Southern-Heritage Pimento Cheese Spread
SNACKS
Per serving: NET CARBS: 2 g Total carbs: 2 g | Fiber: 0 g | Sugar alcohols: 0 g Fat: 26 g | Protein: 8 g Calories: ~267
Naturally Keto / Southern American Traditional. A block of sharp cheddar waits for the box grater. We bypass commercial tubs—which are often texturally ruined by starches—for a method perfected by Southern cooks who began folding in Duke’s mayonnaise. By vigorously binding freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar with high-yolk mayonnaise and a touch of cream cheese, we create an emulsion that lets pure fat carry flavor. Serve this with crisp celery, spoon it over a hot burger patty, or eat it straight from the bowl. Ten minutes later, the four-ounce jar of diced pimentos goes in the bin, and your fat macros are locked for the night.
Ingredients
- full-fat cream cheese4 oz
- sugar-free mayonnaise1/2 cup
- garlic powder1/4 tsp
- onion powder1/4 tsp
- cayenne pepper1/8 tsp
- black pepper1/4 tsp
- pickled jalapeño juice1 tsp
- extra-sharp cheddar cheese block8 oz
- diced pimentos4 oz
Method
- 01
In a medium mixing bowl, aggressively whip the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and jalapeño juice until a smooth, uniform cream forms.
A silicone spatula or a hand mixer on low speed works best for this; it should take about sixty seconds to properly emulsify the fats.
- 02
Add the freshly grated cheddar and the dried diced pimentos into the cream cheese mixture.
Gently but firmly fold the ingredients together using your spatula until the cheddar shreds are heavily coated and the red pimentos are evenly distributed.
- 03
The spread is ready to eat immediately, but chilling it in the refrigerator for thirty minutes yields a vastly superior texture.
Resting allows the dairy fats to firm back up and gives the dried spices time to hydrate and bloom.
Notes
Never use bagged, pre-shredded cheese for this recipe.
Commercial shredded cheese is heavily coated in potato starch or powdered cellulose to prevent clumping. This introduces hidden carbohydrates that wreck your macros and acts as a desiccant, giving the spread a dry, gritty texture. Take the ninety seconds to grate the block yourself.
Most commercial mayonnaises sneak sugar into their formulations, so check your labels carefully.
For authentic Southern flavor and strict keto compliance, Duke's Mayonnaise is the gold standard. It contains zero sugar, utilizes cider vinegar for a distinctive twang, and has a higher egg yolk ratio that makes the spread luxuriously thick.
Drain the pimentos exceptionally well before folding them into the cheese.
Pimentos are packed in water, and excess liquid will break your fat emulsion, resulting in a weeping, soupy spread. Press them gently with a paper towel in a fine-mesh sieve.
From Keto 10 Minute Meals.