Pimento Cheese Spread

Ingredients

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Grate the sharp and mild cheddar cheeses and combine them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
4. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the cream base, mixing thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed.
5. Gently fold in the drained pimentos, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Gradually add the cheese mixture to the cream base, stirring until fully combined.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
8. Once chilled, your pimento cheese is ready to serve. Spread it on crackers or use it as a filling for sandwiches.