Ingredients:

  • 8 oz extra sharp cheddar, hand-grated
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 oz diced pimentos, drained
  • 2 medium jalapeños, finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp pimento brine
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Grate the extra sharp cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater. Finely mince the fresh jalapeños. Drain the pimentos, reserving 1 tablespoon of the brine.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Whip with a hand mixer or spatula until the mixture is a singular, pale-yellow, velvety cream.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Fold in the hand-grated cheddar, minced jalapeños, and drained pimentos.
  5. Stir in the reserved pimento brine and mix until the cheese is evenly coated and the spread is cohesive and glossy.