Homemade Pimento Cheese

This amazing tangy and creamy Homemade Pimento Cheese is the caviar of the south. With just 8 ingredients and 10 minutes, you'll have an authentic Southern dip that is unbelievably addicting. Spread on light bread, crackers or a croissant, or topped on a burger, it’s perfect for a light lunch or for entertaining!

As a born and raised Southerner, Pimento cheese is in my blood. The pâté du Sud or Southern pâté as they often nickname it, is always at every event and gathering. It's simple and affordable to make with 8 ingredients and comes together in only 10 minutes.

The popularity of pimento cheese has grown outside of the South. While store-bought versions are available and super yummy, making it homemade is easy and allows you to customize it to your preferences.

This tangy and creamy cheese spread is a Southern food delicacy, and there are SO many delicious variations. I'm sharing the recipe that was served in our Southern restaurant many years ago. To this day, we still get messages expressing how much folks miss it. There’s no reason to hide the recipe, so here it is for you to make and enjoy any time you want!

Whether it's for a light lunch or as an appetizer for a family gathering, wedding shower, a picnic, or a casual get-together with family and friends, this pimento cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s also perfect to use in my Sausage Balls, Cheesy Barbecue Pork Dip, Palmetto Biscuits or Pimento Cheese Cornbread recipes!

What is Pimento Cheese?

It's a Southern spread that actually originated in the North! Supposedly pimento cheese was created in New York but is famous and most known for being a Southern staple.

The recipe is simple in nature using mayonnaise with shredded cheese (often Cheddar), plus pimentos and seasonings like cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika. It's creamy, tangy and has a hint of sweetness making it the perfect addition to sandwiches, salads, spreads, and more.

Why You’ll like this Recipe

• Customizable: Customize this recipe to suit your preferences by adjusting the types and amounts of cheese, spices, and other ingredients. Every southern cook will say they make “the best pimento cheese,” but we’re partial to the way we had it growing up.
• Versatile: Use it in various ways, such as a spread for sandwiches or crackers, a delicious dip for vegetables or chips, or as a topping for burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Quick to Make: It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare!
• Southern Staple: It’s a symbol of comfort food and a southern cuisine must! There are many unique and delicious versions. Serve it as a light lunch, snack or entertaining appetizer.

Laura Ashley's Pro Tip: Don't skip on the pimento peppers! They are the key ingredient for the recipe. They add a sweet tanginess plus a hint of color in each bite.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Swiss Cheese: Provides a mild, nutty flavor and adds creaminess to the mixture.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers a bold, tangy flavor and contributes to the spreads richness and sharpness.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together while also adding creaminess and richness.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a little kick and depth of flavor to the mixture.
• Ground Mustard: Enhances the savory flavor profile and adds a subtle tanginess to the spread.
• Sugar: Balances out the flavors by adding a touch of sweetness to counteract the sharpness of the cheeses and the heat from the cayenne pepper.
• Fresh Garlic: Introduces a pungent, savory flavor that complements the richness of the spread and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Pimentos: These sweet, mild peppers add color, sweetness, and a subtle tanginess to the spread, as well as providing a pleasant texture contrast. They are a defining ingredient in traditional pimento cheese.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Hand Mixer 
• 32 ounce Container (optional)

How to Make Homemade Pimento Cheese

1. Add the Swiss and cheddar cheeses, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, ground mustard, sugar, garlic, and pimentos to a large bowl.

2. Using a hand mixer, stand mixer or spatula, blend the ingredients until well combined. 

3. Taste and add more seasonings and/or mayonnaise for creaminess as desired.

What to Serve with Pimento Cheese

Homemade pimento cheese pairs well with a variety of foods. It's versatile as a snack or use as a condiment for a main course.

1. Crackers: Serve it with an assortment of crackers, such as water crackers, wheat crackers, or buttery crackers. The crunchiness of the crackers complements the creamy texture of the dip.
2. Vegetables: Offer an array of fresh vegetables for dipping, such as carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes. The crispness of the vegetables provides a refreshing contrast to the rich spread.
3. Bread: It's also a delicious spread for bread. Serve it with sliced baguette, crusty bread, croissant, or toasted bread for an easy appetizer or snack.
4. Sandwiches: Use it a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs well with various bread types, such as white bread, whole wheat bread, or sourdough, and can be combined with other ingredients like bacon, lettuce, and tomato for added flavor and texture.
5. Burgers: Spread pimento cheese on top of grilled burgers for a flavorful twist. The creamy dip adds richness and tanginess to the burger.
6. Dips: Incorporate it into dip recipes, such as hot spinach dip or cold pimento dip. Serve with tortilla chips, pretzel chips, corn chips, or toasted pita bread for dipping.
7. Charcuterie Boards: Include this tangy cheese as part of a charcuterie board alongside cured meats, olives, nuts, and fruit.

Expert Tips and Variations

• Pimento Volume: Our restaurant’s recipe had “a kiss” of pimentos. We would add about 1-2 teaspoons of drained and finely diced pimentos. However, you can use as much as you’d like.
• Cheese Varieties: While the combination of Swiss and Cheddar are what make this pimento cheese unique, you can substitute with whatever variety of cheeses you prefer. Some folks like cream cheese, white cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar, or even Velveeta.
• Shredded vs. Pre-Shredded: Pre-shredded cheese can be used, but freshly shredded blocks is preferred. Pre-shredded is coated in powder which can mute the flavor and interfere with its creamy texture. Use a cheese grater or a a food processor to get the perfect texture.
• Mix-in Ingredients: Other ingredients that make excellent versions of pimento cheese are garlic powder, hot sauce, chopped red peppers, black pepper, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, green olives, crushed red pepper flakes, and green onions.
• Spicy Kick: If you want to amp up the heat level, add more cayenne pepper or finely diced fresh or canned jalapeño.

Storage

For the Fridge: Pimento cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It's important to note that the texture and flavor may change slightly over time, so it's best enjoyed within a few days of making it.

For the Freezer: Freezing and thawing compromises the texture.

The plastic container this recipe will perfectly fill is this 32 ounce Food Storage Container.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Restaurant Inspired Recipes

These recipes were some of our most popular menu items at our restaurant:

• Southern Chicken Salad
• Frozen Hot Chocolate
• Apple Ham and Swiss
• Cornbread Chicken Salad