Yesterday, I secretly made pimento cheese while Husband was in the back working with his headphones in. “Elation” may not be a strong enough word to describe his face when I pulled it out for our coffeetime some hour or so later.

You, too, can be the cause of your own or someone else’s elation, and with hardly any work on your part. Pimento cheese comes together very quickly, uses blessedly few ingredients, and can be customized to your tastes.

We like using it on sandwiches, as dip/spread for fresh summer veggies, and in our savory oatmeal in the morning. Mmmmm.

A few notes:

1. Absolutely, positively, no-exceptions: Grate your own danged cheese for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheeses are usually mixed with cornstarch or other similar additives to keep the pieces separate. Pre-shredded cheese will not come together properly (yes, I’ve tried), whereas freshly-grated cheese will. Also, it tastes better, so there.
2. Feel free to play with different cheese varieties. I like using a combination of sharp (or extra sharp) cheddar and pepper jack for balance and a touch of heat, but you do you.
3. Your desired texture will depend on how much mayo you use. I’ve made both a thicker, cheesier variety of pimento cheese with less mayo that I like for grilled cheese and melting, as well as the creamier variety you see pictured with more mayo. Start with a little and add as you go until you get the consistency you want. And remember, the final product will thicken and stick together a bit more once refrigerated and allowed to sit.
4. Feel free to use fresh, chopped peppers in place of the jarred pimentos. After all, pimiento means pepper (not just the red pimento variety), so you can go wild and use whatever you want. You can also add other veggies, herbs, and anything your heart desires.
5. Don’t be freaked out by cayenne. There is enough fat from the cheese and mayo to offset any crazy spiciness, and the addition of cayenne adds just a touch of throat-heat that’s barely noticeable, but also noticeable (in a not-so-great way) when it’s omitted.
6. On the subject of fat, use full-fat varieties of cheese and mayo. Is this a health food? No. Is it a fun way to eat veggies, whole-wheat bread and crackers, and straight up from a spoon? Yes. It’s a sometimes food, y’all – make it good.

Mmm’kay, that’s all I’ve got. Now, go forth and make pimento cheese!