Kentucky Derby Delight: Martha Stewart’s Pimento Cheese Recipe for a Winning Celebration

Kentucky Derby season is more than just a horse race; it’s a celebration of Southern charm, tradition, and, most importantly, delicious food! And what’s more Southern than pimento cheese? This creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy spread is a staple at any Derby party, and Martha Stewart’s recipe takes it to a whole new level. Get ready to impress your guests with this classic appetizer that’s sure to be a winner.

This article will guide you through Martha Stewart’s exquisite pimento cheese recipe, perfect for a Kentucky Derby menu. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to serving suggestions, ensuring your Derby party is a resounding success.

## The Allure of Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese, often called “the pâté of the South,” is a simple yet incredibly satisfying spread. Its creamy texture, combined with the subtle sweetness of pimentos and the sharp tang of cheddar cheese, makes it an irresistible appetizer. While variations abound, the core ingredients remain the same: cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and seasonings. Martha Stewart’s version elevates this classic with a focus on quality ingredients and a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

## Why Martha Stewart’s Pimento Cheese?

Martha Stewart is renowned for her impeccable taste and attention to detail. Her pimento cheese recipe is no exception. It’s not just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This recipe emphasizes using freshly grated cheese, high-quality mayonnaise, and the right balance of seasonings to create a pimento cheese that is both comforting and sophisticated. It is smooth, creamy, and has just the right amount of kick.

## Ingredients: The Key to Success

The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final result. Here’s what you’ll need to create Martha Stewart’s pimento cheese:

* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 pound):** This is the foundation of your pimento cheese. Opt for a good quality sharp cheddar. It should have a robust flavor that stands up to the other ingredients. Block cheese that you freshly grate yourself is essential. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose and anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and meltability of the pimento cheese.
* **Cream Cheese (4 ounces):** Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the spread. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy blending. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
* **Mayonnaise (1/2 cup):** Mayonnaise binds the ingredients together and adds moisture. High-quality, full-fat mayonnaise is crucial for a creamy and flavorful pimento cheese. Duke’s mayonnaise is a popular choice in the South for its tangy flavor, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
* **Pimentos (4 ounces):** Diced pimentos provide a subtle sweetness and a vibrant color. Drain them well before adding them to the mixture. You can find pimentos in jars in the canned goods aisle of most grocery stores.
* **Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon):** A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the flavor profile.
* **Hot Sauce (1/2 teaspoon):** Hot sauce provides a subtle kick. Use your favorite brand and adjust the amount to your preference. Tabasco or Louisiana hot sauce are good choices.
* **Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon):** Garlic powder adds a hint of savory flavor.
* **Onion Powder (1/4 teaspoon):** Onion powder complements the garlic powder and adds another layer of flavor.
* **Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon):** Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice.
* **Salt (to taste):** Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Food Processor or Stand Mixer:** A food processor is the easiest way to achieve a smooth and creamy pimento cheese. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
* **Cheese Grater:** For grating the cheddar cheese.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For holding ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
* **Airtight Container:** For storing the pimento cheese.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Martha’s Pimento Cheese

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started!

**Step 1: Prepare the Cheese**

* Grate the sharp cheddar cheese using a cheese grater. Make sure to grate it finely for a smooth texture.
* Soften the cream cheese to room temperature. This will make it easier to blend.

**Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**

* In a food processor, combine the grated cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, drained pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

**Step 3: Process Until Smooth**

* Process the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, depending on the power of your food processor. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. If using a stand mixer, mix on medium speed until smooth.

**Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**

* Taste the pimento cheese and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your preference.

**Step 5: Chill and Serve**

* Transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

## Tips for the Perfect Pimento Cheese

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** As mentioned before, the quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of your pimento cheese. Don’t skimp on the cheese or mayonnaise.
* **Freshly Grate the Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose that can affect the texture of your pimento cheese.
* **Don’t Over-Process:** Over-processing can make the pimento cheese gummy. Process just until smooth and creamy.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a milder pimento cheese, reduce the amount of hot sauce. For a spicier version, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Let it Chill:** Chilling the pimento cheese allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more cohesive spread.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to add other ingredients to customize your pimento cheese. Some popular additions include chopped green olives, pickled okra, or a dash of smoked paprika.

## Serving Suggestions for Your Kentucky Derby Party

Now that you’ve made a batch of delicious pimento cheese, it’s time to serve it at your Kentucky Derby party! Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Crackers:** Serve the pimento cheese with an assortment of crackers, such as saltines, Ritz crackers, or wheat thins.
* **Vegetables:** Offer a platter of fresh vegetables, such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips, for dipping.
* **Bread:** Spread the pimento cheese on toasted baguette slices or mini sandwiches.
* **Deviled Eggs:** Use pimento cheese as a filling for deviled eggs. This adds a creamy and flavorful twist to a classic appetizer.
* **Biscuits:** Serve the pimento cheese on warm, homemade biscuits. This is a classic Southern combination.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:** Use pimento cheese as the filling for grilled cheese sandwiches. This is a comforting and satisfying snack.
* **Pimento Cheese Burgers:** Top your burgers with a generous dollop of pimento cheese for a flavorful and decadent twist.
* **As a Dip:** Offer it as a dip with potato chips or tortilla chips.
* **On Endive Spears:** For an elegant presentation, serve it on endive spears.
* **With Fried Green Tomatoes:** A southern classic pairing!

