Southern Pimento Cheese

Whip up a batch of classic Homemade Southern Pimento Cheese, perfect for sandwiches, spreading on crackers, or serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This creamy, cheesy Southern staple comes together quickly and is ideal for everything from casual backyard barbecues to holiday parties and special gatherings.

What is Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that’s been made in the South for eons. It’s made with sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and diced pimento or “pimiento” a mild Spanish red bell pepper. The types of cheese used, and the seasonings, can vary depending on the cook’s preference. Some Southern cook’s choose to use cream cheese, grated onion, fresh herbs or chives or diced pimento stuffed olives among many other mix-ins to make it their own.

 Ingredients to Make Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe

Pimento cheese is typically made using shredded cheddar cheese or a variety blend of cheddar cheese that features different levels of sharpness. To make it, the cheese is mixed with mayonnaise, seasonings and diced pimentos or “pimientos” depending on where you’re from. It’s often served on bread for pimento cheese sandwiches and with crackers for snacking. There’s rarely a spoonful left over.

It’s particularly popular during the warm summer months for casual meals, outdoor entertaining and grilling. Homemade Pimento cheese is a real treat that can be served as a spread, as a dip with Fritos or pretzels, on burgers, baked tomatoes, celery ribs and more.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Pimento Cheese: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Cheese – 4 1/2-5 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Preferably aged cheddar for a robust flavor.
• Mayo – One cup mayonnaise adds creaminess. I use Duke’s mayonnaise.
• Pimento – One jar diced pimientos gives the signature tang to the pimento cheese flavor.
• Onion – Finely grated sweet onion expands the flavor profile.
• Seasonings – Garlic salt, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper and ground mustard.
• Sauces – Worcestershire sauce and a few dashes of hot sauce for a hint of spice. You could also add a dash of cayenne pepper to taste. 

How to Make the Best Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe

• Whisk Mayo, Pimentos and Seasonings – Use a whisk to combine mayonnaise, pimiento plus reserved juice, onion, worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, paprika, pepper and mustard. Add a few dashes of hot sauce, if desired.
• Add the Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Add shredded cheese, mix well.
• Refrigerate – Place into an airtight container and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Serve – Serve slathered on grilled burgers. crackers, celery or with corn chips as a dip.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Classic Southern Pimento Cheese Recipes

• Large mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cheese grater.
• Balloon whisk plus a large spoon or rubber spatula for stirring everything together. You can also use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Cheese – Can I use a different variety of cheese to make pimento cheese? Oh yes, you can! You may opt to use freshly shredded mild, medium or sharp cheddar cheese either white or golden in color, to make this Southern style pimento cheese recipe with excellent results. Freshly grated cheese is always a win!
• Freshly Shredded Cheese – To make your own cheese blend for this recipe you’ll need to the equivalent of 4 1/2-5 cups cups of shredded cheese.
• What’s Special About Aged Cheese? They’re aged to reach full flavor and texture potential and the grated texture holds its own in this Southern classic pimento cheese.
• Add-Ins – I’ve had pimento cheese with olives, pickled jalapeños, pickles, crispy bacon and other mix-ins.
• Mayonnaise – You could use avocado mayonnaise, but I don’t recommend using Miracle Whip as it’s a bit sweet for this savory cheese spread. Unless, you like it sweet, then carry on.
• Onion – You can use one teaspoon of onion powder in place of grated onion.
• Garlic – You can use plain table salt and garlic powder in place of garlic salt.
• How to Serve Pimento Cheese – It can be served as a dip, on slices of white bread as a sandwich or cut into triangles for tea sandwiches. Pimento cheese makes a spectacular grilled cheese sandwich!

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store homemade Southern Pimento Cheese chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer – You can also freeze pimento cheese for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before serving.
• Serve it for Snacking – Enjoy it stuffed into celery sticks or eaten with crackers as an appetizer. During grilling season, it’s a given that pimento cheese will be used as a condiment on our burgers. I love setting up a toppings bar with a variety of choices such as lettuce, sliced onion and tomatoes, cooked bacon and more. It’s a terrific way to get everyone involved and people love building their burgers to their liking.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes to Make

• Jalapeno Popper Puffs are made using crescent roll dough.
• My recipe for Shrimp Cocktail comes with two sauces for dipping.
• Restaurant Style Salsa is always a crowd favorite.
• Southern Deviled Eggs can be served as an appetizer or a side dish.
• Easy homemade Veggie Dip for your crudité tray.
• Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Kabobs are juicy and flavorful.
• Crab Rangoon are better than any you’ll get at a restaurant.
• Cheesy Rotel Dip is a game day classic.
• Spanish Olive Pimiento Cheese Spread is delicious for casual gatherings and snacking.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Cheese Grater
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisks
• Measuring Set

This post was originally brought to you by Sargento® Cheese the opinions and text are all mine. Thank you for allowing me to share brands with you that I enjoy!