Easy Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe: A Southern Classic

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of homemade pimento cheese! This simple, 5-ingredient recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, delivering a burst of Southern flavor that’s impossible to resist. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, smooth cream cheese, and sweet pimento peppers, it’s the ultimate Southern-inspired dip and spread. Whether you’re serving it with crackers, spreading it on sandwiches, or adding it to deviled eggs, this pimento cheese recipe will elevate any dish.

Table of Contents

• Essential Ingredients for Pimento Cheese
• How to Make Pimento Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Creative Ways to Serve Pimento Cheese
• Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• More Delicious Party Snacks
• Pimento Cheese Recipe Card

Pimento cheese dip at Hillstone (also known as the Dip Duo) is a favorite restaurant appetizer. This homemade pimento cheese is creamy, tangy, and loaded with sharp cheddar and sweet pimento peppers. It’s far superior to any store-bought version.

This easy pimento cheese recipe initially appeared in my cookbook, The Secret Ingredient Cookbook. Since then, I’ve made a slight improvement: a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also endlessly versatile, easy to prepare in advance, and incredibly quick to make.

Essential Ingredients for Pimento Cheese

The beauty of pimento cheese lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients (plus salt and pepper), but each component plays a vital role. This classic recipe focuses on bold, cheesy flavor, skipping extras like garlic powder, hot sauce, and onion.

High-quality sharp cheddar cheese is key. For the best results, shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can dull the flavor and create a grainy texture. Freshly shredded cheese ensures a smooth and creamy dip.

• Cream Cheese: Use block-style, full-fat cream cheese. Allow it to reach room temperature for easy mixing. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture, essential for the perfect pimento cheese.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese is a must! Use a box grater for best results. Cracker Barrel or Tillamook offer excellent flavor at a reasonable price. The sharpness of the cheddar is what gives pimento cheese its signature tang.
• Mayonnaise: Classic pimento cheese recipes include mayonnaise for richness and smoothness. Duke’s is a popular Southern choice, but any full-fat mayonnaise works well. Avoid reduced-fat versions, as they lack the same creaminess and can affect the overall texture.
• Pimento Peppers: These mild, sweet red peppers provide the dip with its characteristic flavor and vibrant color. Find small jars of diced pimentos in the pickle or condiment aisle, typically near olives or roasted red peppers. Drain them thoroughly to prevent a watery dip. Roasted red peppers (patted dry) make an excellent substitute if you cannot find pimentos.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret ingredient! It adds a savory, umami-rich base note that transforms the cheese dip from good to irresistible. While you won’t taste it directly, its absence would be noticeable.

See the recipe card for complete details on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Pimento Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

This easy recipe requires just one bowl, a spoon, and 10 minutes of your time. No food processor, no stovetop, no complicated steps. Mix the ingredients with a spoon or rubber spatula to maintain a bit of texture. Alternatively, a hand mixer works perfectly for a smoother consistency. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and improve over time!

1. Shred the Cheddar: Start by grating your sharp cheddar cheese. This ensures the best flavor and texture.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy mixture.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, drained pimentos, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Mix Well: Use a spoon, spatula, or hand mixer to thoroughly combine all ingredients until well blended. Avoid overmixing if you prefer a chunkier texture.
5. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cheddar cheese already contains salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
6. Chill (Optional): While you can serve the pimento cheese immediately, chilling it for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

Creative Ways to Serve Pimento Cheese

Whether you choose to dip, scoop, or spread, one thing is certain: once you experience homemade pimento cheese, you’ll never revert to store-bought versions. Here are several favorite methods for enjoying this creamy, cheesy pimento spread:

• Classic Dip: Serve it as a traditional cheese dip alongside crackers or sliced fresh vegetables. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers make excellent dipping options.
• Burger Topping: Slather it generously on burgers for an extra layer of creamy, cheesy goodness. Consider adding crispy bacon and a slice of tomato for the perfect pimento cheeseburger.
• Sandwich Spread: Use it as a spread for wraps or sandwiches. Try my pimento cheese BLT for a truly Southern-inspired lunch.
• Quesadillas and Grilled Cheese: Spread it inside quesadillas or elevate your grilled cheese. For a quick and delicious option, try my air fryer grilled cheese.
• Jalapeño Poppers: Stuff jalapeño poppers with pimento cheese for a spicy, cheesy appetizer that’s sure to impress.
• Deviled Eggs: Mix it into deviled eggs for a Southern twist on a classic recipe. It adds a creamy texture and a burst of cheesy flavor.
• Chicken Salad: Stir it into chicken salad to add a creamy, cheesy element that elevates this classic dish.
• Corn on the Cob: Slather it on corn on the cob for a unique and flavorful twist.
• Pinwheel Sandwiches: Perfect for parties and gatherings, pimento cheese adds a creamy, savory filling to pinwheel sandwiches.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Pimento cheese is a recipe that improves with time. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious blend. For the best spreadable consistency, remove it from the refrigerator about 15 to 20 minutes before serving, especially when using it on burgers or sandwiches.

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the pimento cheese up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time when preparing for a party or gathering.
• Storage: It keeps well for 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Stir before serving to restore the texture, as it may thicken slightly upon refrigeration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this pimento cheese dip spicier?

Absolutely! For a little heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.

Can I use whipped cream cheese instead of block cream cheese?

It’s not recommended. Whipped cream cheese contains added air and less body, which can affect the texture and consistency of the pimento cheese. Stick with full-fat block cream cheese for the best results.

More Delicious Party Snacks

Looking for more delicious party snacks? Try these popular recipes:

• Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip
• Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
• Easy Taco Salad Cups
• 7 Layer Dip
• Cheeseburger Sliders
• Beer-Battered Onion Rings

Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to receive new recipes, meal plans, and a newsletter directly in your inbox! Stay connected on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.

Appetizer

Pimento Cheese Recipe

This creamy, tangy pimento cheese is made with just 5 simple ingredients and comes together in 10 minutes. It’s rich, spreadable and packed with bold cheddar flavor. Serve it as a dip, sandwich spread, burger topping and more!

Author: Kelly Senyei

5 from 5 votes