While I was born in Michigan, I have lived more than 30 of my 35 years in Texas and Florida, so I consider myself a Southern girl. I grew up on frog legs and sweet tea, dirt roads and Southern drawls. And there are just some recipes that speak to my deep Southern roots. Like fried fish caught earlier in the afternoon served with piping hot hush puppies. Like grits and tomato gravy. And pimento cheese. I know, I know. You’re thinking of that pre-packaged florescent orange cheese dotted with hot pink pimentos. Well, file that picture far, far away and feast your eyes on this homemade pepperjack pimento cheese!
Ya’ll, this pimento cheese! Perfectly creamy, dotted with brine-y pimentos, the tang of really sharp cheddar cheese, a surprise subtle kick from pepperjack cheese and a savory richness from the addition of a little Worcestershire sauce …
Best served, in my humble opinion, with toasted triangles of plain ol’ white bread. You can also serve it with crackers or pretzels, but there is nothing better than a heaping helping of pimento cheese slathered on a crispy bit of toasted bread!
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PinIngredients
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded pepperjack cheese
- 4 oz. 1/2 block cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 1/2 tablespoons pimentos
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 – 3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer or in the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce.
- On the lowest speed, mix in the shredded cheese and pimentos.
- Chill for a few hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Serve with crackers or our favorite – toasted triangles of plain ol’ white bread
So, I am normally all for kitchen short cuts. I have used more than my fair share of cake mixes, prepared pie filling and store bought ingredients. But, if you love me, walk on past the packaged pre-shredded cheese, find that old box grater and use a little elbow grease until you have this:
Piles of gorgeous, freshly grated sharp cheddar and pepperjack cheese. Believe me, it is worth any nicked knuckles. Now, pepperjack cheese is definitely a little twist on this classic pimento cheese recipe and feel free to use mild cheddar or Monterey jack cheese in its place. But the little bits of spicy peppers every now and then are just the right amount of heat.
Have I convinced you to come over to the dark side that is pimento cheese? Okay, just one more picture … you are getting veeeerrrrry hungry …
Because you can never have too much pimento cheese, here are a few recipes using pimento cheese that I have pinned on my savory stuff Pinterest board that will be made soon … VERY soon!
Pimento Cheese & Bacon Pizza from Buns in My Oven
Pimento Cheese Puffs from Laberts Lately
Pimento Cheese Sirloin Sliders from Pass the Sushi
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Rachel says
I have to admit I hate regular pimento cheese. Lol. It’s too sweet for me, but this sounds amazing!!! I’m a southern girl too 😉
Gwen says
You’ve given me a new perspective on Pimento cheese! I’m going to have to try this,girl! YUM!
Heather Raper says
This southern girl has never thought to incorporate pepper jack cheese and I cannot wait to try it in my next batch. Thanks for the inspiration!
Kat@Home. Made. Interest. says
I grew up in the south so pimento cheese always brings back lots of good memories for me. I am pinning this recipe for my next party!
Sherri@The Well Floured Kitchen says
This looks like an awesome dip! Pinned 🙂
JaneEllen says
Think hubs would love this, he grew up on a farm in OK. He likes all kinds of foods I’ve never eaten and don’t plan to, especially fish. Poor guy, I can’t stand smell of fish both before, during and after cooking. So if he wants fish he goes to restaurant to have it, without me. Feel bad for him but he seems to have weathered not having southern food and fish all these years we’ve been married.
He did get me to eat green beans after we got married. I love many more veggies now than I did. All those dishes you talked about, sound awful to me but he eats them when we go to OK. I’m from OH originally and lived most of life in west, almost 64 yrs. He is quite nice about it so I appreciate that. Your dish sounds good for him. I’ll pin it so I can show it to him. Thanks for sharing the recipes. Happy days
April Hoff says
This looks amazing! Thanks so much for linking up to our first “Enchanting Inspiration” link up party! We hope to see you next Wed. with more of your amazing-ness! 😉
Patti says
Looks really good and easy too. Always looking for something new to serve to guests. I think this will be a winner. Thanks
Miranda says
How long will this keep? Will make a perfect treat for Father’s Day; my husband will love the pepperjack cheese in this! Thanks for sharing.
Keri says
Hi Miranda,
As long as it is refrigerated, it should keep for at least a few days. Hope he enjoys it!
tahnycooks says
I do live in Michigan and our famous restaurant is Zingerman’s. They have the most incredible Pimento cheese dip and this looks Identical! I am so excited to try this! Great recipe! I am stopping by from Show Stopper Saturday Btw! Have a great weekend!