How To Make Homemade Pimento Cheese

Homemade Pimento Cheese is another one of our true Southern traditions. It is one of those recipes that have been handed down through the generations in my family.

Now, football time is upon us and, in my opinion, you just can't have too many dip and sandwich recipes to choose from. Well, this one fits the bill for both occasions.

If you are looking for a quick snack or an alternative to the same old luncheon meat choices for a great sandwich, why not try Pimento Cheese? It's cool and refreshing. This is such a versatile little mixture that can be used in many ways. This is not even a kissing cousin to the spreads offered by your grocer. No true Southern household would be without it. Try it yourself.

PIMENTO CHEESE

16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 large jar minced pimentos, drained
2 cups mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Lawry's Garlic Salt
2 teaspoons Janes Krazy Mixed Up Salt
3 dashes Tabasco sauce

Blend all ingredients either by hand in a large bowl or in a food processor.  If you like a "chunky" spread, mix by hand.  If you prefer a "smooth" spread, use the food processor. Adjust the salts and Tabasco to taste.  When this is mixed initially, it needs to be "soupy" as if you have too much mayonnaise.  The cheese will "soak up" the mayonnaise after it sets up.

This should be made one day in advance of serving.  Use for sandwiches or as a spread for crackers. You can also use it as a dip for a vegetable tray.

A vegetable tray paired with homemade pimento cheese can really add to your table at a party.

The colors are beautiful and the tray can be used as a centerpiece. Use a large round platter, put a bowl in the center for the dip, which could be onion, ranch, blue cheese, pimento cheese, or whatever your favorite happens to be, and group the items in a line from the center to the edge. Use cherry tomatoes, celery, bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber strips, carrots, olives, cubed cheese and anything else that you like.

Make sure you have enough room in your refrigerator for the tray to keep it cool. If you don't, put each group of items in a resealable plastic bag to save space in the refrigerator and arrange the tray when guests start to arrive.

Servings: 16

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 serving
Percent daily values based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients.

Amount Per Serving
Calories   233.17
Calories From Fat (73%)   170.00
% Daily Value
Total Fat 19.27g   30%
Saturated Fat 7.42g   37%
Cholesterol 37.40mg   12%
Sodium 899.86mg   37%
Potassium 50.14mg   1%
Carbohydrates 8.24g   3%
Dietary Fiber 0.03g   0%
Sugar 2.03g
Sugar Alcohols 0.00g
Net Carbohydrates 8.20g
Protein 7.49g   15%
MyPoints 6.3

You can substitute anything you want if you don't like sharp cheddar cheese. I have even made one half of the cheese medium cheddar and the other half Monteray Jack with jalapeno peppers - now that one has a kick! You can even add softened cream cheese if that is one of your favorites. One of the very best thing about making everything from scratch is that you can make it to suit your own taste.

This really is as simple to make as it looks. All you need is a grater, a spoon and a mixing bowl, unless you use the food processor method, of course. So, go dust off that mixing bowl and make something great for your family to enjoy while watching the game.

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