There’s something timeless about a bowl of homemade Southern Pimento Cheese. It’s creamy, tangy, just a little bit spicy, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor. Whether you spread it on white bread for a classic sandwich, scoop it up with crackers, or melt it over a burger, this Southern staple always brings comfort to the table.
This version keeps things traditional with extra-sharp cheddar, a touch of cayenne, and just enough mayonnaise to make it perfectly spreadable. It’s simple, bold, and full of that rich, cheesy flavor that makes pimento cheese so beloved across the South.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, bold cheddar flavor
- Creamy and perfectly spreadable texture
- Just the right touch of heat
- Great for sandwiches, dips, or party platters
- Easy to make in 10 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
- 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 (4-ounce) jar chopped pimentos, drained well
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Let’s Get Started
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Shred the cheese. For the best texture, shred both the extra-sharp and sharp cheddar from blocks using a box grater. Freshly shredded cheese melts and blends better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
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Blend the cream cheese base. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This step ensures there are no lumps and helps create a silky final texture.
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Add the mayonnaise and seasoning. Stir in the mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, fresh cracked black pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Fold in the cheddar. Add the shredded cheddar cheeses and gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture. Stir until evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
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Add the pimentos. Gently fold in the drained chopped pimentos, making sure they’re evenly dispersed throughout the cheese.
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Chill for best flavor. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to firm up slightly. Stir before serving.
Servings and Pairing
This recipe makes about 2 ½ cups of pimento cheese. Serve it as a sandwich filling on soft white bread, spread it on toasted sourdough, or pair it with crackers, celery sticks, or pretzels. It’s also delicious melted over burgers or spooned onto baked potatoes.
Variations
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Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
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Mix in a tablespoon of finely grated onion for added depth.
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Stir in crispy crumbled bacon for a savory twist.
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Swap half the cheddar for smoked cheddar for a subtle smoky flavor.
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Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra savoriness.
Storage Tips
Store Southern Pimento Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if any separation occurs.
It’s not recommended to freeze, as the texture may become grainy once thawed.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese gives a smoother, creamier texture.
Is pimento cheese spicy?
This version has a mild kick from cayenne, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
What’s the best bread for pimento cheese sandwiches?
Soft white sandwich bread is classic, but it’s also delicious on sourdough or toasted brioche.
Final Thoughts
Southern Pimento Cheese is one of those classic recipes that proves simple ingredients can create bold, comforting flavor. Creamy, cheesy, and just a little spicy, it’s perfect for everything from afternoon snacks to backyard gatherings. Once you make it from scratch, you may never go back to store-bought again.
Print
Southern Pimento Cheese
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 ½ cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Southern Pimento Cheese is made with extra-sharp cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimentos for a creamy, tangy spread. Perfect for sandwiches, dips, and entertaining.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 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
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in mayonnaise, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheeses.
- Stir in drained pimentos until evenly distributed.
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Drain pimentos thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Adjust cayenne for desired spice level.
- Let chill to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Southern
