Introduction

Southern Pimento Cheese is a creamy, tangy spread loved across the South. Made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and zesty pimentos, it’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a flavorful dip.

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, light orange cheese spread mixed with small red pepper pieces sits in the center of a white wooden board. Around the bowl, there are bright orange carrot sticks on the bottom left, and green celery sticks behind them at the top. Beige round crackers surround the bowl on the right and left sides, with a few square whole-grain crackers lined up at the bottom right of the board. A knife with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl, its metal part covered in the cheese spread. The scene is on a white marbled surface, with a small piece of cheese spread on a celery stick and a visible striped blue cloth on the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 jar (4 ounce) diced pimento, drained
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Step 2: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and diced pimentos to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper if desired.
Step 4: Cover and chill the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother texture, finely shred the cheddar cheese or pulse it in a food processor before mixing.
Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.
Use homemade roasted red peppers instead of jarred pimentos for a fresher taste.
Serve with celery sticks, crackers, or as a sandwich filling for a classic Southern treat.

Storage

Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if separation occurs. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A white plate with three round golden crackers and one square cracker, all topped with a creamy spread that is pale orange with visible red bits mixed in. On the left side of the plate, there are two celery sticks and one carrot stick, one celery stick also has some of the same spread on its end. To the right of the plate, a knife with a wooden handle has a thick dollop of the spread on its blade. In the background, a clear glass bowl filled with the spread is partially visible in the top left corner and a broken piece of cracker lies near the top right, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pimento cheese ahead of time?

Yes, pimento cheese benefits from resting in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld, making it a great make-ahead snack or appetizer.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream, but note the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 130 reviews

This Southern Pimento Cheese is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy spread combining sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and diced pimentos. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a flavorful dip, it’s a classic Southern staple that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients and no cooking required.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups (enough to serve 6–8 as a spread) 1x
Category: Spread
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Mix-ins

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 jar (4 ounce) diced pimento, drained

Seasonings

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Beat cream cheese: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, creating a perfect base for your pimento cheese spread.
Add remaining ingredients: To the whipped cream cheese, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and drained diced pimentos. Continue mixing with the hand mixer until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.
Season to taste: Taste the mixture and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference. For extra heat, add a little more cayenne pepper and mix well.
Chill: Transfer the pimento cheese mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up slightly for easier spreading.

Notes

Use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a robust, tangy flavor that is characteristic of Southern pimento cheese.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother texture.
You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness according to your taste preferences.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days for optimal freshness.
Pimento cheese can be served as a sandwich spread, dip with crackers or vegetables, or as a topping for burgers and grilled dishes.

Keywords: Southern Pimento Cheese, Pimento Cheese Spread, Cheese Spread, Southern Recipe, Pimento Cheese Dip, No Cook Spread