Homemade Pimento Cheese

I had a serious hankering for some pimento cheese this week.  When I was a girl, I just couldn’t bring myself to eat it – good news at the time for my best friend Renne, who didn’t have to share hers.   Little did I know pimento cheese would become of my go-to comfort foods when I’m having a rough day.

Beth’s Pimento Cheese

• 1 lb block sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 jar diced pimentos, drained
• 1-2 cloves grated garlic (I use my Microplane)
• 2 tablespoons grated onion
• pinch or two of cayenne pepper
• 2 dashes hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
• 3 or 4 strips bacon (optional)

Fry bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble.  In a large food processor add the cheese, pimentos, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, salt and pepper and pulse until combined. Do not let it get to a puree! Add the mayonnaise and pulse until well mixed. If you prefer a looser consistency, add more mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time. until desired consistency. Fold in the bacon and serve on white bread. Enjoy!!