This classic Southern pimento cheese spread is perfect for any party or holiday gathering. A Southern staple, it’s commonly served with crostini, crackers, or veggies, and makes a delicious filling for sandwiches. With its creamy blend of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimento peppers, it’s a flavorful addition to any spread!
To be honest, growing up I was not a fan of pimento cheese. The color was off putting to me, so I think I never really gave it a chance. Or maybe it was because I had only tried the store-bought kind. Which is now where as good as pimento cheese made from scratch.
As an adult, I absolutely love it! I have even converted my husband; he can’t get enough of it. Pimento peppers have such a unique flavor that really makes this cheese spread special. The pimento peppers pack so much flavor that there is no need to add in many other ingredients to bring in flavor.
I love putting jalapeños or even red pepper flakes in my pimento cheese to make it a little spicy. This is completely optional. If you are a fan of jalapeños, I highly recommend adding them to your pimento cheese. I often remove the seeds and membrane from the jalapeños so that the cheese spread isn’t spicy. I do this when I am serving the cheese spread to my little kids.
When the Nadapenos are producing in the garden I will use those instead of jalapeños. Nadapenos are heatless jalapeños, a favorite of mine!
Add-ins for Pimento Cheese
While this simple cheese spread is delicious as is, there are a few other ingredients that you may like to try mixing into your pimento cheese.
Bacon
Green Onions
Chives
Dill Pickles
Hot Sauce – I have even seen people swear by adding their favorite hot sauce to pimento cheese.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pimento Cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Mayo
- Pimento Peppers
- Jalapeño (optional)
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Cheddar cheese is one of the main ingredients in this recipe. While some may prefer sharp or even white cheddar, I’m not a big fan of sharp cheddar, so I opt for medium cheddar. You’re welcome to use whichever cheddar cheese you like best.
How to Make Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is incredibly easy to make from scratch. Just a few ingredients are used to make this delicious cheese spread and it can be made in just 15 minutes. Cream cheese is what makes up most of the spread. Making sure the cream cheese is completely softened is key to being able to get the cheese spread creamy and fully mixed together.
- Mix together the softened cream cheese and mayo.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir in the diced jalapeño and drained pimento peppers.
- Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce.
For a soft spread serve immediately. If served when the cream cheese is soft, the pimento cheese is much easier to use as a spread. This is how I prefer to serve pimento cheese.
For a stiffer cheese spread refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The pimento cheese can also be refrigerated for longer then, shaped into a cheese ball. Toasted and chopped nuts like pecans are commonly used to coat the outside of pimento cheese balls.
What to Serve with Pimento Cheese
- Crackers– my favorite way to serve at gatherings.
- Bread – to make as a sandwich or on crostini as an appetizer.
- Vegetables – like celery sticks, bell pepper strips or cucumber slices.
- Use it as a dip for your favorite chips.
Try out one of these appetizers next!
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Pimento Cheese
This classic Southern Pimento Cheese spread is made with cheddar cheese, jalapeños and pimentos. Serve it at your next party, or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
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With a mixer beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the mayo and cream until fully incorporated.
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Stir in the remaining ingredients. Mix until well combined. Taste and add more jalapeño if desired.
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Serve immediately for a smoother cheese spread. Or chill to shape into a cheese ball. Enjoy!
