Tangy Pimento Cheese – A Zesty Twist on a Classic Spread
Tangy Pimento Cheese is a favorite in our house, and if you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I already have two other recipes! One is made with Velveeta, and the other is a version of the Master’s Pimento Cheese. But this time, my husband took over the kitchen and decided to experiment with his own unique spin on it. The result? A zesty, bold, tangy pimento cheese made with a blend of mild and extra sharp cheddar plus a touch of cream cheese. I think he knocked it out of the park—we love it, and I hope you will too!
A Tangy Twist Inspired by Memphis Flavors! 🧀🔥
This tangy pimento cheese instantly reminded us of the Pimento and Jam we had at The Lookout restaurant, perched atop the Pyramid in Memphis, TN. Served warm with toast points and onion jam, it was absolutely delicious! This recipe brings back some of those same flavors. Today, I followed Terry’s instructions to make a batch, but this time, I actually measured everything so I could share it with you! 😉 His original mix was more of a “handful of this” and “maybe two cups of that” situation—you know how it goes when getting exact measurements from a man!🙄
I think the Pyramid was the first place I ever tried warm pimento cheese, and it was fantastic! This tangy pimento cheese is delicious as a dip when freshly made, but it does firm up somewhat in the refrigerator. If you prefer a softer, more spreadable texture, simply mix in a little extra mayo or a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Mixing Up the Perfect Tangy Pimento Cheese! 🧀
Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easy mixing. Grate the cheeses and combine them with the rest of the ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly blended, and get ready to enjoy this tangy, flavorful pimento cheese!
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend grating your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese from a bag. Freshly grated cheese has a better texture and richer taste since it doesn’t contain the anti-caking agents found in packaged shredded cheese. That said, don’t worry—I keep bags of shredded cheese in my fridge too! Sometimes convenience wins, and that’s totally fine. But if you have a few extra minutes, freshly grated cheese can really enhance the taste and consistency of your pimento cheese!
How Do You Enjoy Your Pimento Cheese? 🧀
I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite pimento cheese recipe, or do you stick to the classic? And how do you like to enjoy it—as a dip with crackers or a grilled pimento cheese sandwich? Let me know in the comments! I can’t wait to try a grilled pimento cheese sandwich with blackberry or raspbery jam…yum!
If you try this tangy pimento cheese, be sure to share your thoughts and tag me—I’d love to see how you serve it! Follow along for more recipes, and don’t forget to share this post with fellow pimento cheese lovers. Happy snacking! 🥪🔥
Tangy Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 cup medium cheddar cheese shredded Tillamook
- 1 cup extra sharp white cheddar cheese shredded Cabot
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Dukes Mayonnaise
- 4 oz diced pimento drained
- 1 T apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar substitute Swerve
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature. Grate the cheese. Mix all the ingredients until well blended.Store in the refrigerator in a tightly covered container.
