Name: Pimento Cheese
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons cream cheese , softened; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 pound yellow sharp cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup pimentos , patted dry and minced

Why This Recipe Works

Equally as good at home with a sleeve of saltines or melted on a burger or a grilled cheese sandwich, pimento cheese is a flavorful spread of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimentos. We use sharp cheddar for its moderately intense flavor and creamy consistency (extra-sharp cheddar tends to be more crumbly) and shred it with both the large and small holes of a box grater to give the cheese a cohesive yet chunky consistency. A couple of tablespoons of cream cheese keep the mixture spreadable, even right out of the fridge, and a ratio of 2/3 cup mayo to 1 pound cheese adds a tangy punch and creamy texture. Some Worcestershire and lemon juice add brightness and depth without overpowering the cheese.

Before You Begin

You will need one 4-ounce jar of pimentos for this recipe. Yellow cheddar cheese is traditional, but you can substitute white cheddar cheese. Use the pimento cheese as a sandwich spread or serve it with crackers or crudités.

Instructions

Whisk mayonnaise, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and cayenne together in large bowl.

Shred 8 ounces cheddar on large holes of box grater. Shred remaining 8 ounces cheddar on small holes of box grater. Stir pimentos and all cheddar into mayonnaise mixture until thoroughly combined. Serve. (Pimento cheese will keep refrigerated for at least 1 week.)