Martha Stewart’s Classic Pimento Cheese Recipe

When it comes to homemaking and hosting, Martha Stewart is widely considered the ultimate authority. For the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, she released a special menu filled with Southern staples to help fans celebrate the historic event at home. Alongside deviled eggs, hot crab dip, and mint juleps, her menu featured a standout classic: pimento cheese.

This recipe creates a savory, cheesy spread that comes together in just a few minutes. It features a rich base of extra-sharp Cheddar and cream cheese, combined with mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and a kick of jalapeño. It is the perfect make-ahead appetizer for any gathering!

A Small, Savory Tweak

While Stewart’s official menu is fantastic as written, there is one small adjustment that takes this cheese spread to the next level. Her exact recipe omits garlic powder, but adding just 1/4 teaspoon of it perfectly rounds out the savory flavor profile.

Pimento cheese is incredibly versatile. Stewart recommends serving it with crusty bread and fresh cucumbers, but it is also phenomenal when melted over hot hamburgers or paired with crispy fried chicken.

Also Read : Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Perfect Sandwich Recipe

Martha Stewart’s Classic Pimento Cheese Recipe

Recipe by RecipesVilla

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

180

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained

• 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely diced

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/4 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Directions

• Prep the Cheese: For the best texture, always grate your extra-sharp Cheddar cheese freshly from the block rather than using pre-bagged shredded cheese.
• Combine the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and the mayonnaise. Mix them together until perfectly smooth and creamy.
• Add the Mix-Ins: Fold the freshly shredded Cheddar, drained diced pimentos, and finely diced jalapeño into the cream cheese mixture.
• Season: Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture vigorously until all the spices and ingredients are evenly distributed to create a savory spread.
• Chill and Serve: While you can serve it immediately, pimento cheese tastes best if you cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. Serve with crusty bread, fresh cucumbers, or crackers.

Notes

• Heat Level: If you are sensitive to spice, you can omit the fresh jalapeño and the cayenne pepper for a perfectly mild, creamy spread.
• Storage: Store leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.