Delicious Miss Brown’s Pimento Cheese Recipe: Southern-Style Creamy Delight

I’m sharing my take on Delicious Miss Brown’s famous pimento cheese recipe, a Southern staple that’s creamy, tangy, and utterly addictive. This classic spread is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or veggies.

With just a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, you’ll have a deliciously creamy pimento cheese that’s sure to become a family favorite – and it’s perfect for making ahead for parties or picnics.

Ingredients for Delicious Miss Brown Pimento Cheese

Simple, Southern-style ingredients come together in this creamy pimento cheese recipe.

The cheese matters here. Cabot Clothbound Cheddar is a game-changer (trust me on this). Most grocery stores carry decent sharp cheddar – look for sharp or extra-sharp. If you’re feeling fancy, mix in some Parmesan for added depth. I always grate mine myself—the pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that affect texture.

Duke’s mayonnaise is the gold standard in the South, but Hellmann’s works too. If you’re out of pimentos, roasted red peppers are a great swap. For a kick, add more cayenne or hot sauce to taste. The garlic and onion powder add depth without the texture of fresh garlic/onion. If you want more tang, add a splash of pickle juice.

This keeps beautifully in the fridge for 5-7 days. I like to make it ahead for parties since the flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving. If it thickens up, a tablespoon of mayo or sour cream can loosen it right back up.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Miss Brown’s Pimento Cheese

Here’s the method to create this Southern classic. Easy, creamy, and utterly delicious.

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Base

Begin by grating the 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese using a food processor with the shredding attachment for the finest texture. I prefer freshly grated cheese as it yields a smoother, more cohesive blend. If using pre-shredded cheese, make sure it’s high-quality and not coated with anti-caking agents.

Next, ensure the 8 oz Cream Cheese is properly softened. I leave mine at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly with the other ingredients, creating that signature creamy texture we love in pimento cheese.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese and softened 8 oz Cream Cheese. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cheeses together until they form a smooth, uniform mixture. This should take about 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Once the cheese base is smooth, add the 0.5 cup Pimentos (drained and chopped), 0.25 cup Mayonnaise, 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder, 0.25 tsp Onion Powder, 0.25 tsp Paprika, 0.5 tsp Salt, 0.25 tsp Black Pepper, and 0.125 tsp Cayenne Pepper (if using). Mix on low speed until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Stop the mixer and taste the pimento cheese. This is where you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. If it needs more salt, add it in 1/8 tsp increments. For extra heat, add a pinch more Cayenne Pepper. The mixture should be creamy but still hold its shape when scooped.

Transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When ready to serve, give it a good stir and enjoy with crackers, vegetables, or as a sandwich filling.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

When serving, I like to garnish with additional Paprika for color and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs if available. The pimento cheese should be creamy and spreadable but not runny. If it’s too thick, a splash of Mayonnaise can help loosen it to the perfect consistency.

This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a small gathering or picnic. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to develop further with each passing day.

Perfect Pairings for delicious miss brown pimento cheese

Cracker Pairings

For a classic Southern experience, serve this pimento cheese with water crackers or club crackers. Their neutral flavor won’t compete with the rich cheese. I particularly love Annie’s Organic Saltines for their perfect balance of crunch and salt.

Veggie Sticks

For a lighter option, fresh carrot sticks, celery sticks, or cucumber slices provide refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese. The coolness of the vegetables helps balance the richness. Try using rainbow carrots for added visual appeal.

Sandwich Ideas

This pimento cheese makes an amazing sandwich filling when paired with thinly sliced cucumber, crisp bacon, or fresh arugula on white bread or rye. For a Southern twist, try it on biscuits or crackers with a sprinkle of chives.

Beverage Pairings

A glass of sweet tea is the quintessential Southern pairing, but iced tea with lemon works beautifully too. For a more modern twist, try it with a craft pilsner or dry sparkling water with lemon. The acidity helps cut through the richness.

Charcuterie Board

When entertaining, I love including this pimento cheese on a charcuterie board with cured meats, cornichons, and fresh fruit. The creamy texture and tangy flavor complement a variety of meats and pickles. Consider adding some fig jam or honey for a sweet contrast.

Make it a Party

For gatherings, set up a pimento cheese bar with various crackers, bread, and veggies. Add some pickled items and fresh herbs for guests to customize their own bites. I like to include a few surprise elements like spicy pecans or dried cranberries to keep things interesting.

Frequently Asked Questions