This is a recipe that comes with opinions.
The upcoming fifth book in my Cheese Shop Mystery series, FONDUE OR DIE, takes place at the Dairy Days Festival. My protagonist, Willa Bauer, needs a quick lunch in between selling cheese from her Curds & Whey booth and sleuthing to catch a killer. I decided to give her a pimento cheese sandwich. I'd never had one before and it sounded straightforward, so I tinkered with the recipe to add a few extra cheeses and included it in the book. Months after doing that, I decided I really wanted to try one of the classic southern recipes I'd first come across like The Masters Famous Pimento Cheese Sandwich. However, most were adamant that the mayonnaise had to be Duke's. I'm a New England girl who grew up in New York on Hellmann's--was there a really a difference? I took to my social media to ask my readers and boy, did they have opinions! After a fun and lively discussion on Hellmann's vs. Dukes, I felt compelled to go in search of Duke's. Once I had the promised Duke's (which was recently crowned best overall mayo by Food & Wine), I did a blind taste test on Facebook Live using egg salad, and surprised myself with the results! (Click the link to discover which I crowned the winner!)
Regardless of the outcome, I was still determined to make the classic pimento cheese sandwich that my southern grandma would make... if I had a southern grandma. Since I don't, I consulted my dear friend, Cheryl Pelicano, from South Carolina, who uses Trisha Yearwood's recipe and adds Lawry's Seasoning Salt liberally. Her children swear it's the best pimento cheese they've ever had. Because this type of spread is already taxing my sodium limit, I didn't buy the seasoning salt myself, but for the rest of you, I suggest you trust her judgment. I also didn't use a mixer because 1. I'm a lazy cook and 2. I wasn't making enough for a crowd. So the measurements below are for one sandwich or an individual bowl of dip. If you'd like to make enough spread for more, follow one the recipes above or just multiply the ratios.
CLASSIC PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICH
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of Duke's mayonnaise
1/4 -1/3 cup of pimentos, drained and chopped
1 cup good quality sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
white bread (or crackers if you want it as a dip)
Lawry's Seasoning Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Shred cheese. Since I didn't use a mixer, I used my fine grater to shred the cheese.
2. Drain and chop pimentos.
3. Put Duke's mayonnaise, shredded cheese, and chopped pimentos in bowl and mix.
4. Spread a thin layer on white bread and enjoy as a sandwich.
5. Or eat with crackers and enjoy as a dip.
(I prefer it as a dip with crackers. I feel it needs the crunchy element and is overly rich as a sandwich.)
I thoroughly enjoyed my unintentional deep dive into pimento cheese spread and Dukes vs Hellmann's. I'm a fan of the spread and could imagine the addition of crab meat for my next venture into making it. Who knew an overlooked food like pimentos--the perpetual wind beneath green olives' wings--could be the star of a dish? As a cheese girl, I'd be remiss not to remind you to spring for a good quality cheddar.
READERS: Where do you stand on Duke's vs. Hellmann's? Or do you go rogue with a third choice?
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COMING OCTOBER 22ND |
Look for FONDUE OR DIE in October and another pimento cheese sandwich recipe, this one using Hellmann's and some additional cheeses.
*GIVEAWAY: One person who comments will be randomly chosen to receive my new bookmarks featuring FONDUE OR DIE!
For the past several years, Korina has been on her own Eat, Pray, Love journey, which seems to have stalled at the Eat phase. When not writing or sampling new cheeses (a perk of the job), she can be found with a new favorite cozy, doing jigsaw puzzles, or discovering new travel destinations. She has an affinity (some might say addiction) to coffee mugs, loves cats, and can't pass up a new notebook or journal with all those fresh, empty pages.
The Cheese Shop Mystery series is available wherever books are sold. To find out more and subscribe to my FREE monthly newsletter, visit my website and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
I just watched your taste test on FB. That was fun. Now I need to try a pimento cheese sandwich. I, too, grew up with Helman's. A while ago a friend wanted to try a taste test using Helman's and Miracle Whip. There really is a difference there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for watching! I had such fun doing that. There is a huge difference with Miracle Whip. (I'm not a fan.)
DeleteI love pimento cheese Korina! I did a post 11 years ago about my niece's father's recipe--he was an amazing southern chef. Here's the link, in case anyone wants to take a look: https://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com/2013/06/lucy-burdettes-pimento-cheese-two-ways.html
ReplyDeleteOh wow -- those recipes look amazing!!! I'd love to do a southern tour of pimento cheese like you did in Key West for Key Lime pie! (LOL)
DeleteI don't like mayo so I have no preference. If I make a sandwich type salad/spread (tuna, egg, ham or chicken) I always add mustard to cut the mayo taste. Thank you for the recipe and the chance to win.
