The Ultimate Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe

Pimento Cheese Recipe

Growing up in the South, my fridge was always stocked with pimento cheese. The snacky spread (or dip, depending on how you look at it), made up of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayo, and tangy pimento peppers, provided cheesy comfort every time whether I put it on wraps or dipped some crackers into a big bowl of it. And though you could buy pimento cheese at the store, making a homemade pimento cheese recipe is so much more worth it – and a lot easier than you’d expect.

This pimento cheese recipe exudes nostalgia and delicious flavor in every bite. Scroll on to unlock the secrets to crafting this iconic Southern staple, perfect for any occasion from laid-backpicnics to summertime potlucks.

Ingredients

Photo by Ivan Torres / PEXELS

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup diced pimentos (see notes)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Image via StableDiffusion

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  2. Mix everything together with a spatula or hand mixer until well combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth and all of the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Taste the mixture and season it with salt and pepper, according to your preference. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese can vary, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
  4. Once the mixture is seasoned to your liking, transfer it to a serving bowl or container with a lid.
  5. Cover the pimento cheese and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and enhances the texture!
  6. Serve this pimento cheese recipe with your fave crackers, a sliced baguette, celery sticks, or as a tasty spread for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers!

Notes: Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe

Image via StableDiffusion

  • For the sharp cheddar cheese, we recommend using a fresh block of cheese and grating it yourself for the freshest flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought shredded cheese is okay, too.
  • For the pimentos, we recommend using fresh pimento peppers and dicing them yourself. Canned pimentos will work just as well, but the fresh peppers bring the freshest flavors!
  • You can store this pimento cheese recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week – though it probably won’t last that long!

Sign up for our newsletter to get more easy recipes sent straight to your inbox!

Lead image generated using StableDiffusion.

On a wellness retreat at Dream Inn Santa Cruz, we were treated to a dinner by Executive Chef Gustavo Trejo and a live class on how to make this easy asparagus soup. It was so easy that I memorized the recipe without ever writing anything down. Given the bright flavors, the creamy goodness, and the extra greens it gives me, it's now my favorite go-to lunch.

This simple, stunning recipe is so delicious that I couldn't just keep it to myself, though. With permission from the chef, here's the delicious and super healthy asparagus soup recipe.

Ingredients:

  • equal parts asparagus (I used one Whole Foods pack for two servings)
  • equal parts yellow onion (I used one half of a large onion)
  • EVOO and salt to taste

Prep:

  • Snap off the stems from asparagus.
  • Slice onion thinly, against the grain.

Cooking instructions:

  • Heat EVOO in a Dutch oven or soup pot on low heat.
  • Add onion slices and cook until golden.
  • Add asparagus and cook for 5-10 mins.
  • Add enough water to cover ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil, and then let simmer for 5 mins.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Pour pot ingredients into a blender. Blend on low, increasing speed slowly.
  • Pour olive oil (about 2 Tbsp. per cup) into the blender as it blends until you get a creamy texture.
  • Serve with a sprinkle of salt.

You can elevate the dish by adding a dollop of butter or cream, but the olive oil truly enhances its creamy texture without the added dairy (vegans rejoice!). Add crunchy rustic bread — sourdough, anyone? — on the side if you like! No matter how you choose to personalize this dish, I'm pretty sure it'll quickly become a weekday (or weekend) fave in your meal rotation!

For even more food and recipe inspo, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Step-by-step photos by author

Header photo by Shutterstock

Simply put, Zoë Kravitz & Channing Tatum are just made for each other. The couple met while filming Blink Twice (Zoë directed, Channing starred), and after they went viral for that Brooklyn bike ride, the rest is history. Well, the trailer for Zoë's directorial debut is finally here and it looks absolutely INSANE. No matter how many times I watch the trailer I have no idea how it's going to end. Which, honestly, makes me more intrigued than ever. Whether you're a fan of crazy movies or you just want to bask in the glow of Zoë and Channing's love, here's everything you need to know about the new Channing Tatum movie. Read up on The 33 Most-Anticipated 2024 Movies to see what else is coming this year — it's a great lineup!

What movie is Zoë Kravitz directing?

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

The latest addition to the Zoë Kravitz movies list is Blink Twice, but it's actually not a movie she's starring in — Zoë's serving as director! The movie, as well as Zoë and Channing's involvement, was announced in June of 2021 and I'm so excited that we finally have a trailer.

What is Blink Twice?

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios' Blink Twice follows Frida (played by Naomi Ackie), a cocktail waitress who gets whisked away by the wealthy and intoxicating Slater King (Channing Tatum). It doesn't take long for Frida to get into Slater's good graces — or his private island. The more breathtaking sights Frida sees, and the more bubbly she drinks, the more she falls in love with the island. That is, until she realizes just how much terror is boiling under its beautiful surface. The combo of danger and edge with the dreamy island backdrop is totally giving The White Lotus and I can't wait to see how the action unfolds!

When is Blink Twice coming out?

