fresh celery, or hearty bread. Spread it on white bread for a classic sandwich. Or, use it in small tea sandwiches.

Modern Twists on Traditional Serving

Want to get creative? Use pimento cheese in different dishes. Top burgers or grilled cheese with it. You can also mix it into grits or scrambled eggs for a tasty twist.

Temperature and Texture Considerations

For the best taste and texture, serve the classic pimento cheese spread at room temperature. This lets the flavors mix well and the cheese spread easily. If it’s been chilled, let it warm up for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestion	Pairing
Crackers	Classic
Celery sticks	Classic
Sandwiches	Classic
Burgers	Modern twist
Grilled cheese	Modern twist
Grits	Modern fusion
Omelets	Modern fusion

Storage Tips and Shelf Life

Proper storage is essential for keeping your old fashioned pimento cheese recipe or southern pimento cheese fresh. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps keep the cheese fresh and flavorful.

Old fashioned pimento cheese stays good for 7 to 10 days in the fridge. But, remember, mayonnaise is in the recipe. So, don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 4 hours. This is to keep it safe to eat.

Freezing pimento cheese is not a good idea. Freezing can make the cheese grainy and less tasty. For the best taste, let the cheese come to room temperature before you serve it.

Storage Method	Shelf Life
Refrigerator (Airtight Container)	7-10 days
Room Temperature	Up to 4 hours
Freezer	Not Recommended

By following these simple storage tips, your old fashioned pimento cheese or southern pimento cheese will stay creamy and flavorful. This way, you can enjoy it at its best for days to come.

Conclusion

The old fashioned pimento cheese recipe shows the lasting charm of Southern cuisine. It’s simple yet loved by many in the South and now across the country. It’s great as a dip, sandwich filling, or in other dishes, bringing a taste of the South to your table.

The recipe’s key ingredients, like cheddar cheeses, creamy mayonnaise, and sweet pimento peppers, mix to create a comforting yet sophisticated taste. You can also make it your own, adding to its endless possibilities.

Exploring the origins, techniques, and ways to serve pimento cheese shows its special place in Southern cooking. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to it, trying this classic recipe is a must. It’s a tradition worth embracing in your cooking.

FAQ – Classic Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese