WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
This deconstructed cheese ball is a popular Southern spread that can be slathered on anything from crackers and sandwiches to crudités. Drained jarred sweet red pimento peppers are what give the cheesy spread its name and trademark color. You can buy it pre-made at the grocery store, but homemade spreads are infinitely better and quick to make. Most recipes use a combination of extra-sharp cheddar cheese and a milder cheddar or Monterey Jack, but we found that batches made with all extra-sharp cheese tasted more complex and satisfying. To give our spread a well-rounded flavor and a little kick, we also added some Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and a dash or two of hot sauce. Finally, we mixed in just enough mayonnaise to bind everything together. Both white and orange extra-sharp cheddar work well here. Don’t substitute store-bought preshredded cheese; it doesn’t blend well and produces a dry spread. If you can’t find jarred pimentos, an equal amount of roasted red peppers may be substitute
SERVES: 8
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup jarred pimentos, drained and patted dry
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, plus extra to taste
- 1 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (4 cups)
- Salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Process pimentos, mayonnaise, garlic, Worcestershire, and hot sauce in food processor until smooth, about 20 seconds.
- Add cheese and pulse until uniformly blended, with fine bits of cheese throughout, about 20 pulses.
- Season with salt, pepper, and extra hot sauce to taste, and serve.
