One of the most iconic southern dishes is pimento cheese. Most southern children grow up on pimento cheese sandwiches on soft white bread. Every family has their own recipe for what they consider to be the “best” pimento cheese. Although it’s sold in southern grocery stores, the store-bought kind isn’t really very good. Since it’s easy to make, you’ll want to try what I consider the “best” pimento cheese. I have tried dozens of recipes from several sources, and my southern husband finally decided the following Real Southern Pimento Cheese lives up to his expectations.

This pimento cheese lasts a couple of weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It makes great sandwiches, and is also great on southern nachos (corn tortilla chips, shredded pulled pork with barbecue sauce topped with pimento cheese and baked until bubbly). Grilled hamburgers are fabulous topped with this pimento cheese, and grilled meats and poultry are even better with this served melting on them.

18 Servings

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups grated medium or sharp cheddar cheese (if you like, you can use your favorite such as cheddar jack or Mexican Blend – just don’t use processed cheese like Velveeta or American Singles), room temperature
1 4 ounce jar chopped pimientos, drained
1/4 cup Famous Dave's Spicy pickles, finely chopped (or other spicy bread and butter type pickles)
3 tablespoons pickle juice (Dave’s or bread and butter)
3 tablespoons mayonnaise, preferably homemade
1 teaspoon Tabasco pepper sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Place the ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until smooth and well-mixed.
2. Refrigerate until chilled.
3. Serve on bread or crackers.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 140 Calories from Fat 107
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 76% Protein 19% Carb. 5%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Cholesterol 32 mg
Sodium 237 mg
Total Carbohydrate 2 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 1 g
Protein 7 g

Vitamin A 11% Vitamin C 9% Calcium 0% Iron 2%