Pimento Cheese

Ingredients (10)

• 2 cups freshly grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1" cubes and softened at room temperature*
• 4 ounces pimento peppers**, well drained and chopped if in strips
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Duke's is traditional but I also like Sir Kensington's)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (decrease or omit if sensitive to spice)
• 1/2 medium jalapeño pepper, ribs and seeds removed, and minced (about 1 tablespoon; omit if sensitive to spice)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste