Pimento cheese is a Southern classic that’s loved for its simplicity and versatility. It’s not just a spread—it’s a dip, a topping, and a flavor-packed snack all rolled into one. The best part? You don’t need fancy skills or hours in the kitchen to make it. With just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can create a batch that’s bursting with flavor.
What’s So Great About Pimento Cheese?
At its heart, pimento cheese is all about balance. You’ve got the sharp, bold taste of cheddar cheese, the smooth creaminess of mayonnaise, and the sweet, slightly tangy punch of pimentos. Mix in a few spices, and you’ve got a spread that’s rich, satisfying, and downright addictive. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations, tweaked and perfected along the way.
This recipe keeps things simple but leaves plenty of room for you to play around. Want it spicy? Toss in some jalapeños. Prefer it extra creamy? Add a dollop of cream cheese. No matter how you make it, pimento cheese is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or just a lazy afternoon snack.
Pimento Cheese Recipe
Here’s everything you need to know to make a fantastic batch of pimento cheese. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get mixing!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 2 cups of pimento cheese:
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups once grated)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained (look for these in a small jar near the pickles or olives)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, if you like a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients for Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these add-ins:
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (for a spicy kick)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (for an even creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for a deeper, savory flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making pimento cheese is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the Cheese: Start by grating your sharp cheddar cheese. Use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture than pre-shredded stuff from the store.
- Mix the Base: Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the grated cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it).
- Stir It Up: Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together. Keep stirring until it’s all blended and creamy. You want the cheese and mayo to coat the pimentos evenly.
- Season to Taste: Give it a quick taste. Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper until it’s just right. The cheese and mayo already have some saltiness, so go easy at first.
- Add Extras (Optional): If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in your optional ingredients now—like jalapeños, cream cheese, or Worcestershire sauce. Stir until they’re fully worked in.
- Transfer and Chill: Scoop your pimento cheese into an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors come together. It’s good to go right away, but that chill time makes it even better.
- Serve It Up: Pull it out of the fridge and serve it with crackers, celery sticks, or spread it on bread for a tasty sandwich. Enjoy!
Recipe Details
- Servings: Makes about 2 cups, enough for 8-10 servings as a dip or spread
- Type of Dish: Appetizer or snack
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per 1/4 Cup Serving)
Here’s a rough breakdown of what’s in each serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: No (because of the cheese and mayo)
- Gluten-Free: Yes, if you use gluten-free mayonnaise
Equipment Needed
You won’t need much to pull this off:
- Box grater or food processor with a grating attachment
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Airtight container for storing
Tips and Tricks to Make It Your Own
Here are some ideas to tweak it to your liking:
- Spice It Up: Love heat? Add diced jalapeños or bump up the cayenne pepper. You could even try a dash of hot sauce.
- Make It Creamier: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese for a richer, smoother spread.
- Switch the Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with pepper jack for spice or smoked gouda for a smoky twist.
- Add Some Depth: A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce brings a savory, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought Every Time
Sure, you can grab a tub of pimento cheese from the grocery store, but there’s something special about making it yourself. For one, you control what goes in, no weird preservatives or artificial flavors. Plus, you can adjust the texture and taste exactly how you like it. Want it chunkier? Grate the cheese coarser. Like it smoother? Mix it longer. And let’s be honest nothing beats the satisfaction of serving up a bowl of something you made from scratch.
Another bonus? It’s super budget-friendly. A block of cheddar, a jar of pimentos, and some mayo won’t break the bank, and you’ll get way more bang for your buck than with those tiny store containers.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese
This stuff is so versatile, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- As a Dip: Set it out with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks like celery and carrots. It’s a hit at parties!
- On Sandwiches: Spread it thick on white bread for a classic Southern sandwich, or layer it with ham or turkey for extra flavor.
- With Burgers: Dollop it on a grilled burger for a melty, cheesy twist.
- Stuffed Snacks: Spoon it into celery stalks or cherry tomatoes for a quick, bite-sized treat.
It keeps well in the fridge for about a week, so you can make a batch and enjoy it all week long. Just give it a quick stir before serving to wake up the flavors.
FAQs
Is pimento cheese healthy?
Pimento cheese can be part of a balanced diet, as it provides protein and calcium from dairy. However, it’s calorie-dense due to cheese and mayonnaise, so moderation is key. Healthier versions use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt, or vegan alternatives.
Why is it called pimento cheese?
The name comes from the Spanish pimiento peppers, which were historically canned and imported from Spain. Americans simplified the spelling to “pimento,” also called cherry peppers.
How to eat pimento cheese?
Traditionally, it’s spread on crackers, bread, or celery. It also pairs well with tortillas, burgers, or combined with jelly for a sweet-savory twist.
Is pimento cheese served hot or cold?
It’s typically served cold or at room temperature, though some recipes bake it into dishes like dips or casseroles.
Can you eat pimento cheese by itself?
Yes, you can! It’s creamy and flavorful enough to enjoy on its own, even though it’s often paired with crackers or bread.
What are some creative ways to use pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese can jazz up lots of dishes. Try these ideas:
- Spread it on a burger for a cheesy kick.
- Stir it into mac and cheese for extra creaminess.
- Use it as a filling for stuffed mushrooms or jalapeños.
- Add it to scrambled eggs or an omelet.
- Top a baked potato with a dollop.
How long does homemade pimento cheese last in the fridge?
Homemade pimento cheese stays good for about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving since it might separate a little over time.