Homemade Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe – Creamy and Tangy

If you’ve never tried Southern pimento cheese, you’re in for a creamy, cheesy treat! This easy no-cook recipe combines sharp Cheddar, smooth cream cheese, and sweet pimentos with a touch of spice for a classic spread that’s beloved across the South. Whether you serve it as a dip, sandwich filling, or party snack, this homemade pimento cheese is bursting with bold flavor and sure to impress at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love Southern Pimento Cheese

• Bold, creamy flavor with a Southern twist – The combination of sharp Cheddar, smooth cream cheese, and sweet pimentos creates a rich, tangy, and savory flavor. The optional jalapeño adds a subtle kick that balances perfectly with the creaminess. It’s a classic Southern recipe that consistently delivers on flavor. Great for cheese lovers who want something a little different!

• Quick and easy, no cooking needed – This is a true dump-and-mix recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, it’s ready to enjoy, perfect for busy days, last-minute guests, or potluck emergencies. Anyone can make this, even if you’re brand new to the kitchen!

• Super versatile and customizable – Serve it with crackers, celery sticks, or on a sandwich. This spread works in so many ways. You can keep it mild or spice it up to match your taste. Add it to burgers, grilled cheese, or even baked potatoes for an extra flavor boost. It’s one recipe, with endless ways to enjoy it!

• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining – This pimento cheese actually tastes better the next day! The flavors get a chance to meld together in the fridge. Make it the night before your party or gathering for the best results. One less thing to worry about when hosting!

• Crowd-pleasing Southern classic everyone loves – Whether you’re serving Southerners or first-timers, this dish always gets rave reviews. It’s comfort food in dip form, nostalgic, creamy, and irresistible. Plus, it looks gorgeous when topped with a few jalapeño slices or extra shredded cheese. A total showstopper on any table!

Ingredients For Southern Pimento Cheese

• Extra-sharp Cheddar cheese – Gives the spread its bold, tangy flavor and classic cheesy goodness. Shred it fresh for the best texture and taste.

• Cream cheese – Adds richness and makes the dip ultra creamy and spreadable.

• Mayonnaise – Traditional Southern base that blends everything smoothly.

• Diced pimentos – These mild, sweet red peppers are the star of the show and give the cheese its signature flavor and color.

• Jalapeño pepper (optional) – Adds a gentle heat for those who like a little kick.

• Garlic powder – Gives depth of flavor without overpowering the cheese.

• Cayenne pepper (optional) – For a touch of heat that balances the creamy richness.

• Onion powder – Enhances the savory profile and rounds out the flavor.

• Salt and black pepper – Season to taste and bring all the flavors together.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Southern Pimento Cheese

• Mixing bowl – You’ll need a large bowl to combine all the ingredients easily.

• Spoon or spatula – Great for mixing everything until smooth and creamy.

• Measuring spoons – For accurately adding your seasonings and spices.

• Measuring cups – To portion out the cheese, mayo, and other ingredients.

How To Make Southern Pimento Cheese

• Add the shredded Cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, drained pimentos, and minced jalapeño (if using) to a large bowl.

• Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

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• Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything until fully combined and creamy.

• Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your preference.

• Chill until ready to serve or enjoy immediately with your favorite crackers or veggies.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a dip with crackers, soft pretzels, or fresh veggies like cucumber spears and mini bell peppers.

• Spread on sausage sandwiches, turkey burgers, or lettuce wraps for a creamy, cheesy twist.

• Use as a filling for celery sticks or grilled bell peppers for an easy appetizer.

• Dollop onto fluffy baked potatoes for a rich and flavorful topping.

• Slightly warm it up and serve as a gooey cheese spread at parties.

