This pimento cheese recipe creates the perfect creamy, tangy Southern spread that’s ready in just 10 minutes. Known as “Southern pâté,” this classic dip combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and mild pimento peppers for an irresistible flavor.
What Makes This Recipe Special
I’ve been making pimento cheese for years, and this recipe hits all the right notes. The combination of extra-sharp cheddar and cream cheese creates the perfect texture. The pimento peppers add a subtle sweetness and that signature red color that makes this dip so appealing.
Most store-bought versions pale in comparison to homemade. When you make it yourself, you control the quality and avoid unnecessary preservatives.
Understanding Pimento Peppers
Pimento peppers are small, sweet red peppers with zero heat. You might recognize them as the red strips inside green olives. They’re milder than bell peppers and add a gentle pepper flavor without any spice.
If you can’t find pimento peppers, roasted red peppers work perfectly as a substitute. Just chop them finely and use the same amount.
Essential Ingredients
- Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, freshly grated) Always grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and create a grainy texture.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened) This makes the spread creamy and adds tangy flavor. Room temperature cream cheese mixes easily without lumps.
- Pimento Peppers (4 ounces, drained) Drain these well and chop any large pieces. The liquid can make your spread too thin.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) Use quality mayonnaise. Duke’s is traditional in the South, but any good brand works.
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 jalapeño, minced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients. Grate the cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater. Cut cream cheese into small cubes and let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Combine Everything. In a large mixing bowl, add the grated cheddar, cream cheese cubes, drained pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and all seasonings.
- Mix Until Smooth. Use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to beat everything together. The mixture should be well combined but still have some texture. Don’t use a food processor, as it will make the spread too smooth.
- Taste and Adjust. Add salt, pepper, or cayenne to taste. The flavor should be balanced between cheesy, tangy, and mildly spicy.
- Chill and Serve. Transfer to a serving bowl. You can serve immediately or chill for up to one week. Cold pimento cheese firms up, so let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Cheese Temperature Matters If you forget to soften cream cheese, cube it and microwave for 15-30 seconds. It should be pliable but not melted.
- Don’t Over-Mix Stop mixing once everything combines. Over-mixing creates a gummy texture.
- Drain Well Pat pimento peppers dry with paper towels. Extra moisture makes the spread runny.
- Adjust Heat Level Start with less cayenne and jalapeño. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Sandwiches Spread between white bread for traditional tea sandwiches. Or make a grilled pimento cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food.
As a Dip Serve with crackers, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips. The creamy texture makes it perfect for dipping.
Creative Uses
- Stuff into jalapeño poppers
- Melt over baked potatoes
- Add to mac and cheese
- Use as a burger topping
Storage Tips
Pimento cheese keeps in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything melds together.
For best texture, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften to the perfect spreading consistency.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe balances all the classic elements perfectly. The extra-sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while cream cheese adds richness. The pimento peppers contribute sweetness and color without overwhelming the cheese.
The optional spices add complexity without masking the main flavors. Many recipes go overboard with seasonings, but this one lets the cheese shine.
Final Thoughts
Making pimento cheese from scratch takes just 10 minutes but delivers restaurant-quality results. This Southern classic brings people together whether served at game day parties or quiet family dinners.
The key is using quality ingredients and not overthinking the process. Once you try homemade pimento cheese, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions.
Try this recipe at your next gathering and watch it disappear. The creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors create the perfect Southern comfort food that everyone loves.
Best Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Grate the cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater. Cut cream cheese into small cubes and let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the grated cheddar, cream cheese cubes, drained pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and all seasonings.
- Mix Until Smooth: Use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to beat everything together. The mixture should be well combined but still have some texture. Don’t use a food processor, as it will make the spread too smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Add salt, pepper, or cayenne to taste. The flavor should be balanced between cheesy, tangy, and mildly spicy.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl. You can serve immediately or chill for up to one week. Cold pimento cheese firms up, so let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.