Homemade pimento cheese lovers...

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

I'd like to change it up a bit and, instead of buying the pre-made pimento cheese spread from the deli, I'd like to make my own. I've looked at a few recipes but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask here as well.

So, any of you who make your own from a recipe care to share? I'd like to give it a shot but would really prefer a tried and true recipe if I do. Would love to see what others are doing and would appreciate any info or ideas you could give.

What say you?

 

[powellrj]

I really don't have a recipe. I grate some sharp cheddar and then add a plop of mayo and some cream cheese, a jar of pimentos and a couple of shots of hot sauce. Mix it all up and taste to see if you need more of anything.

 

[Minnesota!]

I've never had it. Not common in the north. Sounds good, Though!

 

[brooke789]

I've made it a few times, but to me the ones in store are cheaper and better! I do love the Palmetto Cheese brand and also the one made in store at Earth Fare grocery stores. That is actually the very best IMO!

 

[CPanther95]

This is my favorite recipe and it's simple, but fair warning, I'm one of the pimento cheese snobs that doesn't think cream cheese belongs anywhere near a good pimento cheese. "Carolina Caviar" doesn't need any ingredients from Philadelphia.

Also, shred your own cheese with a food processor - don't use shredded cheese. The coating on store bought shredded cheese will do it's job and prevent it from binding well with the other ingredients. I also prefer the roasted red peppers and dice them at home. This is a bigger batch, so if you aren't planning on making enough to give away some, you'd probably want to cut it down:


2 cups coarsely grated sharp yellow cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)

2 cups coarsely grated extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)

1 cup finely chopped drained pimentos or drained roasted red and yellow peppers from jar

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

 

[firecracker725]

I'd like to change it up a bit and, instead of buying the pre-made pimento cheese spread from the deli, I'd like to make my own. I've looked at a few recipes but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask here as well.

So, any of you who make your own from a recipe care to share? I'd like to give it a shot but would really prefer a tried and true recipe if I do. Would love to see what others are doing and would appreciate any info or ideas you could give.

What say you?

This is the one I use, and it is amazing. Sometimes I sub out the cheddar for gouda, and if I'm feeling really naughty, smoked gouda.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/bobbys-pimento-cheese-recipe.html

 

[GDUL]

This is the recipe from the restaurant "Magnolia's" in Charleston, SC. as shared by Michael Nickell, Director of Operations. It was excellent!

Makes 2½ cups

§ 5 large roasted red peppers, peeled, seeded and chopped or 2 1/2 cups jarred diced red pimientos

§ 1 cup finely chopped stuffed green olives

§ 1¼ lbs New York or Vermont sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

§ ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

§ ¼ cup mayonnaise

§ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

§ ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

§ Dash cayenne pepper


INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Season to taste with cayenne pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

He also notes "I prefer to use the fresh roasted red pepper. It gives enough extra depth and flavor to be worth the 50 minute roasting and peeling process. If you prefer a spicy version, add 1 tablespoon of sautéed minced jalapeno pepper and a few dashes of hot sauce.”

 

[GDUL]

Here's another recipe that we found on HHI that's really good:

Pimento Cheese - Stuffed Celery

1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
1 (4 oz) jar diced pimento, drained
1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp finely grated onion
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
2 (8 oz) blocks sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
6 celery ribs, cut into 4" pieces

Stir together mayonnaise and next 4 ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir in cheese. Spread 1 Tbs cheese mixture into each celery rib.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

This is my favorite recipe and it's simple, but fair warning, I'm one of the pimento cheese snobs that doesn't think cream cheese belongs anywhere near a good pimento cheese. "Carolina Caviar" doesn't need any ingredients from Philadelphia.

Also, shred your own cheese with a food processor - don't use shredded cheese. The coating on store bought shredded cheese will do it's job and prevent it from binding well with the other ingredients. I also prefer the roasted red peppers and dice them at home. This is a bigger batch, so if you aren't planning on making enough to give away some, you'd probably want to cut it down:


2 cups coarsely grated sharp yellow cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)

2 cups coarsely grated extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)

1 cup finely chopped drained pimentos or drained roasted red and yellow peppers from jar

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

When I looked online for some recipes I noted the cream cheese debate as well.

Thanks!

