A twist on classic pimento cheese made with cheddar cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise and a couple jalapeños.
This jalapeño 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, and it always seems to hit the spot.
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.
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.
- Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices.
- Add grated cheese and mix just until incorporated.
- Fold in diced pimentos and jalapenos.
- Transfer to serving container and enjoy! If you are making this in advance transfer to an air-tight container and store in the fridge.
Recipe tips
- 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.
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.
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
Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
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.
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Cheers,
Angel says
I modified the recipe slightly by using a 7 oz jar of diced pimentos, 5/8 teaspoon of cayenne, and increasing the cream cheese to 6 oz. It was delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Alaine says
Sounds so good! Thanks for including your modifications. Glad y'all enjoyed it!!
Alice says
Loved this!! My husband loves pimento cheese and this was a great twist.
Alaine says
Thank you for sharing! Really glad y'all enjoyed this variation on pimento cheese.