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Grandpa’s Famous Pimento Cheese

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My dear grandpa taught me how to make pimento cheese when I was a teenager. I was blown away that he knew how to make it and that he took the time to show me how to do it! Here is grandpa’s famous pimento cheese.

Okay, so it may not be world famous, but it definitely is famous in my family. I idolized my grandfather. He was a fabulous cook and he always let me help him in the kitchen. I remember I was just about five-years-old and he had me peeling potatoes from his garden. Whenever I visited and stayed with my grandparents, you can bet that the food was delicious and everything was farm fresh. This is how you make grandpa’s famous pimento cheese.

Grandpa didn’t work with any measurements. He was always a “little of this, little of that” kind of cook. I took diligent notes when he made his pimento cheese.

Grandpa's Famous Pimento Cheese

Grandpa's Famous Pimento Cheese

Nothing is as delicious as a traditionally southern family recipe. Grandpa knew what he was doing with his pimento cheese recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup good mayonnaise. Grandpa and I prefer Duke's
  • 1 - 4 ounce jar diced pimentos, drained
  • 1 TBS grated sweet onion with juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 3 cups good sharp cheddar, grated

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk mayo, pimento, onions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and cayenne together.
  2. Fold in grated cheese.
  3. Transfer to a container.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve with crackers, celery sticks or whatever you like. This pimento cheese also makes for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich.
  6. This will keep in the refrigerator for one week...if it lasts that long!

Do you use cream cheese in your old fashioned pimento cheese recipe?

This would be a good time to point out a couple of things. Newer recipes call for using cream cheese. I guess this addition makes the pimento cheese creamier. This adversely alters the flavor of the old fashioned pimento cheese recipe of my grandfather. I don’t think grandpa even knew what cream cheese was. You do not need cream cheese for a creamy pimento cheese.

What cheese is best for Grandpa’s famous pimento cheese recipe?

Do not use pre-shredded cheese. These cheeses have added preservatives to keep the shredded cheese from sticking together. It is best to buy block cheese that you grate yourself. Trust me, it is worth the effort for a better tasting pimento cheese.

How do you serve pimento cheese

My family loves pimento in a variety of ways. The classic way is to serve it with crackers, preferably Ritz crackers. We also love it as an appetizer with celery sticks. Trust me when I say that this makes the most delicious grilled cheese sandwich. Pimento cheese is also great served on top of a burger or slider. Whichever you choose, it will be perfect.

Make pimento cheese ahead of time

Personally, I like to make my pimento cheese on the morning of the day I plan to serve it. This allows time for the flavors to meld as well as giving the cheese time to bind together.

I hope you give grandpa’s recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Pinterest board!

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