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    Home » Appetizers & Drinks

    Updated: Feb 27, 2024 · Published: Feb 16, 2024 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

    Old-Fashioned Southern Pimento Cheese

    Jump to Recipe

    Pimento cheese is a spread that is part of life in the South. It has salty sharp cheddar cheese, creamy ingredients, spices, and sweet red cherry peppers diced, known as pimento (pimientos). This easy recipe is all those things and more.

    Bowl overflowing with pimento cheese.

    It is an easy appetizer dip that is great for any get-together and can be spread also on just about anything you like cheese with. This simple recipe can be made last minute when you need something to entertain. It is also a great make-ahead recipe that everyone will love.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients for Pimento Cheese
    • How to Make Southern Pimento Cheese
    • Other Ways to Enjoy Pimento Cheese
    • Storing and Freezing
    • Old-Fashioned Southern Pimento Cheese

    Ingredients for Pimento Cheese

    This recipe calls for just 7 ingredients. It has all the traditional items for old-fashioned flavor. I made one small change from a recipe that has been in our family for generations.

    Most are common pantry or refrigerator staples. It is low-carb, gluten-free, grain-free, and can be enjoyed by those on a keto or diabetic diet.

    Ingredients for homemade pimento cheese dip in a mixing bowl.

    Here is everything you need to make a Southern recipe for pimento cheese spread:

    • Sharp Cheddar Cheese - finely grated, do not buy it already grated - fresh is best and will not have any fillers or anti-caking ingredients.
    • Cream Cheese - full fat and softened to room temperature.
    • Mayo - just a little goes a long way here.
    • Pimento Peppers - the star of the recipe is these finelly chopped peppers; use canned, jarred or if you have fresh.
    • Garlic Powder - for great flavor.
    • Cayenne Pepper - for a classic spicy kick that all good Southern versions have.
    • Worcestershire Sauce - for tangy, salty, & a touch of sweet flavor.

    See the Recipe Card below for amounts and full instructions.

    How to Make Southern Pimento Cheese

    Many are heavy on mayonnaise and if you know anything about me, mayo is one of the foods I am not a fan of. This is the best pimento cheese recipe with little or no mayo. It is spreadable even if you omit the mayo.

    So I tweaked this recipe a few times to ensure it was creamy, spreadable, and stayed as true to the southern roots this recipe has. The trick is a fine shred on the sharp cheddar cheese!

    Here are the easy steps for making pimento cheese with little or no mayo:

    1. Finely Grate the Cheese
    2. Mix the Ingredients
    3. Serve

    1 - Finely Grate the Cheese

    Use a cheese grater with a fine grate option.  By using a fine grate, the cheddar perfectly incorporates into the spread and blends smoothly.

    Southern Pimento Cheese

    You will need 3 cups of finely grated sharp cheese.  Do not measure it packed, into the measuring cup. Lightly place it in the measuring cup to get the 3 cups.

    2 - Mix the Ingredients

    Place the finely shredded cheddar to a medium-sized bowl. Add remaining ingredients and then stir lightly to combine evenly.

    If you don't have worcestershire sauce, try a substitute.

    Southern Pimento Cheese

    You want the shreds to show slightly and the pimentos to still be intact. If you over-mix with a heavy hand, the pimentos can become mushy.

    3 - Serve

    Once combined, place in a serving bowl. Serve with crackers, raw vegetables, or whatever you would love to serve with creamy, sharp, pimento cheesy goodness.  We love carrots, celery, and sturdy crackers so that we can spread and pile a lot of the pimento cheese on it. 

    Southern Pimento Cheese

    Other Ways to Enjoy Pimento Cheese

    • with crackers
    • with crudites (raw vegetables)
    • in a quick microwave grilled cheese sandwich
    • in a sandwich or top a burger
    • atop crostini
    • as a quesadilla
    • as the stuffing in my Grilled Jalapeno Poppers recipe
    Southern Pimento Cheese

    Storing and Freezing

    This recipe stores well in either the refrigerator or freezer. Place in an air-tight container and store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 60 days in the freezer.

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    Cento Sliced Pimentos, 4 oz
    $7.09
    Cento Sliced Pimentos, 4 oz
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 04:41 pm GMT

    Spring Chef Box Grater with Handle, Manual Stainless Steel 4 Sided Shredder, Best for Parmesan Cheese, Vegetables, Ginger, Carrot, Potato Large Size
    $11.99
    Spring Chef Box Grater with Handle, Manual Stainless Steel 4 Sided Shredder, Best for Parmesan Cheese, Vegetables, Ginger, Carrot, Potato Large Size
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 09:26 pm GMT

    French Bull Melamine Mini Bowls for Snacks, Side Dishes, Dessert, Dipping Sauces or Ice Cream - Colorful Assorted Set of 6-10 ounce - 4" Bowls - Solid Color
    $16.80
    French Bull Melamine Mini Bowls for Snacks, Side Dishes, Dessert, Dipping Sauces or Ice Cream - Colorful Assorted Set of 6-10 ounce - 4" Bowls - Solid Color
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 09:51 pm GMT

    Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, Fine Ground Sea Salt - Gluten Free, Vegan, Healthy Snacks, 4.25 Ounce (Pack of 1)
    $4.48
    Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, Fine Ground Sea Salt - Gluten Free, Vegan, Healthy Snacks, 4.25 Ounce (Pack of 1)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 10:46 pm GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    Southern Pimento Cheese

    Old-Fashioned Southern Pimento Cheese

    Angela
    Pimento (pimiento) Cheese is a true Southern staple for any get-together. This classic old-fashioned recipe is a crowd-pleaser and my version has only a bit of mayo but all the creaminess. This easy appetizer is wonderful for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10
    Calories 199 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 C sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
    • 4 oz cream cheese room temperature/softened
    • 2 TB mayonnaise
    • 2 oz pimentos drained from the jar
    • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper **
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Use a cheese grater to grate cheddar cheese using the small shredded option. This ensures it is a finer shred and blends into the mixture more smoothly.
    • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely shredded cheddar with the remaining ingredients. Stir gently to combine all together until smooth. There should be visible shreds of cheddar and diced pimento pieces.
    • Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with crackers, apple slices, olives, pickles, and raw vegetables.
    • Refrigerate if you are not using right away. Bring to room temperature before serving so it is softer and easier to spread or dip into.
    • **if you like a spicier version, double the cayenne or sprinkle additional on top before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 9gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 655IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 252mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword appetizer, comfort, diabetic, easy, fast, gluten-free, grain-free, keto, low carb, special occasion
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    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kendra says

      August 16, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      Yum! We Love Pimento Cheese on Fried Bologna Sandwiches!

      Reply
    2. Pauline says

      August 19, 2019 at 7:35 am

      This looks divine. I'm going to have to try it for our next family dinner. I live pimento cheese but haven't been able to find a good recipe.

      Reply
    3. Amy Irvin says

      August 19, 2019 at 7:48 am

      Looks delicious! I'd try any kind of cheese, and I've never had this one before. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    4. Laura Lee says

      August 19, 2019 at 8:58 am

      I have never heard of this before, but it looks and sounds great! It's definitely something I'm going to try!

      Reply
    5. Melissa Parcel says

      August 19, 2019 at 9:41 am

      Yum! You would have to post this right when I'm trying to be super careful with food choices...I am drooling!

      Reply
    6. Suzan says

      August 19, 2019 at 11:50 am

      Cheese is something I often serve at gatherings with my homemade rosemary & lavender crackers. This looks like it would be a great addition!

      Reply
    7. Brittany says

      August 19, 2019 at 12:02 pm

      Oh my goodness yummy!! Pimento Cheese is one of my favorites =) I will definitely be trying this recipe out!

      Reply
    8. Sian says

      August 19, 2019 at 12:09 pm

      I'd never heard of this! Great find!

      Reply
    9. jen says

      August 19, 2019 at 2:02 pm

      oh dear god this reminds me of my childhood.....

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 19, 2019 at 5:31 pm

        I hope this is a good food memory!

        Reply
    10. Tiffany says

      August 19, 2019 at 4:05 pm

      I'm gonna have to try this for the kids sometime!

      Reply
    11. Heather says

      August 20, 2019 at 4:49 am

      I love making cheese dips. This looks like a great one for upcoming football games.

      Reply
    12. Alexandra says

      August 20, 2019 at 9:46 am

      Thank you for posting! sounds as a delicious recipe

      Reply
    13. Lisa says

      August 20, 2019 at 9:50 am

      Looks good. Never knew how to make it at home, we’ll have to give it a try.

      Reply
    14. Cindy says

      August 20, 2019 at 5:25 pm

      I’m vegan now but I used to love pimento cheese spread. I never thought of making it myself!

      Reply
    15. Catherine says

      August 21, 2019 at 6:00 am

      I am so excited! I love pimento cheese and was just looking at recipes online the other day! I will be giving this a shot 🙂

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 21, 2019 at 6:27 am

        Timing is everything. Enjoy !

        Reply
    16. Leslie Susan Clingan says

      August 22, 2019 at 7:59 pm

      Girl, YOU read my mind! I have been craving some pimento cheese. Always remember eating with my mama when I was growing up. Thrilled to have your recipe for it and deviled eggs. Another fav of my mama's. Pinned them both.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 22, 2019 at 9:12 pm

        I am so happy to hear this - family and food memories are the best. I cannot wait to hear how much you like the recipes and I hope you share them with your family. Enjoy!

        Reply
    17. T.M. says

      August 28, 2019 at 8:50 am

      I've never been a pimento fan, but this sounds really good. I may just have to bend and give it a try!

      Reply
    18. Karly says

      August 30, 2019 at 9:04 am

      Love this dip/spread! My problem is not to eat the whole thing.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 30, 2019 at 9:16 am

        Ditto! I have to admit I have to split them up in the fridge when I make them. Then I bring one out for us to eat - otherwise it is gone immediately and I usually want some later that night or the next day - ah, mommy has a secret stash. Don't tell my family!

        Reply
    19. Deborah says

      November 09, 2020 at 4:00 am

      I love homemade pimento cheese. Perfect for the upcoming hoidays. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 09, 2020 at 9:00 am

        You are welcome and happy holidays.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

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