Pimento Cheese

A guilty pleasure if there ever was one, pimento cheese is a staple of southern snacking. This ingenious version from Blackberry Farms includes the tangy, piquant additions of pickle juice and hot sauce.

1 tsp. finely chopped garlic
6 Tbsp. mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. dill pickle brine
1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Frank’s RedHot sauce (or favorite hot sauce)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped red bell peppers or red pimentos from a jar, drained
1 lb. cheddar cheese, finely grated

In a medium bowl mix together garlic, mayonnaise, pickle brine, mustard, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Stir in the red pimentos and cheese. Mix well. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. 

Makes about 3 cups.