THE LEE BROTHERS' PIMENTO CHEESE

The Lee Brothers' Pimento Cheese image

A decidedly Southern spread with Northern roots, pimento cheese is a simple mix of Cheddar, red bell pepper and mayonnaise that can be found on sandwiches from work sites to garden parties across the 16 states below the Mason-Dixon line. This recipe came to The Times from the Charleston, S.C.-bred cookbook authors and occasional contributors to The Times Matt Lee and Ted Lee.

Provided by The New York Times

Time 5m

Yield About 1 1/2 cups, enough for 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated with a food processor or hand grater (not pre-grated)
1/4 cup softened cream cheese (2 ounces), pulled into several pieces
Scant 1/2 cup jarred pimento or other roasted red peppers (from a 7-ounce jar), finely diced
3 tablespoons Duke's, Hellmann's or other high-quality store-bought mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon dried red chile flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

In a large mixing bowl, place the cheddar cheese in an even layer. Scatter the cream cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise and chile flakes over the cheddar cheese. Using a spatula, mix the pimento cheese until it is smooth and spreadable, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Transfer the pimento cheese to a plastic container or bowl, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Pimento cheese keeps in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 240, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 320 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams