Southern Pimento Cheese (2024)

Pimento cheese is the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, tailgates, and just about any get-together! The easy-to-make Southern staple is a true crowd-pleaser. This Southern pimento cheese recipe will surely become a go-to in your recipe box.

What Is Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that's traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling. Pimento cheese is often called the "pâté of the south."

How to Make Pimento Cheese

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

What's In Pimento Cheese?

These are the ingredients you'll need to make pimento cheese at home:

· Cheese: This recipe calls for shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. You can use a mix of mild and sharp Cheddar, if you'd like.
· Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is a key ingredient in traditional pimento cheese.
· Cream cheese: Cream cheese makes this pimento cheese spread extra decadent.
· Pimentos: Of course, you'll need jarred pimentos!
· Jalapeños: A minced jalapeño is optional, but it's great for fans of spicy flavor.
· Spices and seasonings: This pimento cheese is flavored with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

How to Make Pimento Cheese From-Scratch

It couldn't be easier to make homemade pimento cheese: Just mix all the ingredients until they're well-combined. Find the full, step-by-step recipe below.

Tip: You can combine the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until smooth and creamy.

Nicole's Top Pimento Cheese Tips

"Pimento cheese is a Southern staple," says culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom). "If you've never had it, today is the day!" Here are a few of her best pimento cheese tips and tricks:

· Make sure to grate your own cheese from the block. "Do not buy that pre-shredded stuff, it is not going to be the same," warns Nicole.
· Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment is a great shortcut for making big batches of pimento cheese, according to Nicole. But don't mix until the pimentos are pulverized! Stop when the mixture is well-combined.
· Instead of pre-diced pimentos, Nicole likes to buy jarred and sliced pimentos to dice herself before adding them to the cheese mixture.

How to Store Pimento Cheese

Store the pimento cheese in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can You Freeze Pimento Cheese?

You can freeze pimento cheese for up to three months. Though it will still taste delicious, the flavor might be slightly different after it has been frozen and thawed.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Delicious as-is," according to one Allrecipes community member. "Mix a dollop in with mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs or on top of a burger for a real treat!"

"This is absolutely AMAZING," raves DPerkins. "I stuck to the recipe, the only difference is that I roasted my jalapeno before adding. The entire family loved it. I will definitely be making this again."

"Loved this," says Debbie. "We like spicy and hot, so I added a bit more jalapeño and a splash of Sriracha as well. I served it warmed on an open faced, toasted bagel with a bit more extra shredded Cheddar melted on top."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (Optional)

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (Optional)

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• salt and black pepper to taste

1. Gather all ingredients.

   

2. Place Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimento, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl.

   

3. Mix until thoroughly combined.

   

4. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

   

5. Enjoy!

   

Nutrition Facts (per serving)