## Pairing Pimento Cheese with Drinks

No Kentucky Derby party is complete without refreshing drinks. Here are some drink pairings that complement pimento cheese:

* **Mint Julep:** The classic Kentucky Derby cocktail. The minty sweetness of the julep pairs well with the savory and slightly spicy flavor of the pimento cheese.
* **Sweet Tea:** A Southern staple. The sweetness of the tea balances the richness of the pimento cheese.
* **Bourbon:** A neat pour of bourbon or a bourbon-based cocktail is a classic pairing with Southern cuisine.
* **Rosé:** A light and refreshing rosé wine is a great complement to pimento cheese, especially on a warm Derby day.
* **Sparkling Wine:** The bubbles and acidity of sparkling wine cut through the richness of the pimento cheese.
* **Light Beer:** A crisp, light beer can be a refreshing accompaniment to pimento cheese.

## Variations on Martha Stewart’s Pimento Cheese Recipe

While Martha Stewart’s recipe is a classic, feel free to experiment with variations to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

* **Spicy Pimento Cheese:** Add more hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
* **Smoked Pimento Cheese:** Use smoked cheddar cheese for a smoky flavor.
* **Jalapeño Pimento Cheese:** Add diced jalapeños for a spicy and tangy twist.
* **Bacon Pimento Cheese:** Add crumbled bacon for a salty and savory flavor.
* **Olive Pimento Cheese:** Add chopped green olives for a briny and salty flavor.
* **Roasted Red Pepper Pimento Cheese:** Roast your own red peppers and add them, instead of pimentos, for a unique smoky flavor.

## Making Pimento Cheese Ahead of Time

Pimento cheese is a great make-ahead appetizer, which makes it perfect for parties. You can make it up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, making it a day or two ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a more flavorful spread.

## Storing Leftover Pimento Cheese

If you have any leftover pimento cheese, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week. Be sure to use a clean spoon or knife each time you scoop out the pimento cheese to prevent contamination.

## Troubleshooting Pimento Cheese

* **Pimento Cheese is Too Dry:** If your pimento cheese is too dry, add a little more mayonnaise until it reaches your desired consistency.
* **Pimento Cheese is Too Runny:** If your pimento cheese is too runny, add a little more grated cheddar cheese until it thickens up. You can also chill it for a longer period of time.
* **Pimento Cheese is Too Bland:** If your pimento cheese is too bland, add more salt, pepper, hot sauce, or Worcestershire sauce.
* **Pimento Cheese is Too Spicy:** If your pimento cheese is too spicy, add a little more mayonnaise or cream cheese to mellow out the flavor.

## Pimento Cheese Beyond the Derby: Other Uses

While pimento cheese is a quintessential Kentucky Derby appetizer, its versatility extends far beyond the racetrack. Here are some other ways to enjoy this Southern delicacy:

* **Sandwich Spread:** Use it as a sandwich spread on everything from grilled cheese to turkey and ham sandwiches.
* **Dip for Vegetables:** Serve it as a dip for raw vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
* **Filling for Deviled Eggs:** Elevate your deviled eggs by using pimento cheese as the filling.
* **Topping for Burgers:** Add a dollop of pimento cheese to your burgers for a flavorful and creamy topping.
* **Ingredient in Mac and Cheese:** Stir pimento cheese into your mac and cheese for a Southern-inspired twist.
* **Base for Dips and Spreads:** Use it as a base for other dips and spreads, such as a pimento cheese and artichoke dip.
* **Inside Omelets:** Add a spoonful into an omelet or scrambled eggs for an extra cheesy breakfast.

## Martha Stewart: A Culinary Icon

Martha Stewart has long been a source of inspiration for home cooks and entertainers. Her attention to detail, commitment to quality ingredients, and elegant presentation have made her a culinary icon. This pimento cheese recipe is just one example of her ability to elevate simple dishes into something truly special. By following her guidance, you can create a pimento cheese that will impress your guests and become a staple in your own kitchen.

## Conclusion: A Winning Recipe for a Winning Day

Martha Stewart’s pimento cheese recipe is a guaranteed winner for your Kentucky Derby party. With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and subtle spice, it’s the perfect appetizer to complement the excitement of the race. By using high-quality ingredients, following the step-by-step instructions, and experimenting with variations, you can create a pimento cheese that is truly your own. So, gather your friends and family, place your bets, and enjoy a delicious spread of Martha Stewart’s pimento cheese as you celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports!

This pimento cheese recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a tradition. It’s a taste of the South, a symbol of hospitality, and a perfect way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. So, get ready to spread the love (and the pimento cheese) and make your Derby party a resounding success!
Enjoy the Kentucky Derby!