Spicy Pimento Cheese
Pimento Cheese is such a southern staple. It is a great appetizer for potlucks or backyard barbecues and always gets gobbled up. The options for pimento cheese are endless - serve with crackers or veggies, spread it on a sandwich, put it on a burger, or put it on a shoe (LOL). My favorite way to enjoy it is with sliced bell peppers. This Spicy Pimento Cheese has a kick from pickled jalapeños and sriracha and a hint of sweetness from the pepper jelly. This recipe is perfect for that little bit of pepper jelly you have left in your fridge. Throw it in the food processor and you’re done in 10 minutes or less.
Ingredients
6 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tbsp. jalapeno pepper jelly
1 tbsp. diced pickled jalapeños
1 tbsp. dill relish
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. sriracha
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. dijon mustard
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz. jar pimentos, drained
kosher salt
black pepper
Recipe
To a food processor, add cream cheese, pepper jelly, picked jalapeños, dill relish, garlic powder, black pepper, sriracha, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt
Blend the mixture until smooth.
Add the sharp cheddar cheese and pimentos. Pulse the mixture in the food processor until blended but still slightly chunky. Taste for seasoning and add any additional salt and pepper as needed.
Chill in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve with crackers, sliced bell peppers (my favorite) and celery.
Cook’s Notes
Grating your own cheese is a must for this recipe. Don’t buy pre-shredded cheese. It’s worth the effort!
You can eat this as a snack or appetizer, serve it on a burger, or put it on a sandwich. The options are endless!