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

This is the one I use, and it is amazing. Sometimes I sub out the cheddar for gouda, and if I'm feeling really naughty, smoked gouda.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/bobbys-pimento-cheese-recipe.html

Thanks! I'll check it out.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

This is the recipe from the restaurant "Magnolia's" in Charleston, SC. as shared by Michael Nickell, Director of Operations. It was excellent!

Makes 2½ cups

§ 5 large roasted red peppers, peeled, seeded and chopped or 2 1/2 cups jarred diced red pimientos

§ 1 cup finely chopped stuffed green olives

§ 1¼ lbs New York or Vermont sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

§ ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

§ ¼ cup mayonnaise

§ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

§ ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

§ Dash cayenne pepper


INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Season to taste with cayenne pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

He also notes "I prefer to use the fresh roasted red pepper. It gives enough extra depth and flavor to be worth the 50 minute roasting and peeling process. If you prefer a spicy version, add 1 tablespoon of sautéed minced jalapeno pepper and a few dashes of hot sauce.”

Now I'm gonna have to make a run to the grocery if I give this one a try. Looks really good, and thanks!

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

I've made it a few times, but to me the ones in store are cheaper and better! I do love the Palmetto Cheese brand and also the one made in store at Earth Fare grocery stores. That is actually the very best IMO!

I usually just buy the deli stuff as well, but I keep hearing how amazing the homemade stuff is so I figured I'd make an attempt at it. I've got the kitchen to myself over the next few days so only I will see the damage.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

I really don't have a recipe. I grate some sharp cheddar and then add a plop of mayo and some cream cheese, a jar of pimentos and a couple of shots of hot sauce. Mix it all up and taste to see if you need more of anything.

It appears I might be over complicating this...

 

[CPanther95]

It appears I might be over complicating this...

That's why people like the homemade stuff so much more. Once you get a good base down, you can tailor it however you like to fit your tastes. Once it's tweaked, yours will be your favorite.

 

[bookgirl]

I can never get the homemade stuff to taste like the store bought. I think we get Price's. I quit trying to make it and stick with the processed goodness from the cold section of the supermarket. I have bought the deli brands and the ones from some of our local deli/specialty shops. Still prefer the processed one.

Go figure?

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

I can never get the homemade stuff to taste like the store bought. I think we get Price's. I quit trying to make it and stick with the processed goodness from the cold section of the supermarket. I have bought the deli brands and the ones from some of our local deli/specialty shops. Still prefer the processed one.

Go figure?

I tried a simple one that I found online that is very similar to what @powellrj posted, but it was nothing like what I buy at the deli. I have a feeling I might be inclined to like the store bought stuff too. That's why I asked for recipes in hopes that I might find one that worked. I'm the only one in the house that eats it so there really isn't a clamoring for me to find something everyone likes. It's all on me this time.

 

[firecracker725]

That's why people like the homemade stuff so much more. Once you get a good base down, you can tailor it however you like to fit your tastes. Once it's tweaked, yours will be your favorite.

Exactly. My husband likes spicy food, so I've made him some with habanero cheese before. I've also added cajun seasoning (Tony C's) to kick it up a notch.

 

[CPanther95]

I tried a simple one that I found online that is very similar to what @powellrj posted, but it was nothing like what I buy at the deli. I have a feeling I might be inclined to like the store bought stuff too. That's why I asked for recipes in hopes that I might find one that worked. I'm the only one in the house that eats it so there really isn't a clamoring for me to find something everyone likes. It's all on me this time.

If you like the consistency of the pre-made Pimento Cheese "Spreads", the difference between what you can find and what you can make will be less significant. Generally you make it so you can get more of a "cheese" consistency:

and less of a "paste":

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

If you like the consistency of the pre-made Pimento Cheese "Spreads", the difference between what you can find and what you can make will be less significant. Generally you make it so you can get more of a "cheese" consistency:

and less of a "paste":

The first pic looks like what I buy from the deli and also looks like the simple recipe I made last week. I've never had any that looks like the second pic.

 

[CPanther95]

The first pic looks like what I buy from the deli and also looks like the simple recipe I made last week. I've never had any that looks like the second pic.

I've had some good deli versions. Haven't found a decent prepackaged brand name one yet.