Creamy, tangy, and full of bold Southern flavor, Pimento Cheese is one of the South’s most beloved staples. This classic spread blends sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and diced pimentos with a touch of mayo and warm seasonings for a smooth, flavorful bite. Perfect on crackers, sandwiches, burgers, or eaten straight from the bowl, this homemade version is rich, spreadable, and irresistibly Southern.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: About 10
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar or Colby Jack
- 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons pickle juice or hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
1. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
Beat with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Cheeses & Pimentos
Fold in:
- Sharp cheddar
- Mild cheddar
- Drained pimentos
Stir until evenly combined.
3. Season
Add:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Add pickle juice or hot sauce if you want extra tang or heat.
4. Chill (Recommended)
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.
This allows flavors to develop and the texture to thicken.
5. Serve
Serve chilled or at room temperature with:
- Crackers
- Celery sticks
- Toast points
- Burgers or sliders
- Sandwiches
- Stuffed into celery or mini peppers
Chef’s Tips
- Freshly shredded cheese melts and mixes better than pre-shredded.
- For a smoother dip, pulse the mixture in a food processor.
- For extra heat, add jalapeños, hot paprika, or cayenne.
- For old-school flavor, add a teaspoon of grated onion juice.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Not recommended for freezing due to the mayo and cheese texture.