Tips For Success

• Making the best Southern pimento cheese starts with using high-quality, flavorful ingredients. The cheese is the star of the show, so choose a bold extra-sharp Cheddar and shred it yourself from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and prevent the mixture from becoming smooth and creamy. Taking a few extra minutes to grate it fresh really makes a difference in taste and consistency.
• Soften the cream cheese before mixing to help it blend easily with the other ingredients. Cold cream cheese can be tough to mix and may leave lumps, so let it sit out at room temperature for 15–20 minutes beforehand. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds (just don’t melt it!).
• Be sure to drain the pimentos well so the spread doesn’t get watery. If you want even more control over the flavor and texture, consider buying whole or sliced pimentos and dicing them yourself. It gives you better pieces of pepper and more flavor than the pre-diced variety.
• If you love heat, don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level. You can add more jalapeño or cayenne pepper, or even stir in a splash of hot sauce or a few red pepper flakes. On the flip side, if you’re serving a crowd with milder taste preferences, simply leave out the jalapeño and cayenne altogether.
• Let the flavors blend! While this pimento cheese is ready to eat right after mixing, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. This gives the spices time to meld and the cheese to absorb all the goodness from the pimentos and seasonings.
• Finally, don’t limit yourself to just crackers. This spread is amazing in grilled cheese sandwiches, stuffed in celery sticks, spooned over burgers, or used as a dip for chips. It’s a Southern classic for a reason—it goes with just about everything!

Variations And Substitutions

• One of the best things about Southern pimento cheese is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak the ingredients to match your personal tastes or dietary needs without losing the creamy, cheesy charm of the original.
• Want it spicier? Add more jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also swap in roasted poblano or hatch chiles for a deeper, smoky heat. If you love a little crunch, finely diced pickles or green onions mix in beautifully and give it extra flavor. For a slightly sweeter twist, try adding a spoonful of sweet relish.
• If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a dairy-free cream cheese and shredded vegan Cheddar alternative. Look for ones that melt and blend well some plant-based cheeses have improved a lot in flavor and texture. Swap the mayo for a vegan version (or even mashed avocado for something totally different). Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still tasty.
• Not a fan of mayo? You can cut it down or leave it out completely. Just replace it with a little more cream cheese or add a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy finish. It’s all about adjusting until the texture and taste feel right to you.
• For different cheeses, try mixing in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a little smoked Gouda. These cheeses melt well and bring their own unique flavor profiles to the mix. A touch of Parmesan or blue cheese can also add depth if you want to get creative.
• And if you’re using this spread in different ways, you can adapt the recipe to fit. For grilled cheese, you may want to skip the jalapeños and keep it smooth. For a dip, you might thin it out slightly with a tablespoon of milk or cream. No matter how you make it, the beauty of pimento cheese is that it’s hard to mess up, just mix, taste, and enjoy!

Storage and Reheating

• Store any leftover Southern pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. The flavors continue to develop over time, so it may taste even better after a day or two in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving to freshen it up.
• Freezing is possible, but not ideal. The texture may change slightly once thawed, becoming a bit grainy or separated. If you do decide to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Stir well before using, and consider adding a spoonful of mayo or cream cheese to smooth it out again.
• This dish is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, no reheating required!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pimento cheese ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, pimento cheese tastes even better when made ahead of time. Letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving.

What can I serve with pimento cheese?

Pimento cheese is super versatile! Serve it as a dip with crackers, chips, or veggie sticks like celery and bell peppers. It also makes a delicious spread for sandwiches, burgers, or even grilled cheese. You can also add a scoop on top of baked potatoes, deviled eggs, or use it as a party appetizer.

Can I freeze pimento cheese?

Yes, but it’s not always ideal. Freezing can change the texture of the cheese and mayonnaise, making the mixture slightly grainy after thawing. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Is pimento cheese spicy?

It can be, but only if you want it to be! The jalapeño and cayenne pepper are both optional. If you like it mild, just leave them out. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the cheese and pimentos.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While extra-sharp Cheddar is traditional, you can mix in other cheeses like Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or even smoked Gouda for a twist. Just make sure the cheese you use is flavorful and shreds or melts well. A combination of cheeses can add depth and variety to your spread.

What’s the best way to shred cheese for this recipe?

Use a box grater or food processor to shred a block of Cheddar. Freshly shredded cheese gives the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the spread grainy. It’s worth the few extra minutes to shred it yourself!

Can I make this recipe without mayo?

Yes, you can adjust it based on your preference. Use more cream cheese or add a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. The texture might change slightly, but it will still be delicious. Play around until it’s just right for you.

How do I store leftover pimento cheese?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 1 week. Just give it a good stir before serving again. This makes it a great make-ahead appetizer or snack.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies if you’re avoiding gluten entirely. Always double-check labels on store-bought items like mayo or cream cheese to be safe.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is easy to scale up for a party or scale down for a small batch. Just adjust the ingredient amounts to suit your needs. The instructions stay the same no matter the size!

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