Homemade Pimento Cheese
Savor the flavors of pimento cheese, a quintessential Southern treat. Discover the best cheese and techniques to create a creamy, tangy, and irresistible spread.
Pimento cheese holds a special place in Southern cooking, known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. I first discovered its appeal while living in Mississippi, where it’s found everywhere from family gatherings to church picnics. By the 1920s, this cheese spread was so beloved that grocery stores were selling it ready-made.
This version blends sharp cheddar with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimentos for the perfect balance of tang, richness, and spice. It’s just as welcome at a backyard barbecue as it is on a simple sandwich.
Why You’ll Love It
Classic and comforting. A true Southern staple made from simple, accessible ingredients.
Rich and creamy. The blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and mayonnaise gives the perfect texture and flavor.
Versatile. Serve it as a dip, sandwich filling, or spread on burgers, crackers, or celery sticks.
Ingredient Notes
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp or extra-sharp provides the best flavor. Shred it from a block for the smoothest texture.
- Cream cheese: Adds body and creaminess. Let it soften before mixing.
- Mayonnaise: Duke’s is a Southern favorite, but any good-quality mayo works well.
- Pimentos: Use jarred pimentos, well-drained before mixing.
- Seasonings: A little onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper enhance the flavor. Add salt to taste.
Steps to Make Homemade Pimento Cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Mash with a fork or beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is well blended but still slightly chunky.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding salt if needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve as a spread, dip, or sandwich filling.
Tips for Perfect Pimento Cheese
- Use hand-shredded cheese for a creamier texture — pre-shredded tends to be drier.
- Drain pimentos well to avoid watery cheese spread.
- For a smoother version, use a mixer; for a rustic spread, mash with a fork.
- Chill for at least an hour before serving for the best flavor and consistency.
Recipe Variations
- Meaty: Add crumbled bacon or finely chopped ham for added flavor. Or mix in some store-bought deviled ham spread.
- Spicy: Add minced jalapeño or Fresno peppers to the cheese for a kick of heat and a little extra crunch.
- Pickles: Finely chopped dill pickles can add a burst of flavor.
How to Serve
While simple pimiento cheese sandwiches on white bread are a Southern staple, there are so many other ways to serve this delicious spread. Here are a few ideas:
- Charcuterie Board: Add a scoop of pimento cheese to a large platter or cutting board along with other cheeses and ingredients, such as crackers, pickles, meats, grapes, and peppers.
- Celery: Fill celery sticks with the spread for a quick and easy snack.
- Grilled Cheese: Replace your usual grilled cheese filling with pimento cheese for an extra-flavorful sandwich.
- Burgers: Top burgers with the spread for a unique twist on a cheeseburger.
- Mini Peppers: Stuff mini bell peppers or jalapeños with pimento cheese for a yummy snack or party appetizer.
- Hot Dogs: Spread it on the buns to make your cheese dogs extra special!
How to Store Homemade Pimento Cheese
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 to 7 days. For best flavor, bring to room temperature about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Freeze: Not recommended — the creamy base may separate and turn grainy after thawing.
Before serving: Stir well to restore texture after chilling.
Homemade Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise, or more if you like it creamier
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Mix: Combine the cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix by mashing with a fork or spoon, or beat with an electric mixer. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve as a spread or dip and enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
