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.
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.
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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.
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:
- Finely Grate the Cheese
- Mix the Ingredients
- 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.
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.
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.
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
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:
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Old-Fashioned Southern Pimento Cheese
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 **
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.
Kendra says
Yum! We Love Pimento Cheese on Fried Bologna Sandwiches!
Pauline says
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.
Amy Irvin says
Looks delicious! I'd try any kind of cheese, and I've never had this one before. Thanks for the recipe.
Laura Lee says
I have never heard of this before, but it looks and sounds great! It's definitely something I'm going to try!
Melissa Parcel says
Yum! You would have to post this right when I'm trying to be super careful with food choices...I am drooling!
Suzan says
Cheese is something I often serve at gatherings with my homemade rosemary & lavender crackers. This looks like it would be a great addition!
Brittany says
Oh my goodness yummy!! Pimento Cheese is one of my favorites =) I will definitely be trying this recipe out!
Sian says
I'd never heard of this! Great find!
jen says
oh dear god this reminds me of my childhood.....
Angela says
I hope this is a good food memory!
Tiffany says
I'm gonna have to try this for the kids sometime!
Heather says
I love making cheese dips. This looks like a great one for upcoming football games.
Alexandra says
Thank you for posting! sounds as a delicious recipe
Lisa says
Looks good. Never knew how to make it at home, we’ll have to give it a try.
Cindy says
I’m vegan now but I used to love pimento cheese spread. I never thought of making it myself!
Catherine says
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 🙂
Angela says
Timing is everything. Enjoy !
Leslie Susan Clingan says
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.
Angela says
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!
T.M. says
I've never been a pimento fan, but this sounds really good. I may just have to bend and give it a try!
Karly says
Love this dip/spread! My problem is not to eat the whole thing.
Angela says
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!
Deborah says
I love homemade pimento cheese. Perfect for the upcoming hoidays. Thanks for sharing!
Angela says
You are welcome and happy holidays.