What Chefs Cook When They Don't Feel Like Cooking
What Chefs Cook When They DON'T Feel Like Cooking is a easy Southern American recipe that serves 6. 553 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Billy Parisi on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 20 min
Cost: $10.81 total, $1.80 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 8 oz Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (Dukes brand preferred, full‑fat)
- 4 oz Pimento Peppers (drained and chopped)
- 0.5 clove Garlic (finely grated)
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 cup Pickled Jalapeños (small dice; fresh jalapeños can be used)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
Grate Cheeses
Using a box grater, grate the sharp yellow cheddar and sharp white cheddar into a large bowl.
Time: PT5M
Add Mayonnaise
Add one cup of full‑fat mayonnaise to the bowl with the grated cheese.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Pimentos
Drain the pimento peppers well, then stir the 4 oz of chopped pimentos into the cheese mixture.
Time: PT2M
Season Base
Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of cayenne pepper; stir to combine.
Time: PT1M
Add Optional Flavor Boosters
Fold in the grated half‑clove of garlic, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, and ¼ cup diced pickled jalapeños (or fresh).
Time: PT2M
Mix Thoroughly
Using the spatula, mix all ingredients until the dip is smooth and evenly combined.
Time: PT2M
Taste and Adjust
Taste the dip and add more salt, cayenne, or lemon juice if needed.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or jar and serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or raw veggies.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 553
- Protein
- 13 g
- Carbohydrates
- 6 g
- Fat
- 48 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑free
Allergens: Milk, Egg, Soy (mayonnaise)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese: Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Instead of Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Homemade mayo, Greek yogurt (for lighter version)
- Instead of Pimento Peppers: Roasted red peppers, chopped bell pepper
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp)
- Instead of Pickled Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños, hot sauce (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Paprika, hot sauce
Equipment Needed
- Large Bowl
- Box Grater
- Measuring Cup
- Spatula or Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Serving Bowl or Jar (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Grating the cheeses finely ensures a smooth texture.
- Draining the pimentos prevents excess moisture.
- Mixing until fully combined avoids cheese clumps.
- Serving immediately or refrigerating promptly maintains safety.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Avoid pre‑shredded cheese; anti‑caking agents make the dip gritty.
- Use a combination of sharp yellow and white cheddar for depth of flavor.
- For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika.
Troubleshooting
Dip is too thick.
Stir in a little milk, cream, or extra mayonnaise until desired consistency is reached.
Dip is too runny.
Add more grated cheddar cheese, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust with additional salt, a pinch more cayenne, or extra lemon juice.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave out more than 2 hours for safety.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the dip up to 2 days ahead; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- If the dip thickens after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of milk or extra mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pimento Cheese Dip in Southern American cuisine?
Pimento cheese originated in the Southern United States in the early 20th century as a convenient, shelf‑stable snack for picnics and gatherings. It became a staple at barbecues, church potlucks, and sports events, symbolizing comfort and hospitality in Southern food culture.
What are the traditional regional variations of Pimento Cheese Dip in Southern cuisine?
In the Deep South, the dip is often made with sharp cheddar and mayonnaise only. In Georgia, a touch of cream cheese is added for extra creaminess. In Texas, people sometimes mix in jalapeños or hot sauce for heat, while in the Carolinas, a sprinkle of smoked paprika is common.
How is Pimento Cheese Dip traditionally served in Southern gatherings?
It is typically served cold or at room temperature with crackers, toasted baguette slices, celery sticks, or as a sandwich spread. In many Southern homes, it’s also paired with fried green tomatoes or used as a topping for burgers.
What occasions or celebrations is Pimento Cheese Dip traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
Pimento cheese is a go‑to snack for holiday parties, Fourth of July picnics, football tailgates, and church potlucks. Its ease of preparation makes it a favorite for last‑minute gatherings.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Pimento Cheese Dip versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimento peppers. Acceptable substitutes are sharp white cheddar for flavor depth, Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and roasted red peppers instead of pimentos.
What other Southern dishes pair well with Pimento Cheese Dip?
It pairs beautifully with fried chicken, collard greens, deviled eggs, and a classic Southern biscuit. A cold glass of sweet tea or a light lager also complements the dip.
What makes Pimento Cheese Dip special or unique in Southern cuisine?
Its simplicity—just three core ingredients—combined with the bold flavor of sharp cheddar and the tang of pimentos makes it uniquely satisfying. The dip’s creamy texture and slight heat have made it an iconic comfort food.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pimento Cheese Dip?
Common mistakes include using pre‑shredded cheese (which adds anti‑caking agents), not draining the pimentos fully (resulting in a watery dip), and over‑seasoning before tasting. Grating the cheese finely and mixing until smooth are key.
Why does this Pimento Cheese Dip recipe use both yellow and white sharp cheddar instead of a single cheese?
Combining yellow and white sharp cheddar balances flavor and color: the yellow adds a classic sharp bite, while the white provides a creamier texture and a brighter appearance, resulting in a more complex taste.
Can I make Pimento Cheese Dip ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Billy Parisi specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Billy Parisi focuses on quick, budget‑friendly, restaurant‑style dishes that are easy for home cooks to replicate after a long work shift. He emphasizes practical techniques and comfort food classics.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Billy Parisi's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Billy Parisi blends professional kitchen efficiency with home‑cooking simplicity, often highlighting shortcuts like using pre‑measured ingredients while still preserving authentic Southern flavors, unlike many channels that focus on elaborate presentations.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
