Pimento Cheese & Crackers

A true Southern classic—sharp, creamy, and just the right amount of sass.

You’re not truly Southern unless your fridge has a tub of homemade pimento cheese ready to slap on a Ritz, a celery stick, or honestly… your finger. Around here, it’s less of a recipe and more of a love language—passed down from grandmas, aunties, and church ladies who always knew how to stretch a block of cheese into something magical.

This one’s sharp, creamy, and totally addictive—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just snacking barefoot in the kitchen while your guests think you’re working hard on dinner. Let’s make it, y’all.

🍴 Servings:

Makes about 2 cups – enough for a party platter or several snack attacks.

🛒 Grocery List:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use block cheese—not pre-shredded)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred)

• 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for kick

• Crackers for serving (Ritz, butter crackers, or toasted baguette slices)

👩‍🍳 Directions:

1. Shred the cheese:
Start with a good-quality sharp cheddar and shred it yourself. Trust me—pre-shredded cheese has coating that messes with the texture.

2. Mix it all together:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, drained pimentos, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.

3. Chill it (if you can wait):
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. It gets even better the next day.

4. Serve it up:
Scoop into a pretty bowl and surround with crackers. Garnish with a few extra pimentos or a sprinkle of paprika if you’re feelin’ fancy.

📝 Southern Tip:

Make it your own.
Some folks like it chunky, some like it smooth. Some swear by a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Others add a little cream cheese for extra richness. There's no wrong way—as long as it's made with love (and not store-bought).

💡 Serve It With:

• Ritz crackers or buttery rounds

• Celery sticks or sliced cucumbers

• As a grilled cheese filling or sandwich spread

• Spooned into mini phyllo cups for a fancy little appetizer

With cheddar on my hands and no regrets,
Southern Charm Style

Lilly-