ReplyDeletemadamhawk at gmail dot com
You're welcome. My son is not a fan of mayo either. My recipe in fondue or die has less mayo and more cheeses, including cream cheese.
DeleteOh my! Thank you for taking me back to the years when I would watch my Aunt Mickey make pimento cheese! It was a summer staple for her and my cousins who vacationed on Cape Cod. My family vacationed in Maine, so we missed out on the sandwiches, but she would have me sample it to make sure it was "right". We always used Hellman's and I still prefer it even after living in Florida for 9 years. I moved back to the northeast when I couldn't take the humidity any longer!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and memory!! Summer traditions... the coziest of cozy things.
DeleteI am absolutely team Miracle Whip. It's what we grew up with, what I'm used to. I don't know if I've tried either of those-I've had others but don't remember what brands. I know I've had some that I really didn't care for, and some that were not awful but not as good as my usual Miracle Whip. It would be interesting to do a taste test with them all, plain and used in a recipe, to see the difference.
ReplyDeletekozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com
Most of us don't really think about mayo -- we just eat what we grew up with! But now that I know people do have defined preferences, I find it really interesting. I want to do a 4-mayo taste test that includes Kraft and Miracle Whip (along with Duke's and Hellmann's).
DeleteI Did not like mayo too much just in salads like potato etc. But I love 💕 Dukes and use it quite often on everything!
ReplyDeleteDuke's seems to be King!
DeleteI've heard of pimento cheese, but never tried it. I don't like mayo, and now that I know mayo is in it, I'll never try it.
ReplyDeleteLOL. I've seen pimento cheese balls that are just pimentos and cheddar cheese. I bet they're yummy.
DeleteI am going to make the pimento cheese dip in October, but I will go rogue and stick with my Kraft Real Mayo.
ReplyDeleteI definitely suggest sticking with what you like!
DeleteTy ! Interesting 🤔
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteI am Hellman's girl but have heard so much about Duke's that I am going to have to try it. acnoleatyahoodotcom
ReplyDeleteThis was fun for me. But will I go back to Hellmann's when the Duke's jar is finished? Probably.
DeleteSince I moved to the South, I have become a Duke's mayo girl.
ReplyDeleteWhen in Rome...
DeleteI’m a southern girl. I will eat either one but my son will ONLY eat Dukes. So, I usually just buy Dukes so that I have it for when his family visits. I love pimento cheese. I toast it in my sandwich-warmed pimento cheese just hits the spot!
ReplyDeleteOn toast would be good. I definitely think it needs that crunch element. I'll have to try it warm next time. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteThank you for your cheesy sandwich recipe, Korina!!! It has been half a lifetime since I had a pimento cheese sandwich, but I can taste it as I read your blog and saw the photos. I also saw your taste test, which was fun! Before you mentioned Duke's online, I had never been aware of that brand, and I won't be buying it because I just bought one of those giant mayo jars from Sam's Club, and that will last me for a few years :-) Now I am inspired to replicate your recipe, albeit without Duke's mayo. I Love the fact that it is easy, fast, and you don't have to heat anything. Great summer lunch! Thank you so much! Luis at ole dot travel
ReplyDeleteIt's super easy and you're right, great for summer lunch or snack. Trying the Duke's was a lot of fun for me, but honestly, there's not that much of a difference. Enjoy, Luis!
DeleteI'm going to have to try it. I have no idea what a pimento tastes like, but if it's not a hot pepper I dont see why I wouldnt like it. And cheese and mayo are two things I already eat alot of sooo... and I do remember my Mom always buying the little jars of pimento spread... you have convinced me; I'm going to have to make it and try it for myself. But I will 100% be using Hellmans. I dont even know if I can find Dukes here in CNY.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration, I'd be overjoyed to recieve a book mark. Thanks and have a great week!
No, they're not hot, they're like roasted red peppers. Nice flavor but mild. It'll be great with Hellmann's. Please provide your email address to be entered for the bookmark. Thanks!
