Classic Pimiento Cheese

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (preferably parmigiano-reggiano cheese)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise, divided
• 1 small garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tablespoon grated shallots or 1 tablespoon yellow onion
• 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained (liquid reserved)
• ground cayenne pepper
• dry english-style mustard

Recipe

• 1 combine half the cheddar and half the parmesan cheese in a large bowl. mix together lightly. knead in 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise until mixture is creamy and very smooth.
• 2 work in remaining cheese, garlic, shallot, pimientos, 1 tablespoon of reserved pimiento liquid, a dash of cayenne and a small pinch of dry mustard. knead just enough to mix well: it should still have plenty of texture. add remaining mayonnaise, if necessary—just enough to make it spreadable.
• 3 let stand 30 minutes. serve cool or at room temperature.