As if one type of pepper weren’t enough, three pops of pepper give this spicy pimiento cheese different levels of heat: Fresh jalapeños bring fruity, bright heat; pickled jalapeños offer softer spice; and cayenne pepper lends earthier heat. So if you don’t like heat, you might want to back away from this recipe. Or better yet, try it and change your mind entirely.

Pimiento cheese is the ultimate make-ahead recipe; it’s just as good two or three days after you make it as it is when just stirred together. That makes it ideal for parties and holiday gatherings when you need good food that’s easy to make and simple to bring to the table just before serving. Serve with crudités, crackers, or pork rinds to finish off a fast, easy, and seriously Southern appetizer.