How to Make Authentic Southern Pimento Cheese

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By Amy Shannon
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Pimento cheese is a traditional Southern sandwich spread, but it also makes a great dip for crackers or filling for celery sticks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Cut one-pound block of cheese into half-inch cubes.
Step 2

Assemble food processor bowl with an S-shaped blade.
Step 3

Add 4-ounce jar of pimentos, two liberal tablespoons of mayonnaise, and about half the cheese to food processor bowl. Though some recipes recommend draining the pimentos, it is unnecessary.
Step 4

Blend the mixture until it reduces in volume, then add two more tablespoons of mayonnaise and remaining cheese. Blend to desired smoothness.
Step 5

Transfer mixture to storage container, scraping the food processor bowl with the spatula.
Step 6

Add two more tablespoons of mayonnaise and black pepper to taste. Stir and refrigerate until use.

Tips & Warnings

Once refrigerated, the mixture will stiffen somewhat. Depending on the desired consistency and your intended use, it may be necessary to add some additional mayonnaise after a few hours.
If you are in a region where it's available, Duke's mayonnaise will give the best results. Outside the Southeast, you can sometimes find mayonnaise with no sugar in health food or natural grocery stores like Trader Joe's.
It's also possible to make pimento cheese using shredded or grated cheese, but the consistency will be different from the traditional spread. With shredded cheese, diced rather than sliced pimentos are recommended.
If using a metal spoon to measure mayonnaise, be sure not to bang on a glass jar or blender edge to remove excess, as you can chip the glass into your food.