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Blink Twice hits theaters August 23, 2024. It's one of our most-anticipated summer movies for the year!

Who's in the Blink Twice cast?

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

In addition to Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, Blink Twice stars Christian Slater, Alia Shawkat, Geena Davis, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel Sierra, Levon Hawke, Trew Mullen, Saul Williams, Cris Costa, Simon Rex, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Each of these actors can balance a grounded presence with absolute insanity, and I can't wait to see who ends up being a good guy and who ends up being more of a mastermind — unless, of course, everyone has a little bit of both in them.

How did Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum meet?

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum met thanks to Blink Twice. However, they actually worked together before in 2017's The Lego Batman Movie (which is hilarious considering Zoë would later star opposite Robert Pattinson in 2022's The Batman). But since the movie was animated, they weren't actually onscreen together.

Are you excited for this new Channing Tatum movie? Check out our Facebook for more movie news and let us know what you're excited to see from Blink Twice in the comments.

Lead image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

The Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookie Latte is back on menus, baby! The iced latte went ballistically viral last year not only for its low price (a true win in times of shrinkflation), but for the fact that it literally tastes like a cookie, in latte form.

Apparently I was living under a rock before I knew about the Brown Butter Cookie Latte, because I didn’t know Whole Foods had a coffee bar. After seeing its return to menus, I was ecstatic. I’m all for grubbing on a budget, so the drink is already Meredith-approved.

What does the Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookie Latte taste like?

Image via Whole Foods / TikTok

Though cheap, is the Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookie Latte *actually* yummy? The internet is divided. While others are saying it’s way too sweet, some report that it tastes like… nothing. This discrepancy could be attributed to the fact that no two Whole Foods stores are the same (at least in my experience), and the baristas could be making the latte differently across states. Nonetheless, I’ve landed on a very important inside scoop from one of the Whole Foods latte-makers themselves!

What's actually in the Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookie Latte?

Photo by Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

In 2023, TikTok user and Whole Foods barista, Madeline, spilled the beans (get it?) on what exactly goes into the Brown Butter Cookie Latte – and it’s hilariously easy to make at home.

Contrary to what you’d think, the latte doesn’t actually have brown butter in it. It’s crafted from a mix of pumpkin and caramel syrup that work together for that deliciously buttery taste. Who would’ve thought? Not I.

She details that Whole Foods coffee bars use the 1883 Maison Routin brand of syrups to make their drinks. Of all the fantastic flavors they offer (pistachio! lychee! blueberry muffin!), the pumpkin spiceand caramelsyrups can be purchased online for around $9 each. From there, you can be on your way to Brown Butter Cookie Latte heaven!

How To Make The Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookie Latte At Home

Image via Whole Foods / TikTok

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 espresso shots
  • 8 oz cold milk, of your choice
  • 1 handful of ice
  • 2 pumps pumpkin spice syrup
  • 1 pump caramel syrup (Some reports differ, but the ratio of syrup to make the heralded latte is 2 pumps of pumpkin spice to one pump caramel. If you like your latte on the sweeter side, you can double the amount – or play around with different numbers of pumps.)

Directions:

  1. Using an at-home espresso machine, moka pot, or Aeropress (basically any device that can make strong coffee), pull 1-2 shots of espresso into a small cup.
  2. While your espresso is pouring, mix the syrup and cold milk together in a tall glass.
  3. Once finished, pour your espresso shots into the tall glass and stir.
  4. Top off with ice, and your latte is complete!

Sign up for our newsletter to stay posted on all things food!

Lead image via Whole Foods / TikTok.

This post has been updated.

The Birkenstock Arizona sandals are undeniably iconic. With their two-strap design, cork footbed, and signature buckles, they’re instantly recognizable and super stylish. Though the Arizona sandals are popular, Birkenstock continues to cook up innovative styles that are worthy of year-round wear. These 11 fan-favorite Birkenstock shoes will amplify your best summer outfits!

Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals

I had to mention the OG! These sandals are fitted with Birkenstock's original footbed, which is specially designed to enhance your gait and coordination, improve stability, and provide arch support. This means they're stylish and practical, which is a win-win, if you ask me.

This design has a shorter break-in period than you'd expect. Per Birkenstock, "the soft footbed has an integrated latex foam cushion... it offers excellent comfort from day one."

The upper is a serene green suede and boasts two adjustable straps with color coordinating buckles.

The Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals currently come in 3 other colors for $140.

Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals

Part of the Papillio by Birkenstock collection – which primarily amplifies platform styles – this fresh take on the Arizona sandals flaunts a flexible platform sole, smooth black leather throughout the shoe, and a contoured cork-latex footbed that shapes to your step with wear. This pair is great when you want a little boost!

The duo straps are reflective of the OG Arizona sandals, but look a bit more polished in this iteration.

The Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals also come in light gray for $220.

Theda Leather Sandals

Another unique Papillio silhouette, the Theda sandals havelots of cushion along the ankle straps and footbed, so they're bound to be the comfiest sandals you own. The straps that span the ankles and toes are looped, securing with velcro. Their smooth leather construction offers an elevated air.

