Our Favorite Pimiento Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise, such as Hellman's or Duke's
• 1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimiento, drained
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon finely grated onion
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 (8-oz.) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 (8-oz.) block sharp Cheddar cheese
• Celery sticks and assorted crackers

Preparation

1. Make the mayo mixture. In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, diced pimiento, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, and ground red pepper until blended.
2. Toast the pecans. Toasting brings out the rich flavor of the nuts. Preheat your oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. (Stirring helps to ensure even browning.)
3. Shred the cheese. Trust us--texture matters. Using the small side of a box grater, finely shred extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. Then use the large side of the grater to coarsely shred sharp Cheddar cheese. Fresh cheese makes a difference.
4. Stir and enjoy. Add pecans and shredded cheeses to mayo mixture, stirring until blended. You can store it in the refrigerator up to 1 week. Serve with celery sticks and assorted crackers, or make a grilled pimiento cheese sandwich in a skillet or panini press.