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Creamy Pimento Cheese

Featured in Start the Party: Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

This rich Southern-style pimento cheese blends cheddar, cream cheese, and pimentos into the ultimate dip. Spice it up with cayenne or keep it mild—it’s up to you!

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Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:36:19 GMT
A bowl of creamy orange cheese with red pepper chunks mixed in. Pin it
A bowl of creamy orange cheese with red pepper chunks mixed in. | linacooks.com

Irresistible Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

One bite of this pimento cheese takes me straight to my grandma's southern kitchen. There's something truly magical about the mix of bold cheddar cheese and those bright red pimento peppers. I always make extra to keep in my fridge - it's perfect for snacking anytime or when friends drop by unexpectedly.

What Makes This Pimento Cheese So Special

This pimento cheese hits every flavor note you want - it's rich, tangy and has just enough kick to wake up your taste buds. You can throw it together with basic ingredients in just minutes. Put it on crackers, stuff it in sandwiches, or pair it with veggie sticks - I've never seen leftovers no matter where I serve it.

Your Shopping List

  • Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Skip the packaged stuff and shred it yourself for the best flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: This gives everything that irresistible smoothness.
  • Pimento Peppers: The star ingredient that creates that signature taste.
  • Mayonnaise: I can't recommend Duke's or Sir Kensington's enough for this.
  • Seasonings: My special spice combo takes this spread to another level.

Creating Your Cheese Spread

Time To Chill
Let it rest overnight if you can - the flavors get so much better.
Taste Test
Sample and tweak those seasonings until it's exactly how you want it.
Blend Together
Mix until everything's perfectly combined into a spreadable texture.
Gather Everything
Dump all your ingredients into a bowl ready for mixing.

My Personal Tips

Don't ever use pre-shredded cheese - it just won't come out right. Can't track down pimentos? Just chop up some roasted red peppers instead. Want more heat? Throw in extra cayenne or some fresh jalapeño bits. Everyone loves this on crackers but try melting it in a grilled cheese sandwich - it's a game-changer.

A glass container with smooth cheese spread dotted with bright red peppers and topped with fresh herbs. Pin it
A glass container with smooth cheese spread dotted with bright red peppers and topped with fresh herbs. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s better about freshly grated cheese?

Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and doesn’t have the additives found in store-bought shredded options.

→ Any alternatives to pimentos?

Sure, roasted red peppers are a great swap and taste very similar.

→ How long can it last in the fridge?

It stays good for up to a week. Let it warm up a little before serving for easy spreading.

→ Why does it turn stiff after chilling?

Cold temperatures firm up the cheese. Letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes makes it soft again.

→ How do I make it less spicy?

Skip the cayenne and jalapeño, and it’ll have a gentle, mild taste.

Pimento Cheese

A tangy, rich Southern dip made with cheddar, cream cheese, and pimentos. Spread it, scoop it, or slather it on your favorite snacks.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Southern USA

Yield: 8 Servings (Makes 2 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 ounces pimento peppers, chopped after draining.
02 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp Cheddar.
03 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened and cut into chunks.
04 2 tablespoons of mayo.
05 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
06 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
07 1/2 minced jalapeño, optional.
08 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for a spicy kick.
09 Salt as needed.
10 Some fresh black pepper to your liking.

Instructions

Step 01

Sprinkle salt and grind black pepper, then tweak seasoning as needed.

Step 02

If you're adding jalapeño, toss it in now.

Step 03

Blend everything using a mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 04

Stir in cayenne, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 05

In a big bowl, mix shredded cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, and mayo.

Step 06

Scoop into a serving bowl or dish.

Step 07

Enjoy right away or store in the fridge to chill.

Notes

  1. If refrigerated, let it soften for 30 minutes before serving.
  2. It lasts up to 1 week when kept cold.
  3. Roasted red peppers can replace pimentos if needed.
  4. For a milder taste, skip the cayenne and jalapeño.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixer of any type, stand or hand.
  • One large bowl for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese).
  • Includes eggs (from mayo).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 245
  • Total Fat: 22.1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3.5 g
  • Protein: 8.4 g