DeleteI don't really use much mayo and almost always mix it with some mustard when I do. Generally I buy Kraft Mayo with Olive Oil. Like many I have heard about Duke's but only recently have seen it in the grocery stores here in the southwest. Have never tried it, maybe one day, so I can make pimento cheese properly! makennedyinaz at hotmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteI am totally not a mayo fan but if I have to use it, I use Best Foods (west coast Hellman’s)
ReplyDeleteWskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com
As for mayonnaise, it’s always been Hellman’s. However, I’m not opposed to trying other brands.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always used Hellman’s , however I’m not opposed to using other brands. I recently made a pimento cheese spread. It called for an 8 ounce package of cream cheese, mayo, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sharp cheddar, cheese, shredded, Worcestershire sauce ( I didn’t have so I substitute it with soy sauce), And the pimentos were actually pimento olives, a.k.a. green olives with pimento in the center. I used it on wheat things, and I also put it on sand sandwiches. It was good st a colder temperature as well.
ReplyDeleteInteresting!
DeleteI am a fan of Duke's ! It is my very favorite mayo!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I grew up with Miracle Whip. It's only as an adult that I've started using real mayo and, being from the South, I use Duke's. If I were still in New Orleans I'd probably buy Blue Plate, if it's still in business. patdupuy@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI keep finding out about mayos that I never knew existed!
DeleteDukes definitely!
ReplyDeleteI grew up with Miracle Whip. I still enjoy it on occasion. Now I prefer Duke's! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
ReplyDeletejarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com
Perfect -- you're all set for making pimento cheese the classic way!
DeleteYour test video is a royal hoot!
ReplyDeleteNow I need to go online and compare their ingredients to see, if possible, what the difference is.
As with so many foods, I suspect familiarity is the key to what tastes "best".libbydodd at comcast dot net
Ha! It was a hoot to do too!! I agree -- we like what we're used to.
DeleteNow I have to find Dukes and make the pimento cheese
ReplyDeleteI have Fondue or Die on preorder
Thank you, Susan!
DeleteI am not a pimento cheese fan but I am a Hellmann's fan (to be honest have not tried Duke's)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recipe Korina! I love eating pimento cheese sandwiches with my beefy veggie soup when I make it!
ReplyDeleteI like Duke's and Hellman's but right now I am actually using Kraft Mayo. I use Miracle Whip for certain things too, like potato salad and bologna sandwiches!
ReplyDeleteI use Hellman's. I have never tried Duke's.
ReplyDeleteBest Foods/Hellman's only in our house.
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
I've never had a pimento cheese sandwich, but I would really like to try one. I've always used Hellmann's because I'm from Michigan and Illinois and I've never seen Duke's in the grocery store. Ig I ever see it, I'll give it a try.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Give it a try with Hellmann's. Not much difference!
DeleteI like Best Foods mayonnaise which I think is close to Hellmans. I haven't ever tried Duke's. I grew up with whatever generic brand of mayo that was on sale. I had some siblings that preferred miracle whip - generic. awanstrom(@)yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI've never tried Duke's, I'm a Hellman's fan! tWarner419@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI have never tried Duke's before. I usually use Hellmann's or Great Value. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeletedon't use mayonnaise - grew up w/ mircle whip but don't use that now either.
ReplyDeletefruitcrmble AT comcast DOT net
I grew up using Miracle Whip, and I still use it to this day. When I was younger, I would always make a cheese ball for Christmas Eve. I used shredded cheeses, cream cheese, and chopped pimiento, and then I would roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans. And we would always have pimiento cheese in those little jelly-type jars to spread on crackers for New Year’s Eve. Thank you for this opportunity!
ReplyDeleteNancy Urtz
jnurtz@yahoo.com
I've seen pimento cheese balls. That might be next to try!
DeleteFor this old southern gal (Arkie born), I use Miracle Whip in my pimento cheese. Also love it when we have pimentos fresh out of the garden that I roast, peel and chop for added fresh flavor. We love our pimento cheese sandwiches just about anyway you want to fix them. I even love them grilled. I've seem recently on the cooking channel about using a thin coating of butter on the outer sides of the bread, sprinkling it with grated cheese pressing it on and then grilling making a cheese crusted pimento sandwich. Still haven't gotten around to that one yet, but I will.
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
Mmm. I'm stealing that cooking channel idea!
DeleteI ordered pimento cheese at a restaraunt thinking it was a melted cheese sandwich. I was surprised to get it cold! Is it possible to melt it too or is it only to be served cold?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't melt it because it's got mayo in it so it might be a runny mess? But I think it would be really good warmed on grilled bread.
DeleteHelman's all the way!
ReplyDeleteI have eaten pimento cheese was it on celery maybe. Thank you I will have to try your recipe. Deborah
ReplyDeleteI used to see that for party appetizers -- pimento cheese on celery.
Delete