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    Home » Appetizer » Jalapeño Pimento Cheese

    Jalapeño Pimento Cheese

    April 2, 2023 by Alaine Leave a Comment

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    A twist on classic pimento cheese made with cheddar cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise and a couple jalapeños.

    This pimento cheese has become my secret snack, well secret between me and my three year old. Sometimes we just need a scoop on a cracker before preparing a meal or getting in the school pick-up line. Savory, filling and flavorful, it always seems to hit the spot.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make
    • Tips on Making Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
    • Variations
    • Storage & Serving
    • 📖 Recipe

    Classic Southern Spread

    There seem to be two preferences for pimento cheese – one that is super creamy loaded with mayo and cream cheese and the other that barely has enough for the cheddar cheese to stick together. I developed my recipe for Jalapeño Pimento Cheese to be in the middle, slightly creamy but with enough texture to still hold up in a sandwich.

    Of course, I like to add a little kick to just about everything, so this calls for two fresh jalapeños. The peppers are finely chopped with the seeds removed. They add a little more crunch, flavor and the color contrast between the green jalapeño peppers, red pimentos and yellow cheese is quite appealing. 

    Plate of crackers and a jar of jalapeno pimento cheese spread with visible pieces of diced jalapenos and pimentos.

    Ingredients

    • Cream Cheese - A half of a block of softened cream cheese. I usually keep the Walmart brand on hand.
    • Mayonnaise – Use a high-quality mayonnaise, Duke’s is the staple in my kitchen. 
    • Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper
    • Cheddar Cheese – You can use sharp, extra-sharp, mild or a blend of cheddar cheese. The recipe uses a little over 8 oz. of cheese. Be sure to buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
    • Pimentos – One 4 oz. jar of pimentos drained well. 
    • Jalapeños – I added about two fresh small diced peppers to this pimento cheese recipe.

    How To Make

    You can mix up this recipe by hand or use a stand mixer. I like to use a stand mixer for ease. 

    1. Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices. 
    2. Add grated cheese and mix just until incorporated. 
    3. Fold in diced pimentos and jalapenos. 
    4. Transfer to serving container and enjoy! If you are making this in advance transfer to an air-tight container and store in the fridge.

    Tips on Making Jalapeño Pimento Cheese

    • Skip the bagged shredded cheese and grate your own. Bagged shredded cheese is coated with an anti-caking agent and it just doesn’t turn out as well in this recipe. 
    • Drain the pimentos well, I like to pour them through a fine mesh strainer and let them sit a minute. You can even dab them with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
    • When you add the pimentos, don’t overmix! You don’t want them to become crushed. I like to fold them in by hand to be sure. 
    • Some recipes call for salt. I think cheddar cheese is salty enough on its own so I don’t add any. You can add salt and pepper to your taste preference though. Just keep in mind the saltiness of the crackers you will be serving with the spread. 
    close up view of pimento cheese spread

    Variations

    • Use white cheddar. That is what HEB uses in their jalapeno pimento cheese. 
    • Swap the jalapeño for some finely minced serrano. 
    • Add a smoky element, by using chipotle or smoked paprika in place of the cayenne pepper.
    • Leave out the jalapeño for a classic pimento cheese spread.
    shredded cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos and jalapeños mixed together

    Storage & Serving

    Store this pimento cheese in the refrigerator for up to one week. 

    Serve with crackers, as a sandwich, or with veggies such as cucumbers and celery. 

    For my go-to savory snack, I like to slice a cucumber and top each slice with a scoop of pimento cheese. 

    📖 Recipe

    shredded cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos and jalapeños mixed together

    Jalapeno Pimento Cheese

    My TX Kitchen
    A twist on classic pimento cheese made with cheddar and cream cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise and a couple jalapeños. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 cups

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 oz. Cream Cheese softened
    • ⅓ c. Mayonnaise
    • ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
    • ¼ tsp. Onion Powder
    • ⅛ tsp. Cayenne Pepper
    • 3 c. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
    • 4 oz. Jar of Diced Pimentos drained
    • 3 Tbsp. Jalapenos seeded and minced

    Instructions
     

    • In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper until mixed.
    • Add shredded cheese and mix for a few seconds until incorporated. Fold in pimentos and diced jalapenos.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @mytxkitchen or tag #mytxkitchen!

    Recipes you may also enjoy:

    • Jalapeno Avocado Ranch Dip
    • Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Cheers,

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    Hey y'all, I'm Alaine! Wife, mom of three, and Registered Dietitian. Welcome to My Texas Kitchen where I share recipes and bits of life from Central Texas. Thanks for stopping by!

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    glass jar of prepared pimento cheese with jalapeño spread