Pimento Cheese, Eddie's - Master Cookbook Recipe # 41

Name: Pimento Cheese, Eddie's - Master Cookbook Recipe # 41
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 3 cups
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 8 oz. white American cheese, shredded; 2 oz. jar pimentos (drained); 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 jalapeño, grilled, seeded, and diced (optional)

This isn't your ordinary grocery store pimento cheese! Eddie's recipe uses a combination of sharp cheddar and white American cheese for a flavor that is both bold and incredibly creamy. With a hint of spice and the option of a smoky grilled jalapeño, it’s the ultimate Southern spread for crackers, celery, or a classic sandwich.

This is recipe #41 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.

Prep time: 15 minTotal time: 15 min Chill Time: 1 hr

Cook mode Prevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup mayonnaise
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 oz. white American cheese, shredded
2 oz. jar pimentos (drained)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 jalapeño, grilled, seeded, and diced (optional)

Instructions

Smooth the Base: Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and blend with a hand mixer until completely smooth and creamy.
Season: Add the mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.
Add Pimentos: Gently stir in the drained pimentos.
Fold in Cheese: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and white American cheese. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
Optional Kick: If you want that extra layer of flavor, stir in the grilled and diced jalapeño.
Chill: Refrigerate the spread for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the consistency to firm up.

Notes

Shred Your Own: For the absolute best texture, buy your cheese in blocks and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch to prevent clumping, which can make your spread feel gritty.
Control the Heat: If you prefer a milder spread, you can easily omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
The "Secret" Ingredient: White American cheese adds a level of creaminess that makes this spread stand out from traditional versions.
Serving Suggestion: This is delicious on buttery crackers, but it also makes a world-class grilled pimento cheese sandwich!