Pimento Cheese
Most Southerners have fond memories of grandma mixing up a batch of pimento cheese for a gathering. Affectionately referred to as “Carolina caviar” or “Southern pate,” it has been a Lowcountry staple for decades, and it won’t be going away anytime soon.
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 (4-ounce) package diced pimentos (or diced roasted red peppers), drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions
1/3 cup DUKE’S mayo
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
a few shakes of Tabasco sauce
fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
Stir together. Combine cream cheese, pimentos, cheddar cheese, green onions, mayo, garlic powder, paprika, hot sauce and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a mixing bowl, and stir until evenly combined.
Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or hot sauce, if needed.
Serve immediately, or transfer to a sealed jar or food storage container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Recipe by Ali Martin