Few classic Southern appetizers can spark as much nostalgia and flavor as Pimento Cheese. Rich, creamy, and bursting with that irresistible tang of pimentos and sharp cheddar, this beloved cheese spread is an absolute must at gatherings, picnics, or simply for elevating a weekday lunch. Spend just a handful of minutes mixing up this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe and you’ll understand why it’s a staple that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pimento Cheese lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient in this recipe pulls its weight, creating a blend of flavors and textures that make each bite unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a tip on why each one counts—don’t skip anything if you want true pimento perfection!
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded is key for the best melt and flavor, lending a signature tang and rich color.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the spread a silky, luscious texture that helps bind everything together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a hint of tang, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
- Diced Pimentos: These sweet red peppers are the heart of the dish, offering color and a subtle peppery sweetness you can’t skip.
- Garlic Powder: A gentle savory background note, boosting the overall depth of the spread.
- Onion Powder: This adds a mild, sweet sharpness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): A pinch delivers a little kick and warms up the flavor profile—add more or less to taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for brightening and balancing all the flavors—season to your preference.
How to Make Pimento Cheese
Step 1: Cream the Base
Start by beating the cream cheese in a medium bowl until it’s wonderfully smooth and fluffy. You want a texture that will easily incorporate the other ingredients, ensuring every bite is equally creamy and delightful. Mixing the mayonnaise in at this stage creates a soft, cloudlike base you’ll love.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Pimentos
Stir in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar and those vibrant diced pimentos. At this point, the mixture instantly takes on a sunny golden hue dotted with red, looking irresistible even before the flavors meld. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some pepper jack for a hint of spice and extra creaminess.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you’d like a gentle hit of heat. Add a dash of salt and black pepper, then give everything a good, thorough mix. Make sure all the spices and pimentos are evenly distributed for the best bite every time.
Step 4: Chill and Meld
Cover your bowl tightly and refrigerate the Pimento Cheese for at least one hour. This quick chill allows the flavors to come together, the cheese to tenderize, and the spread to thicken for perfect scooping. Trust me, this short wait is the secret to transforming good into irresistible!
How to Serve Pimento Cheese
Garnishes
Pimento Cheese is a breeze to dress up or down. A sprinkle of chives or sliced scallions across the top gives a burst of color and an extra pop of flavor. If you want to get a little fancy, a dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper elevates the look—and taste—instantly.
Side Dishes
This spread isn’t just for crackers! Serve it alongside crunchy celery sticks, carrot batons, or toasted baguette rounds for a satisfying platter that’s as great for parties as it is for a solo snack. For a Southern touch, try it with crisp, buttery saltines or even tucked into a fluffy biscuit.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond dips and sandwiches! Slather Pimento Cheese on a burger for a decadent topping, mix a dollop into hot grits, or use it as the surprise center of a stuffed chicken breast. There’s honestly no wrong way to let its creamy, tangy goodness shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pimento Cheese keeps beautifully when stored properly. Pack leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate; it will stay fresh for up to five days, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeks or impromptu guests.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Pimento Cheese if needed. Place it in a tightly sealed container, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then give it a good stir before serving—just note, the texture may be slightly less creamy than freshly made.
Reheating
Pimento Cheese is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to use it as a melty topping (like on burgers or for grilled cheese), just spread it on and let the heat do the work—no special steps needed!
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for Pimento Cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheddar melts and blends better, giving your Pimento Cheese that classic smooth texture and richer flavor. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can sometimes make the spread grainy.
Is Pimento Cheese spicy?
Not unless you want it to be! The traditional recipe is mild and tangy, but adding cayenne or pepper jack cheese lets you control the level of heat to suit your taste buds.
Can I make Pimento Cheese dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute your favorite plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free cheddar shreds, and a vegan mayo to create a version everyone can enjoy—but be sure to choose brands with a rich, sharp flavor for the most authentic result.
How long should I chill Pimento Cheese before serving?
An hour in the fridge is perfect for melding the flavors and thickening the texture, but if you’re in a rush you can serve it right away—just know it gets even better as it rests.
What else can I do with leftover Pimento Cheese?
So many things! Spread it on sandwiches, stir it into scrambled eggs, fold it into macaroni, or stuff it into little bite-size peppers for an irresistible appetizer.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Pimento Cheese has stood the test of time. Bursting with bold flavor and creamy comfort, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. Take a few minutes to whip up a batch and let this Southern classic win a permanent spot in your snack rotation!
Print
Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A classic Southern favorite, Pimento Cheese is a creamy and tangy cheese spread perfect for snacking or as a sandwich filling. This homemade version is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Cheese Spread:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the mayonnaise and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until fully combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled with crackers, bread, or as a sandwich spread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a combination of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
