Also known as the “pate of the South,” pimento cheese is the luxurious melding of Cheddar cheese (extra sharp is key), jarred red peppers (see Note), and mayonnaise. Southern chefs, Junior League cookbooks, and time-honored watering holes all have their subtle variations on the classic–but we haven’t found one that beats ours. In this recipe, Honey Garlic seasoning provides sweet heat and a whiff of smoke. A few dashes of hot sauce add brightness, and cream cheese holds the mixture together. Because pimento cheese is best made at least four hours in advance, to allow the flavors to meld, it’s an ideal appetizer for barbecues, tailgating, and game day. Serve it with a sleeve of crackers or toasted bread, with ice cold beer on the side.
Combine the Cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, mayo, Honey Garlic seasoning, red pepper flakes, hot sauce and freshly ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to combine the mixture until it is smooth and spreadable.
Transfer the pimento cheese to a bowl or container, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Recipe Note
Roasted Red Peppers
Jarred pimento peppers are traditional in this spread; they have a mild and slightly sweet flavor. But you can use other roasted peppers to change up the complexity. Spanish piquillo peppers, for instance, will add smokier notes. Jarred Calabrian chiles add a spicier richness.