The southern US has graced us with a lot of delicious food, perhaps none better or easier than pimento cheese. Creamy and savory with a hint of spice this simple spread that’s full of big flavor. In less than 10 minutes you can whip up a batch of the best Homemade Pimento Cheese that would make any southern grandmother proud.
The Casual Foodist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase through these links the Casual Foodist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.
The Casual Foodist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase through these links the Casual Foodist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.
What is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a creamy spread made with a few ingredients including sharp cheddar cheese, mayo, pimento peppers, cream cheese and spices. While it originally has northern origins it really took hold in Georgia and the Carolinas and is considered a true southern classic. With humble roots pimento cheese has recently found its way onto menus everywhere from small country restaurants to high end gourmet eateries.
I’ve had many people tell me this is the best pimento cheese recipe they’ve ever had! Whether you use pimento cheese as a snack with chips, a sandwich spread or a delicious way to spice up your favorite foods making your own pimento cheese is easy and far better that what you find in grocery stores.
Ingredients for Pimento Cheese
- extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- cream cheese
- pimentos peppers
- mayonnaise
- smoked paprika
- cayenne pepper
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
How to Use Pimento Cheese
Traditionally pimento cheese has been used as a dip with crackers or as a spread for pimento cheese sandwiches but there are tons of creativeand delicious ways to use it. I like to spread pimento cheese on my flaky jalapeno cheddar biscuits, use as a topping for burgers or swirl into a batch of creamy grits. You can also use pimento cheese for a spicy mac and cheese , a creamy grilled cheese sandwich or an elevated take on deviled eggs (take a look at my Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs!).
Cooking Tips
- If you can’t find pimento peppers you can substitute finely diced red bell peppers
- you can adjust this recipe to your taste with a dash of hot sauce, worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder
- Replace up to half of the cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.
How to Make Pimento Cheese
Since this pimento cheese recipe is fairly simple the ingredients you use matter. Taking a minute to freshly grate your cheese from a block using a box grater is not only more economical but results in a better texture as pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents. Also be sure to use a high quality mayonnaise, some people swear by Duke’s but Hellman’s and Sir Kensington’s (my personal favorite) are also great choices.
In a large mixing bowl combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon mix or stir together the ingredients until well combined ( you can also use a food processor). Transfer to a serving bowl and serve as desired.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you chill your pimento cheese in the fridge allow to come to room temperate for 30 minutes before using.
If you like this Homemade Pimento Cheese be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
If you make this Easy Homemade Pimento Cheese please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Easy Homemade Pimento Cheese
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 4 oz jar pimentos, drained
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise such as Dukes, Hellmans or Sir Kensingtons
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Using a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon mix together the ingredients until well combined. Alternatively you can also use a food processor
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a week. If you refrigerate allow to come to room temperate for 30 minutes before using.
Would you like to save this recipe?
We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Natalie says
I made this snack with crackers and some wine. Me and my husband spent a nice time on the balcony enjoying this dip, thanks!
Nancy says
I never knew making cheese at home was actually pretty easy ! Thanks for this easy and tasty recipe.
Hinshaw Mike says
Unbelievable. I would have never thought of Mayonnaise as an ingredient. I have tried several times with cream cheese, etc but never added Mayonnaise. I thought it would have a touch of lemon juice also. I have got to try this now. Thanks for sharing and for my childhood memories you brought back.
Brianna says
Please let me know how you like it!
Ann says
I have never thought about making homemade cheese before. Your recipe seems so simple! I think I will have to give it a try!
Allyssa says
This is so helpful and really easy to make pimento cheese recipe! Will surely have this again, super loved it!
Gina says
Yummy! I use to eat this all the time when I was a kid. This was so good and brought back a lot of memories of me and my late grandma. Thank you for this recipe!
Brianna says
Aw, I love that this brought back cherished memories for you 🙂