Georgia Pimento Cheese Spread – Georgia | Pimentos, Cheddar, Mayo, Worcestershire

I’m all about Georgia’s iconic pimento cheese spread, a Southern favorite born in the early 20th century from simple, resourceful roots. I whip it up with sharp cheddar for tang, diced pimentos for sweetness, creamy mayo for smoothness, and a hint of Worcestershire for extra depth. It’s perfect for gatherings—just mix, season, and chill. You’ll discover more twists and tools ahead that make it even better!

History

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Georgia Pimento Cheese Spread originated in the Southern United States, particularly Georgia, around the early 20th century, evolving from simple cheese spreads enhanced by canned pimentos, reflecting the region’s agricultural roots and resourcefulness in Southern cuisine.

Cultural variations across the South often include additions like mayonnaise, hot sauce, or different cheeses, signifying local tastes and family heritage while emphasizing the dish’s adaptability and community identity.

Traditionally, it’s served at casual gatherings such as picnics, barbecues, and sporting events, symbolizing Southern hospitality and comfort food traditions.

Ingredients

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– Sharp cheddar cheese, about 2 cups shredded** – You know, this is the heart and soul of any good Georgia Pimento Cheese, where that bold, tangy flavor** sneaks up on you like an old friend at a family reunion, making everything feel just right.

Go for the extra sharp if you’re in the mood for a little playful punch that keeps things interesting without overwhelming the crowd.

– A jar of diced pimentos, drained and roughly 4 ounces** – These little red gems bring the color and that sweet, mild crunch we all crave, don’t they, adding a touch of Southern sunshine** to the mix.

Imagine them as the unsung heroes, quietly elevating your spread from ordinary to “wait, did you make this?” territory.

– Mayonnaise, around 1/2 cup** – It’s the creamy binder** that holds it all together, folks, though I sometimes wonder if we’re all just using it as an excuse to sneak in that extra smoothness.

Pick a good quality one, because let’s face it, nobody wants a spread that’s too dry or, heaven forbid, too goopy from overdoing it.

– Cream cheese, softened and about 4 ounces** – Optional but oh-so-tempting, this adds a silky richness** that makes the whole thing feel indulgent, like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a cool evening.

It’s that little extra step that says, “Why not make it even better?” without going overboard.

– Finely chopped onion, maybe 1/4 cup** – For a hint of zing and depth**, because who wants a one-note spread when you can toss in some fresh crunch that perks up the flavor, right.

Use a sweet variety if you’re easing into it, or go bold with a yellow one for that playful bite that surprises your taste buds.

– Garlic powder, about 1/2 teaspoon** – Just a whisper of this stuff goes a long way, lending that savory edge** without stealing the show.

It’s like the quiet comedian in the corner, adding humor to the mix with its subtle warmth that makes you smile.

– Cayenne pepper or hot sauce, a pinch or to taste** – Here’s where things get fun, with a dash of heat** that teases your palate, because let’s be honest, what’s a Southern classic without a little spice to keep it lively.

Start small, though, or you might end up with a spread that’s more fire than flavor, and nobody wants that regret.

– Salt and black pepper, to taste – Simple seasonings that balance the act, pulling everything together like the dependable sidekick in a story.

A sprinkle here and there, and suddenly your spread feels complete, without any fuss or fanfare.

– A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, about 1 tablespoon**** – Brightens the whole ensemble with a fresh twist, making you think, “Why didn’t I add this sooner?”

It’s that light, citrusy note that cuts through the richness, turning a good spread into something memorable.

– Optional add-ins like chopped jalapeños or Worcestershire sauce – If you’re feeling adventurous, toss these in for a custom flair, because sometimes you just want to mix it up and say, “Let’s see what happens.”

Adding a layer of surprise that keeps the recipe your own little secret.

Cooking Steps

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Let’s jump into making this Georgia Pimento Cheese Spread, where simple mixing turns everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug from the South.

First off, start by gathering about 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese—that bold, tangy star that gives the spread its personality, you know, without it, we’d just have a bland mix nobody remembers.

In a large bowl, add the cheese along with 4 ounces of drained and diced pimentos, those sweet little bursts of color that make everything pop like unexpected fireworks at a picnic.

Now, for the fun part, blend in around 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to pull it all together, creating that creamy base we love so much—think of it as the glue that keeps the party going without getting too sticky.

Gently fold in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese if you’re opting for extra richness, along with 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion for a fresh crunch that adds a playful zing, almost like sneaking in a surprise guest.

Don’t forget a 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for that subtle savory kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for just the right heat, and season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as you go to hit that perfect balance.

1. Combine the dry ingredients first: In your bowl with the cheese and pimentos, stir in the chopped onion, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne—take your time here, mixing gently so everything gets cozy without mashing it into oblivion, because who wants a mushy spread when a little texture makes it sing?
2. Add the wet elements: Incorporate the mayonnaise and cream cheese next, using a spoon or fork to blend until smooth but still chunky—it’s like giving the mixture a friendly chat, where you pause to taste and tweak, maybe wondering if that extra dash of hot sauce will make it dance or just add a wink of spice.
3. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, letting the flavors mingle like old pals at a reunion—refrigeration helps the spread firm up, making it easier to slather on crackers or bread, and honestly, it’s that waiting game that turns good into “wow, this is something special.”

Tips and Variations

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You know, when whipping up this Georgia Pimento Cheese Spread, one smart tip is to play around with the cheese—swap half the sharp cheddar for something milder like Colby, or go bold with a smoked variety for that campfire vibe that makes your taste buds perk up and wonder what hit them.

For variations, if you’re craving more crunch, toss in some diced celery or even crumbled bacon for a salty surprise, but ease up on the mayo if things get too creamy, because nobody wants a spread that’s more like a soup, right?

And hey, if spice isn’t your thing, skip the cayenne and opt for a dash of smoked paprika instead, giving it a gentle warmth that hugs your sandwich without overwhelming the party, almost like sneaking in a secret ingredient that leaves everyone guessing in the best way possible.

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