Pimento Cheese Spread

This is hands down the best pimento cheese recipe ever - and I don't say that lightly. The combination of cream cheese and mayo makes it incredibly creamy, while the Old Bay seasoning adds this unexpected depth that sets it apart from every other version I've tried. Chopping half the cheddar into smaller pieces creates the perfect texture.

Ingredients:

 1/2 cup mayo

4 oz cream cheese, very soft

1/2 t garlic powder

1/4 t paprika

1/4 t Old Bay seasoning

4 oz jar pimentos, drained, Reserve 1 T of juice, chop pimentos

2 t yellow onion, grated

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, graded. Chop 1 cup into smaller pieces

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mix together the mayo, cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika and Old Bay until smooth.

Stir in chopped pimentos and reserved juice, onion and cheddar cheese. Season with S&P.

Chill until cold. Serve as a dip with crackers and celery.

Bistro Burgers:  Toast brioche buns and spread with pimento cheese on both sides of bun. Add burger, sliced tomato and red onion slices.

Biscuits: Spread biscuits with pimento cheese and add sliced ham.