Southern Pimento Cheese | All Things Mamma

Name: Pimento Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 ounce cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 16 ounce mild cheddar cheese; 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos

Whether you whip up this pimento cheese for a savory snack or as a creamy sandwich bread, it’s a guaranteed winner! With a mouthwatering combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lots of shredded cheese, how could it not be a hit?!

green ceramic bowl with pimento cheese surrounded by a variety of crackers and celery and carrot sticks served on a round wooden board

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Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

If you need a quick, last-minute appetizer, why not try whipping up a batch of pimento cheese?

This creamy, cheesy spread is so versatile! You can serve it on salty crackers during cocktail hour. Or, scoop it into a bowl with lots of fresh crunchy vegetables for dipping. You can also add this spread to a burger to make it next-level delicious.

Sometimes I just cut a thick slice of Homemade French Bread and top it with pimento cheese. What I’m getting at is: you really can’t go wrong here.

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern recipe full of flavor. Mild cheddar cheese is folded into a base of cream cheese and mayonnaise, along with dried spices like onion and garlic powder for lots of flavor. You’ll finish it with pimentos (also known as pimientos). These are red, non-spicy peppers similar to red bell peppers that add color and a bit of sweetness.

Of course, you can buy store-bought varieties, but once you try my homemade pimento cheese you’ll never go back! In just 15 minutes you’ll have a batch of creamy, salty, totally dippable cheese spread. Try it with chips or Soft Pretzel Bites, spread it on crackers, or just eat it with a spoon!

Recipe Ingredients

To print: see recipe card below

8 ounces cream cheese – Use a block of cream cheese, not the kind that comes in a tub.
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 ounces mild cheddar cheese – For the best taste and texture, buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
Diced pimento peppers – Find these sold in jars.

Variations

Swap the mild cheddar cheese for extra sharp cheddar cheese or Pepper Jack cheese.
If you like things extra spicy, add some hot sauce or a (generous) pinch of cayenne.
Crunchy pickles are delicious in pimento cheese spread! I like to finely chop pickles before stirring them into the dip for extra flavor.

Directions for How to Make Pimento Cheese

Mix: Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
Add the remaining ingredients: Use a box grater to shred the cheese, and fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Then, add the diced pimentos, and stir to combine.
Chill: Cover the bowl, and transfer the dip to the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Pimento cheese is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways! Here are a few suggestions:

On crackers – This is the classic way to serve pimento cheese spread for good reason! It makes a wonderful appetizer or snack when spread on crunchy crackers.
As a dip – Dip in anything you like, from raw vegetables like baby carrots, cut-up bell peppers, and celery sticks to pretzels or chips!
In a sandwich – Use the spread to make pimento cheese sandwiches, or add it to grilled cheese recipes.
On burgers – Skip the mayo, and add pimento cheese to your favorite burger!

shredded cheddar cheese in a large glass bowl.

shredded cheddar cheese, mayo, cream cheese, seasonings in a large glass bowl.

How to Store

Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and serve it chilled when you’re ready to eat.

Quick Tip

Make sure the cream cheese is soft before you start the recipe. You may need to leave it on the counter for a bit to make sure it is easily stirrable. So, plan ahead for that!

wooden spoonful of pimento cheese dip with a variety of crackers and cut vegetebles in the background sitting on a wooden board.

FAQs

What does pimento cheese taste like?

Pimento cheese is a creamy, tangy, spreadable cheese mixture. With a blend of savory seasonings, it’s absolutely packed with flavor.

Do you eat pimento cheese hot or cold?

You can eat this recipe hot or cold. It tastes delicious no matter how you serve it!

What is the nickname for pimento cheese?

Some other names for this spread are the “pâté of the South”, “Carolina caviar” and “the caviar of the South.”

Pimento Cheese

This pimento cheese is savory and loaded with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and shredded cheese. It's perfect as a dip or tucked into a sandwich!

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Author: Kasey Schwartz

Servings: servings

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Equipment

1 Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups
measuring spoons

Ingredients

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
8 ounce cream cheese, softened, ¼ cup mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Using a box grater, shred the cheddar cheese and add to the cream cheese mixture. Add the diced pimentos and stir everything together to combine. Transfer to your desired serving bowl and chill until ready to serve.
16 ounce mild cheddar cheese, 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos