This creamy and flavorful Pimento Cheese Recipe is a classic Southern favorite that’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, burgers, and party platters. Made with extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and diced pimentos, this easy homemade spread delivers rich, tangy flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy flavor
- Easy to prepare in just minutes
- Perfect for parties, snacks, and sandwiches
- Customizable spice level with jalapeño and cayenne
- Great make-ahead recipe for gatherings
- Family-friendly and versatile
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 4 ounces pimento peppers, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ medium jalapeño pepper, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, jalapeño, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients together using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or sturdy spatula until the mixture becomes creamy and fully combined.
- Taste the Pimento Cheese Recipe and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.
- Serve immediately with crackers, vegetables, toast, or sandwiches, or refrigerate for later.
- If chilled, allow the pimento cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Extra-sharp cheddar gives the spread its signature Southern taste.
- For a smoother consistency, blend longer with a mixer.
- Add smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Reduce cayenne and jalapeño for a milder version.
- Serve with celery sticks, crackers, pretzels, or toasted bread.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Duke’s mayonnaise is traditional, but any quality mayonnaise works well.
- You can substitute mild cheddar if you prefer a less intense cheese flavor.
- This homemade cheese spread also works beautifully as a burger topping.
- Add chopped green onions for extra freshness.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 24g
FAQ
What is pimento cheese made of?
Pimento cheese is typically made with cheddar cheese, cream cheese or mayonnaise, diced pimento peppers, and seasonings.
Can I make pimento cheese ahead of time?
Yes, this easy pimento cheese spread tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
How long does homemade pimento cheese last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze pimento cheese?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture may become grainy after thawing.
What can I serve with pimento cheese?
Serve it with crackers, sandwiches, burgers, celery sticks, or toasted bread.
Is pimento cheese spicy?
This version has a mild kick from jalapeño and cayenne, but you can easily reduce the spice level.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Not recommended due to texture changes.
- Reheating: No reheating needed. Let chilled pimento cheese soften at room temperature before serving.
Similar Recipes
easy Pimento Cheese Recipe
This creamy Pimento Cheese Recipe combines cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos.Perfect as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling.Ready in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 4 ounces pimento peppers drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ medium jalapeño pepper minced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, jalapeño, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients together using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or sturdy spatula until the mixture becomes creamy and fully combined.
- Taste the Pimento Cheese Recipe and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.
- Serve immediately with crackers, vegetables, toast, or sandwiches, or refrigerate for later.
- If chilled, allow the pimento cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- Duke’s mayonnaise is traditional, but any quality mayonnaise works well.
- You can substitute mild cheddar if you prefer a less intense cheese flavor.
- This homemade cheese spread also works beautifully as a burger topping.
- Add chopped green onions for extra freshness.
Conclusion
This Pimento Cheese Recipe is creamy, tangy, rich, and incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you serve it as a dip, sandwich spread, or party appetizer, it’s a crowd-pleasing Southern classic you’ll want to make again and again.