Derby-Inspired Pimento Cheese Spread with Smoked Paprika

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy and tangy Southern-style pimento cheese spread infused with smoky paprika, perfect for sandwiches or crackers during Derby celebrations. This american-inspired snacks ready in about 10 minutes blends sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, cream cheese, softened, mayonnaise into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 8 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Use a fork or mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup drained diced pimentos, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Chill the spread in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with crackers, celery sticks, or as a sandwich filling.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Derby-Inspired Pimento Cheese Spread with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Derby-Inspired Pimento Cheese Spread with Smoked Paprika?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Derby-Inspired Pimento Cheese Spread with Smoked Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Derby-Inspired Pimento Cheese Spread with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Derby-Inspired Pimento Cheese Spread with Smoked Paprika?

American snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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