Three Cheese Pimento Cheese

This creamy Three Cheese Pimento Cheese recipe combines a rich blend of three cheeses for an extra-flavorful Southern classic. Often referred to as the “caviar of the South,” this versatile spread is perfect for crackers, pretzels, crostini, Fritos, fresh vegetables, or sandwiches.

Ingredients to Make Three Cheese Pimento Cheese Recipe

Pimiento cheese is a Southern classic. In my family, you’d be likely to find a tub filled to the brim in the refrigerator year-round. My Grandma’s and my Mom kept it on hand for a quick pimento cheese sandwich or for snacking with crackers, a celery stick or a carrot sticks. In the cooler months, we grill it on sourdough bread as a grilled cheese sandwich, making it a spectacular accompaniment alongside a bowl of soup.

Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, making it yourself is so much better than the store bought versions. Using three types of cheese in this recipe gives it a robust cheesy flavor you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over again.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients to make Triple Cheese Pimento Cheese without cream cheese: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Three Varieties of Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded colby cheese and shredded monterey jack cheese set this recipe apart.
• Diced Pimentos – One 4 ounce jar diced pimentos gives the cheese blend its signature flavor. Reserve some of the juice for flavoring the mayo.
• Mayo – Mayonnaise gives it a creamy texture. Use real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip.
• Half and Half – This is optional but will add extra creaminess. Please don’t use milk.
• Seasonings – Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to Make the Best Three Cheese Pimento Cheese

It wouldn’t be a Summer picnic or party in the South without pimento cheese to slather on celery, crackers, pretzels or bread for sandwiches.

• Shred Cheese – Use a box grater or a food processor to grate 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups colby cheese and 1 1/2 cups monterey jack cheese.
• Make the Mayo Mixture – In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, half and half and pimento juice until all lumps have completely dissolved. Start with 1 1/2 cups of mayonnaise and reserve the rest to add later, if you’d like a smoother consistency.
• Seasonings – Add Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Stir until fully incorporated.
• Fold in Shredded Cheese – Add shredded cheese. Switch to a rubber spatula, stirring to combine.
• Add the Diced Pimento – Fold in pimentos.
• Refrigerate – Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to marry.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Pimento Cheese No Cream Cheese

• Large bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cheese grater or food processor.
• Whisk or hand mixer.
• Large silicone spatula or spoon for combining.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Cheese Substitution – Can I use a different cheese combination? Yes, you can. This easy recipe utilizes a combination of colby cheese, monterey jack cheese in addition to sharp cheddar cheese. You can use the same amount of all cheddar or a variety of cheddars, if that’s your preference. (Extra-sharp cheddar cheese, medium cheddar cheese, white cheddar cheese and mild cheddar cheese.)
• Pimento Cheese Variations -You can add cayenne pepper, diced pickled jalapenos, roasted red bell peppers, green onions or green olives to pimento cheese.
• Choose a Mayo that You Enjoy – What’s the best mayo for pimento cheese? Hands down it’s Duke’s mayonnaise at our house. That said, you can use your favorite brand of mayo.
• Freshly Grated Cheese is Best – It’s really best to use freshly grated cheese for this recipe. I highly recommend that you grate your own cheese using a food processor or a box grater and skip the bags of shredded cheese. Packaged cheese is dryer and includes an ingredient to keep the cheese from sticking together. You’ll end up with a much more moist and flavorful end result.
• Diced Pimentos – What are pimentos? Pimentos or pimientos are a small Spanish red pepper that’s mild in flavor. It’s the classic way to make Southern pimiento cheese and what gives it the trademark flavor.
• Serving Suggestions – This pimento cheese recipe while simple, doesn’t have to be reserved only for snacking. It can be used to top grilled burgers or chicken, turned into a pimento cheese blt wrap or a Southern style grilled cheese on homemade artisan white bread.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can make this old fashioned pimento cheese up to 2 days in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s important to allow ample time for the pimento cheese to chill, so the flavors can fully marry. You can store pimento cheese for up to one week chilled.
• Leftovers – Store in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Freezer – You can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir before serving.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes to Make

• Easy Bruschetta is an impressive appetizer that comes together in minutes.
• Make your own crudité tray with this Easy Veggie Dip.
• Easy Corn Salsa can be served with tortilla chips for dipping or as a condiment for salads.
• People always gobble up Potato Skins.
• These little Buffalo Chicken Bites are made in wonton wrappers for the crust.
• Southern Cheese Straws are a holiday mainstay in the South.
• Spanish Olive Pimento Cheese Spread is a variation on this classic.
• Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups from Favorite Family Recipes.

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If  a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Cheese Grater
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisks
• Measuring Set