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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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