Dreamy Alton Brown Pimento Cheese Recipe: Southern Flair!

Pimento cheese, a Southern delicacy, weaves magic from simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Creamy cheese whispers tales of tradition and comfort across family tables.

Sharp cheddar melts into velvety ribbons, creating a spread that tingles taste buds with unexpected zest.

Generations of Southern kitchens have transformed this humble blend into a beloved staple that sings with pure, unapologetic flavor.

Tangy peppers and smooth cheese perform a delectable dance, inviting every bite to become a moment of pure indulgence.

Crafted with passion and regional pride, this recipe promises a flavor journey that leaps beyond ordinary spreads.

Get ready to fall in love with a classic that turns simple snacking into an unforgettable experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients in Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese Recipe

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Look for a vibrant, tangy block that crumbles easily and promises deep flavor complexity.
• Cream Cheese: Select a velvety, fresh variety that spreads smoothly and adds luxurious richness.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Choose high-quality, fragrant powders that will infuse robust, concentrated savory notes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Pick a fresh, potent variety that delivers a warm, controlled heat without overwhelming the cheese.
• Jalapeño: Select a firm, bright green pepper with a crisp texture and balanced spiciness for perfect zesty kick.

• Pimentos: Opt for bright red, soft peppers that bring sweet, mild pepper essence and vibrant color.
• Black Pepper: Choose whole peppercorns you can freshly grind for maximum aromatic punch.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt that dissolves quickly and enhances all other ingredient profiles.

Tools and Supplies for Pimento Cheese

• Mixing Bowl: Large, spacious vessel for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Hand Mixer or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for blending cheeses into creamy perfection.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for finely mincing jalapeño.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for chopping jalapeño into tiny pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add exact amounts of spices and seasonings.
• Grater: Ideal for shredding sharp cheddar cheese.
• Spatula: Great for scraping down bowl sides and ensuring complete mixing.
• Plastic Wrap or Lid: Covers bowl during chilling to seal in flavors.
• Refrigerator: Keeps spread cool while flavors develop.

Mixing Instructions for Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese

• Whip Up the Cheese Base

Grab your mixing bowl and combine sharp cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, and minced jalapeño. Blend the ingredients using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until they transform into a silky smooth mixture that looks absolutely irresistible.

• Punch Up the Flavor

Season your cheese spread with onion powder, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Sprinkle in some black pepper and salt, tasting as you go to create a bold, zesty profile that’ll make your taste buds sing with excitement. Stir thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with mouthwatering goodness.

• Let the Magic Happen

Tuck your freshly prepared pimento cheese into the refrigerator for a quick 30-minute chill. This resting time allows all those incredible flavors to meld together, creating a spread that’s bursting with tangy, creamy deliciousness. When ready, serve alongside crispy crackers, slather on sandwiches, or use as a crowd-pleasing dip that’ll have everyone begging for more.

Add-Ons and Twists for Pimento Cheese

• Boost Cheese Flavor: Add smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of rich, tangy complexity that elevates the entire spread.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust cayenne and jalapeño amounts to create your personal spice profile – from mild whispers to fiery explosions of flavor that match your comfort zone.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This pimento cheese keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify while providing a quick, delicious snack anytime hunger strikes.
• Texture Transformation: Experiment with cheese textures by using different sharp cheddar brands or mixing in a bit of monterey jack for a softer, more mellow cheese experience that surprises and delights your palate.

Serving Guide for Pimento Cheese

• Spread the Cheesy Love on Sandwiches: Layer this creamy pimento cheese between two slices of toasted bread for a mouthwatering lunch that'll make your colleagues jealous.
• Dip and Dive into Snack Time: Surround the spread with crispy crackers, fresh veggie sticks, or soft pretzels for an irresistible party appetizer that guests will devour.
• Southern Comfort Breakfast Boost: Slather this zesty cheese mixture onto warm, buttery biscuits for a Southern-style morning treat that'll jumpstart your day with bold flavors.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform this pimento cheese into mini sliders or stuff it inside jalapeño poppers for a spicy game day snack that scores big with hungry fans.

Refrigeration Advice for Alton Brown’s Pimento Cheese

• Maximize Freshness: Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, keeping those vibrant flavors locked in tight.
• Prep-Ahead Power: Whip up this spread in advance for quick snacks, party appetizers, or spontaneous cravings that strike without warning.
• Freezing Finesse: Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months, perfect for future cheese emergencies or unexpected guest drop-ins.
• Temperature Transformation: Always let refrigerated pimento cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its creamy, spreadable texture and release those tantalizing flavors.

Legendary Alton Brown Pimento Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s pimento cheese recipe blends sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and roasted peppers for a Southern classic. Creamy, tangy spread perfect for sandwiches or crackers satisfies you with its rich, comforting flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 (4 oz/113 g) jar diced pimento, drained
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
• ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine shredded Cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, diced pimento peppers, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and finely chopped jalapeño in a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and flavorful base.
2. Blending: Utilize an electric mixer or robust whisk to amalgamate the ingredients, transforming the mixture into a smooth, velvety spread with a consistent texture and no lingering cheese clusters.
3. Seasoning: Introduce freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, carefully calibrating the quantities to elevate the taste profile and harmonize the intricate layers of spice and creaminess.
4. Tasting and Refinement: Sample the pimento cheese spread, making nuanced adjustments to ensure a perfectly balanced, zesty condiment with a gentle, provocative warmth from the jalapeño and cayenne peppers.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for maximum flavor depth and creamy texture.
• Temperature Is Key: Ensure cream cheese and cheddar are at room temperature to blend smoothly without lumps.
• Pepper Power: Adjust cayenne and jalapeño quantities based on personal heat tolerance for a customized spice level.
• Texture Tip: Mix ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing to maintain a spreadable, not pasty, consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg