Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread

1. Grate Cheese

First, grate the sharp cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese blends more smoothly compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

2. Prepare Pimentos

Next, drain the pimentos thoroughly and dice them finely. Properly draining the pimentos prevents the spread from becoming too watery, ensuring a better texture.

3. Combine Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The key here is to achieve a consistent texture, so take your time to make sure everything is well incorporated. The mayonnaise acts as a creamy binder, while the hot sauce and cayenne pepper provide that desired spicy kick.

4. Serve or Store

You can serve the pimento cheese spread immediately, or if you prefer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. The flavors meld together beautifully over time, making it even more delicious the next day.