Homemade Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern recipe that’s rich, creamy, and so easy to make. This cheesy spread made with pimentos and just the right amount of peppery seasoning is perfect served with crackers and celery as a sandwich or slathered on a burger.
Serve with Southern Deviled Eggs, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, and Cajun Shrimp when you’re casually entertaining. Your guest will love you for it!
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Have you ever tasted food that brings back fond memories?
That’s what happens with traditional Homemade Pimento Cheese. You get a flood of satisfying feelings when you take one bite of this amazing concoction. This dish, like my Southern Fried Corn and Sweet Potato Pie is made with simple ingredients that are combined to make something incredibly delicious.
What Does Pimento Cheese Taste Like?
Pimento cheese with two types of sharp cheddar is a tangy, creamy cheese spread with a hint of sweet pepper flavor without any heat. My recipe for pimento cheese is not fancy and has no extras – they are not needed. It’s as close as you can get to perfection in my book.
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What Is Pimento Cheese Made Of?
The secret to making the best Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe is not just using excellent ingredients but also taking some time to do it right.
- Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese
- Jarred Chopped Pimentos
- Mayonnaise
- Cayenne Pepper, Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and measurements.
How To Make The Best Homemade Pimento Cheese
Over the years, I’ve experimented with making pimento cheese, and I always come back to the same tried and southern classic recipe I grew up on.
- Shred the cheese. Yep, you’ve got to do this yourself. You can use a box grater or a food processor. There’s no substitute for grating your own. Store-bought, pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking additives that mess with the taste and creamy texture of Pimento Cheese.
- Mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until creamy. This gives a nice smooth base to start with.
- Add in the cheeses and pimentos last. This allows each of the ingredients to stand on their own and not get lost.
Success Tip
Save the liquid that the pimentos come packed in. You can use that to thin out the pimento cheese spread if it’s too thick, plus it will add additional flavor.
Do you Drain Pimentos for Pimento Cheese?
Yes, it’s recommended to drain pimentos to remove excess liquid before adding them to pimento cheese for better texture and flavor.
How Long Does Homemade Pimento Cheese Last in the Refrigerator?
Homemade pimento cheese can typically last in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days when stored in an airtight container. It’s important to check for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in smell or appearance, before consuming.
How To Serve Southern Pimento Cheese
There are so many ways to savor Pimento Cheese. Once you’ve tasted it, your mind will start to spin with ways to enjoy it.
- A combo of the Pimento Cheese and crackers is always a winner. I like to load up a platter with Stuffed Celery, Spicy Ranch Crackers, and a chilled medium bowl of homemade pimento cheese spread. For casual entertaining, this is the way to go!
- Top grilled burgers with a heaping spoonful. AH-mazing!
- To lighten things up, stuff celery sticks with a pimento cheese spread.
- Combine grits with pimento cheese for Creamy Pimento Cheese Grits as an unexpected side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Often Asked Questions And Answers
Pimentos are small, sweet, and mild cherry peppers that are not spicy at all. They are often enjoyed stuffed in cheese spreads and garnishes.
Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will last for up to a week in the refrigerator.
How To Make A Pimento Cheese Sandwich
I could live on this sandwich forever. To make the best pimento cheese sandwich, take two slices of your favorite sandwich bread. For me, that’s soft, white bread. Generously, spread the pimento and cheese all the way to the edge of one of the slices and top with the second piece of bread. And, if you want to get a bit fancy, make a grilled pimento cheese sandwich. You’ll be an instant fan!
Craving More? Try These Easy To Make Snacks
If you tried this Pimento Cheese Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 – 4 ounce jar chopped pimentos, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Using a box grater or food processor, grate cheese.
- To a large bowl, add cream cheese, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix together using a hand mixer or wooden spoon. Add-in cheese and pimentos. Blend together until well mixed. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour prior to serving to chill and let flavors marry. Will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!
Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor
I didn’t get finished with my rave review earlier, but anyway, this recipe is really
great.
Thank you for your review! I’m glad you enjoyed it, this recipe is one of my favorites. ~Donya
I like the duo of sharp and extra sharp! I did add a small pinch of onion powder and garlic powder. This was really good! Much better than store bought!
Thank you, Tina! ~Donya
Sounds delicious. I will try this.
Very yummy. I’ve made this recipe several times since the holidays.
The only time I had pimento cheese sandwiches was when visiting my NC relatives at an early age. I always loved those sandwiches!! Banana mayo ones not so much! When I make it I always use another drained jar of pimentos. This was the first time used cream cheese. Love it!
Thanks, Sha!
~Donya