Pimento Cheese Recipe

Homemade Pimento Cheese is a Southern spread used as a dip for crackers and veggies or spread on finger sandwiches at parties. Whip it up in Less Than 5 minutes!

Easily made with cheese, mayo, and a secret ingredient, it is creamy and tasty. Perfect for any occasion or just eating by the spoonful in front of the fridge.

Homemade Pimento Cheese

If you are not familiar with this recipe, or have never even heard of a pimento, hang on to your cheese spread loving pants! Mine are yoga pants, LOL!

Of all the variations of this Southern staple, the best pimento cheese recipe I have ever tasted, is my mother in law’s.

Passed down from the sweetest ladies in the South, it will soon be your favorite way to dress a cracker.

What is Pimento Cheese?

Not to be confused with Palmetto cheese which is just a specific brand, but is the same thing as pimiento cheese.

The spelling is the only difference. Don’t you love it when people throw in a few extra letters?!?!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.

Ingredients Needed

Cheese: Cheddar is the most common but I like to mix things up if you haven’t noticed. And because I like some spice, I am going with pepper jack cheese mixed in with the cheddar.

Mayo: The recipe for southern pimento cheese is just mayo but you can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Onion: A lot of recipes don’t call for them but I like the flavor they add. Be sure to mince very small or grate them. If you are anti-onion, use a little onion powder.

Pimentos: These are the star of the show but if you can’t find them or don’t like them, use roasted red peppers as a pimento substitute.

Spices: Instead of garlic powder, I prefer fresh garlic ground up or minced. I add Worcestershire sauce for a little smoke and savory, crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. For more spice, I throw in a few dashes of hot sauce.

Secret: Because pimentos are typically added to olives to round out the bitterness, I like to add some olive juice. If you don’t have olive juice in your fridge you can use pickle juice instead.

I know you have a jar of olives tucked in the back of the fridge along with all the other half used condiments that are waiting to be thrown out next year. Jalapeno juice works well too!

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

How to make Pimento Cheese from Scratch

First: Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Second: Serve with crackers or place in the fridge for future uses! Pretty easy, right?!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

What do you eat with Pimento Cheese?

I like to use it as a cracker spread but it’s also great with these:

• grits
• mashed potatoes
• grilled cheese sandwiches
• pimento cheese sandwiches (duh, right?)
• burger topping
• french fries
• crostini
• pretzels, bagel chips, veggies
• shape it into a cheese ball and coat with pecans – MY FAVE WAY!

How long does it last?

If you keep it sealed in an air tight container in the fridge it will last for up to 2 weeks. Although my family usually eats it within the first few days.

Can you freeze it?

You can freeze it, but you don’t want to serve it as a dip or spread as the ingredients will separate. But if you are using it as part of another recipe, feel free to thaw and use.

What exactly is a Pimento?

A pimento, or sometimes spelled pimiento, is a small chili pepper with the lowest heat (Scoville scale) of any chili peppers.

So don’t worry about them being too spicy.

You can find them on olive bars or in jars already pickled. The ones I use for this recipe come already chopped in a brine in a small jar or can.

Look in the pickle aisle at the grocery store.

Who makes the best Pimento Cheese?

With this homemade pimento cheese recipe, YOU DO! It’s so much better than store bought!

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Mix by hand for better texture but you can use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or food processor.
• Use extra sharp cheddar cheese for intense flavor.
• Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper.
• Leave out the cream cheese for the best flavor.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

More Easy Appetizers

• Pimento Cheese Bread
• Cheese Thumbprints with Goat Cheese
• Pimento Cheese Straws
• Blue Cheese Olive Truffles
• Pimento Cheese Tortilla Espanola

{Originally posted 02/09/14 – photos and recipe notes updated 09/24/20}