1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese

This classic Southern pimento cheese combines sharp cheddar with cream cheese and pimentos for the perfect spread. Add jalapeño and cayenne for extra kick, or keep it mild.

Featured in Small bites and starters.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:25:36 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A glass bowl filled with a creamy, orange cheese spread mixed with red pepper pieces. Save it
A glass bowl filled with a creamy, orange cheese spread mixed with red pepper pieces. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe

This pimento cheese recipe takes me right back to my grandmother's kitchen. The combination of sharp cheddar creamy cheese spread and those distinctive pimento peppers creates something truly special. I love serving this at gatherings or just keeping a batch in the fridge for the perfect anytime snack.

Why This Pimento Cheese Never Fails

The magic of this pimento cheese is how it hits all the right notes tangy creamy and just a touch spicy. It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you might already have. Whether you spread it on crackers pile it on sandwiches or serve it with fresh veggies it disappears fast at every gathering.

What You'll Need

  • Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Always grate it fresh it makes such a difference.
  • Cream Cheese: Makes everything perfectly smooth and creamy.
  • Pimento Peppers: These little peppers give it that classic flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: I swear by Duke's or Sir Kensington's here.
  • Seasonings: My blend of spices makes this spread sing.

Let's Make Some Magic

Mix It Up
Put all your ingredients in a bowl ready for their transformation.
Make It Smooth
Blend everything together until it's perfectly combined and spreadable.
Get The Flavor Right
Give it a taste and adjust those seasonings until it's just how you like it.
Time To Enjoy
Serve it up right away or let it chill the flavors get even better overnight.

My Pimento Cheese Secrets

Always grate your own cheese the pre-shredded stuff just isn't the same. Can't find pimentos? Roasted red peppers work beautifully too. Like it spicy? Add some extra cayenne or fresh jalapeño. This spread is amazing on crackers but try it in a grilled cheese sandwich it'll change your life.

A glass jar filled with creamy cheese spread mixed with red peppers and garnished with fresh herbs. Save it
A glass jar filled with creamy cheese spread mixed with red peppers and garnished with fresh herbs. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use freshly grated cheese?

Fresh-grated cheese melts better and provides better texture than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents.

→ Can I substitute the pimento peppers?

Yes, roasted red peppers work well as a substitute with minimal difference in taste.

→ How long does it keep?

It keeps in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let it soften at room temperature before serving.

→ Why does it get hard in the fridge?

The cheese firms up when cold. Let it sit out 30 minutes before serving to become spreadable again.

→ Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, simply omit the jalapeño and cayenne pepper for a milder version.

Pimento Cheese

A creamy, tangy Southern spread combining sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and pimento peppers. Perfect for sandwiches or as a dip.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Zaho


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Southern American

Yield: 8 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly grated.
02 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, cubed.
03 4 ounces pimento peppers, drained, chopped.
04 2 tablespoons mayonnaise.
05 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
06 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
07 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
08 1/2 jalapeño, minced (optional).
09 Black pepper to taste.
10 Salt to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, mayo in bowl.

Step 02

Add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne.

Step 03

Add jalapeño if using.

Step 04

Beat with mixer until well combined.

Step 05

Season with salt and pepper, taste and adjust spices if needed.

Step 06

Transfer to serving bowl.

Step 07

Serve immediately or chill.

Notes

  1. Let soften 30 minutes if chilled.
  2. Keeps 1 week refrigerated.
  3. Can substitute roasted red peppers.
  4. Omit jalapeño and cayenne for mild version.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Large mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Eggs (mayonnaise).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 245
  • Total Fat: 22.1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3.5 g
  • Protein: 8.4 g