Paula Deen Pimento Cheese
Creamy, tangy, and utterly scoopable, Paula Deen Pimento Cheese blends cream cheese, mayo, sharp cheddar, and pimentos into a luscious, Southern-style spread. It's perfect for sandwiches, party platters, or straight from the spoon.
8
servings
Ingredients
Base Mix
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise full-fat preferred, or to taste
- 1 tsp Paula Deen House Seasoning or equal mix of garlic powder, black pepper, and salt
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) kosher salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) freshly ground black pepper or to taste
Cheese & Mix-ins
- 1 jar (113 g) diced pimentos 4 oz (113g), drained well
- 2 tbsp (30 g) grated sweet onion packed, use microplane for best texture
- 1 cup (115 g) grated Monterey Jack cheese about 4 oz (115g)
- 1 cup (115 g) grated sharp cheddar cheese about 4 oz (115g), freshly grated preferred
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Box grater
- Microplane (for onion)
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or microwaving on low in short bursts until soft but not warm.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add mayonnaise and Paula Deen House Seasoning (or garlic powder, black pepper, and salt mix). Beat until thoroughly combined. Add more mayo if needed for spreadable texture.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Remember the cheeses will add more saltiness—adjust carefully.
- Fold in the drained diced pimentos, grated onion, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar gently using a spatula. Mix until evenly distributed but avoid overmixing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, or overnight for best flavor.
Notes
This spread keeps well for up to a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Do not freeze for best texture. Makes a wonderful sandwich filling, burger topping, dip for crackers or veggies, or alongside BBQ mains. For variations, feel free to swap in different cheeses, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, or add jalapeños for heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 420mg | Potassium: 80mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 190mg | Iron: 0.3mg