🧀 Pimento Cheese Spread 🧀

Satisfy Your Cravings with a Southern Classic! Perfect for Game Day Snacks or Family Gatherings.

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes and softened at room temperature 🥄
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Duke's is traditional, but Sir Kensington's also works well) 🥛
- 2 cups freshly grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese 🧀
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust or omit if sensitive to spice) 🌶️
- ½ teaspoon onion powder 🧅
- 4 ounces pimento peppers, well drained and chopped if in strips 🌶️
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, ribs and seeds removed, minced (about 1 tablespoon; omit if sensitive to spice) 🌶️
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🌑
- Salt, to taste 🧂

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳
1. Start by combining the Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, jalapeño (if using), and a few twists of black pepper in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer 🥄.
  
2. Using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or a sturdy wooden spoon, beat the mixture until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.

3. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. For a peppery bite, add more black pepper; for extra heat, a pinch more cayenne; and a little salt to bring all the flavors together.

4. Transfer the pimento cheese to a serving bowl. It can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If chilled, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before serving.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
- Calories: 200 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Proteins: 6g
- Fats: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For the best texture and flavor, use freshly grated Cheddar cheese.
- Letting the pimento cheese sit at room temperature before serving enhances its spreadability and flavor.

⏳ Preparation time ⏳
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Serving: Serves 8.