Appetizer: United States – Virginia; Southern United States – Pimento Cheese with Virginia Peanuts

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 0 min

Additional 1 hr

Total 1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

- 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (preferably Duke's or your preferred style)
- 4 oz (115 g) jarred pimentos, drained and finely chopped (about 1/3 cup / 75 g)
- 1/3 cup (45 g) roasted Virginia peanuts (shelled), coarsely crushed, divided
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) hot sauce (optional; e.g., Tabasco)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) finely minced red onion or scallion greens (about 1 small onion)
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp (0.5 g) cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice (optional, to brighten)
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)
- Crackers, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices for serving (no measurement)

Instructions

Short Description:
A creamy, tangy Southern pimento cheese spread brightened with diced pimentos and finished with coarsely crushed Virginia peanuts for a crunchy, nutty contrast. Serve chilled with crackers, celery, or toasted bread for a classic Virginia appetizer.

Regional Notes:
This Virginia variation keeps the classic Southern pimento cheese base (sharp cheddar, mayo, cream cheese, pimentos) and incorporates roasted Virginia peanuts for distinctive crunch and local peanut flavor, highlighting Virginia's peanut heritage. Unlike smoother or purely creamy renditions, the peanuts give a regional textural signature and nutty depth.

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the mayonnaise until smooth and creamy using a rubber spatula or electric mixer on low.
2. Stir in the Dijon or yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), lemon juice (if using), salt, black pepper, and cayenne until evenly combined.
3. Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar, chopped pimentos, and minced red onion or scallion until thoroughly distributed; aim for an even but slightly rustic texture.
4. Reserve about 2 tbsp (approx. 10–15 g) of the coarsely crushed Virginia peanuts for garnish, then fold the remaining crushed peanuts into the cheese mixture to add crunch and nuttiness.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired.
6. Transfer the pimento cheese to a covered container or a serving bowl, smooth the top, sprinkle the reserved crushed peanuts and chopped chives over the surface, and chill at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld (1–2 hours is better for deeper flavor).
7. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature as a spread with crackers, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.