These Birkenstock sandals are currently shoppable by members-only access by creating an account with the brand. They also come in black for $180.

Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals

Let's get into the fun summer colors! Birkenstock has a lot of them, but this pink is just stunning. The gold hardware flatters virtually any skin tone and feels especially fitting for a warm summer vacation – or even when you just want a little pop of brightness! They're essentially the same shoe as the classic Arizonas but with enlarged, contrasting metal buckles that draw the eye in. The natural leather upper on these sandals has an exceptionally shiny finish for even more curb appeal.

The Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals are shoppable in 8 other summer-ready colors for $170.

St. Barths Leather Sandals

I see you, unique blue hue! Sporting maybe the flattest Birks silhouette to-date, the St. Barths Leather Sandals scream cool girl. They stray from the norm with two woven buckled straps, silver hardware, and low-key rubber sole (which Birkenstock describes as "city-ready"). The smooth leather insole offers total flexibility and cushion for stepping out.

This design also comes in all black for $230.

Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs

These shoes are pretty much my #1 favorite of the Birkenstock lineup. Cool girls wear clogs! I'd say they're just as iconic as the Arizona sandals, and they're really nice for when you don't necessarily want to show some toe, but still want to wear slip-ons. The soft suede material on these gives a casual, already worn-in vibe, so they're super easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Opposite the lightweight sole is the original Birkenstock footbed made with an extra foam layer for utmost softness!

The Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs comes in 4 other easy-to-pair colors for $160.

Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals

These deliver such a clean look, and I love it. The white colorway is spruced up with some shimmer in an embossed croc pattern. The classic contoured cork-latex footbed molds to your feet with time and wear, which won't be hard since you'll wanna wear these all the time. The trio of straps boasts adjustable silver buckles so you can find your perfect fit.

The Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals come in 3 other fun pastel colors for $100.

Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals

The Papillio line strikes again with these timeless slip-on sandals! The grooved chunky white sole gives 'em some playful personality for frolicking around in this summer. They have the classic suede upper with two buckled straps, and the contoured cork footbed will adjust to your perfect fit with time and wear.

The Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals also come in 3 other colors for $135.

Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals

Made from super flexible EVA, this ultra lightweight, shock absorbing, waterproof (hello, beach days!) take on the Arizona sandals feel like the perfect pair for summer adventures. They still have signature adjustable buckles, too, so you can adjust the fit as you go!

The Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals come in 12 other colors for $50.

Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals

The wide straps on these neutral sandals add stability to your step and a touch of style you don't normally see from Birkenstock! The cork wedge is stylistic of the Birkenstock brand, but it offers a unique take since the cork is *actually* visible. These shoes flaunt a nubuck leather upper and only one adjustable strap of the two. They have the classic black sole with a good amount of traction!

The Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals comes in two other colors for $135.

Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs

Even the Boston clogs got the Papillio treatment! These have a very chunky EVA sole that feels cushy when you walk in it. The green suede material on the upper feels ultra-soft and velvety from the get-go. The cork-latex footbed will mold to your feet with time and wear, too.

The Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs are shoppable in 3 other colorways for $150.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more trending summer footwear!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Ask literally any Swiftie and we'll say Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce are meant to be. Whether they're spending time together in Las Vegas, on a Bahamas vacation, or Travis is talking about the singer on his New Heights podcast, it's clear that they're in L-O-V-E. Well, apparently they're more in love than ever because according to ET (a publication that's accurately released news about the ultra-private singer before), Taylor & Travis could be saying "I do" before long.

"I Bet You Think About Me" image via YouTube/Taylor Swift/UMG

It looks like all our teen drama tropes about athletes and artists were true because according to an ET source, "Taylor and Travis are doing amazing, and their loved ones see an engagement coming sooner than later. They make a great match and there's no question about that."

This is one wedding I'll need ALL the details about if and when it should happen. Will Travis propose to "Love Story"? Will Taylor's cats be the ring bearers? (This would actually be so incredible and I would love to see it).

One thing I'm thinking about more than any other is Taylor Swift's wedding color palette. "The Alchemy" singer is such an intentional and detail-oriented person that I know she'll think about every little aspect of the day, including which colors to include in the ceremony and the reception. I would LOVE for the colors to feature gold because of how she sings about love being "golden like daylight." That would be such a beautiful, full circle moment!

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

Not only did the ET source talk about Taylor and Travis, but also their friendship with Gigi Hadid & Bradley Cooper! Doubles dates are always a good idea IMO and it's fun to see these A-listers living it up with their friends, too.

"Taylor, Travis, Gigi, and Bradley have a blast when they get together," the source continues. "They appreciate that they can all be themselves around each other and enjoy double dating and spending time with each other." Feeling inspired? Check out 16 Perfect Date Night Ideas, According To Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type!

Read up on Another New Taylor Swift Song Is Coming This Summer for more Swiftie news!

Lead image via Rob Carr/Getty Images