I had only just discovered true pimento cheese just before the Magnolia Table Cookbook was released in April of 2018. Before then I only knew it as an almond covered cheeseball that I really didn't care for at all.
In December 2017 at the fantastic Merchants Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee I had my first real and true version of Pimento Cheese. It was served on the side of their Fried Green Tomatoes and I think I fell in love with it right then and there!
If you are new to KendellKreations, I spent an entire year cooking through Joanna Gaines Magnolia Table Cookbook and reviewed every recipe. Just search the recipe name on my homepage, or read my cookbook overview HERE!
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My review of Joanna Gaines' 1919 Pimento Cheese recipe.
The Pimento Cheese recipe that Joanna Gaines shares in the Magnolia Table Cookbook is the original recipe from the Elite Cafe that dates back to 1919. The Elite Cafe was a staple restaurant in Waco, Texas for many years, it's said that Elvis loved to eat there whenever he passed through. The Gaines' purchased the property after it closed and it is now the current location of their restaurant Magnolia Table.
The only thing I changed about this recipe is the call for Velveeta. I just can't bring myself to buy it. I have worked hard to remove overly processed foods from my house and this is just something I don't cook with, I don't even know what to do with it.
The best substitute you can use if you feel the same way is Cream Cheese. And I have to say, with all the other cheese in the recipe I really didn't miss the Velveeta at all, and I think it just might have made it better leaving it out.
I really loved the addition of the pecans as well, there is a great product that I used to get at Costco and loved until I made this one. It adds a great extra level of flavor and I really loved making pimento cheese sandwiches with it. Sometimes alone on white bread, sometimes with some roasted turkey lunch meat, either
Overall I think this recipe is a winner, leave me a comment below and let me know what you thought of it, I'd love some feedback on if this is traditional to what Southerners grew up with or not.
Until next time, happy cooking!
Kendell
If you watched Joanna makes this recipe on Season 2, Episode 6 of her new cooking show 'Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines' you can get the recipe by CLICKING HERE, she shared it on her blog so you can make it at home!
read my other reviews of season 3 episode 6 here...
Brick Panini's (coming soon)
21st Century Pimento Cheese Update
Update: Hey yall, I have had lots of requests for my updated version of Joanna's "1919 Pimento Cheese" that is in the Magnolia Table Cookbook. I am happy to report that I have added the recipe below for your full 21st-century enjoyment! Velveeta was all the rage back in 1919, but I just can't bring myself to use it in 2020!
I have included it with my favorite high-quality ingredients. Ever since I lived in the PNW I have loved Tillamook, and thank GOD their products are now becoming more and more available nationwide! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, but Tillamook is my #1.
While I have yet to answer the question of whether or not I will cook and review the second cookbook, the journey through the first was a grounding experience. It really brought me back to the roots of why I love food and cooking and what pushes me to share my love with others. It was a huge task...but we will see what happens!
If nothing else, I am SURE I will have something to say about Vol. 2 as soon as it gets here! You can read my final thoughts on Magnolia Table Cookbook Vol. 1 HERE, as well as get my TOP 10 favorites out of the 150 in the book.
That said, I do have to say that my family and I are fully in love with this recipe now and it is something I am encouraged to keep around for snacking. I hope you enjoy my updated version, if you are a Velveeta hater like me then this is the recipe version for you!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know by leaving a review or comment! And be sure to sign up for my newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
📖 Recipe
Pimento Cheese
This is my take on Joanna Gaines' recipe for Pimento Cheese. Her recipe for the 1919 Pimento Cheese from the Magnolia Table Cookbook calls for Velveeta and I just can't bring myself to use it. I am replacing it with Cream Cheese and the only thing you loose is the color, it retains its creaminess and texture while using a less processed product.
Ingredients
- 3 cups White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 cups Mayonaise, Hellmann's
- ½ cup Diced Pimentos, drained
- ¼ cup Green Onions, minced, light and dark parts
- ¼ cup Pecans, toasted and chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the cheddars, cream cheese, mayo, pimentos, green onions, and pecans. Stir gently until well combined. Cover and chill for 1 hour before serving.
- Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 254Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 296mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 6g
This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.
Gina
Does this freeze well?
Kendell
Hey Gina, I have never frozen it, so I can't speak to it. It doesn't ever last long enough when I make it. If you try it I would love to hear your results.
Mbfield
I always leave the mayo out and mix in smaller portions when we are going to eat it. It tastes fresh a longer time.
Kendell
Great Note!
Jessica
So, I made this recipe today and we thought it was fabulous. Don’t hate, but I actually used brie instead of the velveeta/ cream cheese options. It’s just what I had, and there were no complaints!
Kendell
Love!! I can imagine brie working really well! If you liked it that is all that matters!
Betsy Hardee
One of the best pimento cheeses I’ve ever had! Perfection!
Laura Senn
Even as a Southerner, I was a late-comer to pimento cheese.
Let me make a couple of comments on ingredients. And such. First, pimento is an acceptable spelling. I wouldn’t even consider using Anything but a natural cheese. Green onions will hold up fine in the recipe. For me, pecans are for the cheese ball, but can be added as a topping just before serving as they lose the crunch if the pimento cheese isn’t eaten soon after prep.
Last, try substituting whipped cream cheese with chives and chopped Jalapeño pepper. The Jalapeño adds fantastic flavor and isn’t hot if you seed it.
Rock on with the Pimento Cheese!
Dee
Hi there. Just curious since I don’t have her recipe book, how much velveeta do you use if you don’t want to use cream cheese? This looks like an awesome recipe.
Kendell
The same amount of velveeta to cream cheese, I just did a direct swap.
Kim
Sounds delicious can't wait to make this.
Genger White
So, I have been looking for a recipe to make pimento cheese! I'm so excited to try yours, here's why I commented first. You have to try this!! We stopped at a whole in the wall in Conyers, GA called Tin Plate. They had this burger with bacon homemade pimento cheese and jalepenos. OMG it was the best. We don't live in GA anymore so I am excited to try this recipe on burger like theirs!! Thanks for sharing your experience!!
Donna Eli
Well, the mayo turned out perfect for me, so no worries. But, I did scan through trying to find a mention of what kind of crackers you have in the picture. Would you mind sharing? And thanks for our new favorite pimento cheese recipe!
Kendell
Donna! I am so glad to hear you love it as much as I do. The crackers are the Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers, and they really are the best to serve with it. The flavors work together so well!
Felicia
Love these crackers, my all time favorite.
Brenda Nicholson
We always made our pimento cheese with shredded sharp cheddar, pimentos, mayonnaise, and hot sauce. I never heard of using pecans or Velveeta. I’m anxious to try your version though. Looks good!
Kendell
Your version sounds good too, I can't believe how many variations I am learning are out there!