As someone who loves indulging in classic Southern dishes, I recently decided to try out the VeryVera pimento cheese, renowned for its delicious and creamy texture. This recipe, popularized by Vera Stewart, has a reputation for being a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Here’s my detailed account of making this beloved Southern staple.
Ingredients
The first step was gathering all the ingredients. The list was simple and comprised easily accessible items:
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Preparation
1. Shredding the Cheese
I began by shredding the sharp cheddar cheese. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, I opted to shred it myself to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. The sharpness of the cheddar is crucial as it forms the backbone of the pimento cheese’s taste profile.
2. Softening the Cream Cheese
Next, I allowed the cream cheese to soften at room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy consistency when mixed. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving the cream cheese for a few seconds can speed up the process.
3. Mixing the Base
In a large mixing bowl, I combined the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer, I blended them until the mixture was smooth and creamy. The mayonnaise adds a slight tanginess, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.
4. Adding the Pimentos
I then folded in the diced pimentos. These small red peppers are what give pimento cheese its distinctive flavor and signature specks of red. Draining the pimentos thoroughly is crucial to avoid adding excess moisture to the mixture.
5. Seasoning
To enhance the flavor, I added onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I opted for a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the cheese a subtle kick, but this is entirely optional. The seasoning can be adjusted based on personal preference.
6. Incorporating the Cheese
Finally, I added the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It’s important to fold the cheese in gently to maintain its texture. Overmixing can cause the cheese to break down, resulting in a less desirable consistency.
The Result
After thoroughly mixing all the ingredients, I tasted the pimento cheese to adjust the seasoning if needed. Satisfied with the flavor, I transferred the mixture into a serving bowl. The vibrant orange color with red pimento flecks looked inviting.
I let the pimento cheese sit in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
There are numerous ways to enjoy VeryVera’s pimento cheese. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As a Spread: Serve it with crackers, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices. It makes for an excellent appetizer at parties.
- In Sandwiches: Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Pimento cheese sandwiches are a classic Southern comfort food.
- On Burgers: Spread a generous amount on a freshly grilled burger for an added layer of flavor.
- With Deviled Eggs: Mix a bit of the pimento cheese into the yolk mixture for a unique twist on traditional deviled eggs.
Personal Touches
While VeryVera’s recipe is fantastic, there’s always room for personalization. Here are a few variations I considered for future batches:
- Spicy Version: Adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Smoked Cheese: Using smoked cheddar for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
- Additional Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added freshness.
Conclusion
Making VeryVera’s pimento cheese was a delightful experience, yielding a creamy, flavorful spread perfect for various occasions. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the rich taste, makes it a go-to dish for any cheese lover.
Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family gathering or a fancy party, this pimento cheese is sure to impress. I highly recommend trying it and adding your personal touches to make it uniquely yours.
VeryVera Pimento Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos drained
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A pinch of cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Shredding the Cheese
- I began by shredding the sharp cheddar cheese. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, I opted to shred it myself to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. The sharpness of the cheddar is crucial as it forms the backbone of the pimento cheese’s taste profile.
- Softening the Cream Cheese
- Next, I allowed the cream cheese to soften at room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy consistency when mixed. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving the cream cheese for a few seconds can speed up the process.
- Mixing the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, I combined the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer, I blended them until the mixture was smooth and creamy. The mayonnaise adds a slight tanginess, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.
- Adding the Pimentos
- I then folded in the diced pimentos. These small red peppers are what give pimento cheese its distinctive flavor and signature specks of red. Draining the pimentos thoroughly is crucial to avoid adding excess moisture to the mixture.
- Seasoning
- To enhance the flavor, I added onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I opted for a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the cheese a subtle kick, but this is entirely optional. The seasoning can be adjusted based on personal preference.
- Incorporating the Cheese
- Finally, I added the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It’s important to fold the cheese in gently to maintain its texture. Overmixing can cause the cheese to break down, resulting in a less desirable consistency.
