I guess my pimiento cheese won't be authentic because there's no way I could use Duke's mayo- I live in NEW ENGLAND and have never heard of Duke's mayo! Up here it's Cain's or Hellman's, but I'm usually good with store brand. Still not sure about the cream cheese... yes or no? (hard to believe that anything wouldn't be improved by the addition of cream cheese, LOL!)
I feel so bad for all y'all New Englanders who don't have Dukes. Next time you are in FL, you should pick some up!
Regarding the cream cheese or no cream cheese debate... I think it is largely a matter of texture preference.
Pimiento Cheese without cream cheese is more likely to be tangy, slightly acidic, a little "crumbly" (that's not exactly the word, but it'll have to do) and well, to be blunt, full of awesomeness.
Pimiento Cheese with cream cheese is going to be creamier, more of a spread-type texture, but lacking the awesomeness.
My brother, also raised in the South like me, prefers the creamier, store-bought versions. I obviously prefer the (vastly) superior tangy, non-creamy version.
Don't get me wrong...I do enjoy cream cheese, as long as it is used appropriately!
And, I really feel like this thread is useless without samples.