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Creamy Pimento Cheese Southern Pâté

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A quick and easy Southern-inspired creamy pimento cheese pâté that’s perfect for snacking, entertaining, and potlucks. This spread combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and pimentos with a hint of smoky paprika for a deliciously smooth and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200g)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g)
  • 4 ounces jarred pimentos, drained and chopped (115g)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, a pinch or to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Shred 2 cups (about 200g) of sharp cheddar cheese and set aside.
  2. Soften 8 ounces (225g) of cream cheese to room temperature.
  3. Drain and finely chop 4 ounces (115g) of jarred pimentos.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Blend with an electric or hand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Fold in shredded cheddar and chopped pimentos gently with a spatula.
  6. Season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix to combine.
  7. If pâté is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons mayonnaise or a splash of milk to loosen.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and pâté firm up.
  9. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley. Serve with crackers, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices.

Notes

Softening cream cheese fully is essential for a smooth texture. Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor. Chill the pâté for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and firm up. Adjust seasoning gradually and taste as you go. For a creamier pâté, briefly blend in a food processor but avoid over-processing to maintain texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pimento cheese, southern pâté, creamy cheese spread, snack recipe, easy appetizer, homemade pimento cheese, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/creamy-pimento-cheese-southern-p-a-t-e-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-idea/