Pimento Cheese Spread

Pimento Cheese Spread is a classic Southern appetizer made with sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and flavorful seasonings.

Rich, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, this versatile spread is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, vegetables, burgers, or party platters. Whether served at picnics, game days, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers, homemade pimento cheese is always a crowd favorite.

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Prep Time
10 mins

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Cook Time
0 mins

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Servings
8 people

Why You Love This Recipe

Rich & Creamy
Rich, creamy, and full of sharp cheddar flavor.

Quick & Easy
Quick and easy to make.

No Cooking Required
No cooking required.

Perfect for Parties
Perfect for parties and snacks.

Versatile
Great as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling.

Make-Ahead Friendly
Make-ahead friendly.

Easy to Customize
Easy to customize with extra spice or different cheeses.

Tools and Preparation

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Box grater
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Box Grater
Freshly grated cheese creates the best texture.

Rubber Spatula
Mixes the spread without overworking it.

Mixing Bowl
Gives enough room to combine everything evenly.

Sharp Knife
Finely chops any additional mix-ins.

Ingredients

For the Pimento Cheese:
2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup mayonnaise
1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:
Chopped jalapeños
Hot sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Chopped green onions
Crumbled bacon
Pepper jack cheese

For Serving:
Crackers
Toasted baguette slices
Celery sticks
Carrot sticks
Pretzels
Sandwich bread

Steps To Create Recipe

1. PREPARE THE CHEESE
Shred the cheddar cheese from a block for the best flavor and texture. Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature.

2. MIX THE BASE
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

3. ADD THE CHEESE AND PIMENTOS
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and drained pimentos. Stir until evenly combined.

4. CHILL
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

5. SERVE
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra pimentos, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

How to Serve

Pimento Cheese Spread pairs perfectly with:

Crackers
Classic crunchy dipper.

Crostini
Toasted and crisp.

Celery Sticks
Fresh and crunchy.

Carrot Sticks
Sweet and crisp.

Pretzels
Salty and crunchy.

Potato Chips
Also great with burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, deviled eggs, and fresh cucumber slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pre-Shredded Cheese
Using pre-shredded cheese.

Skipping Chill Time
Skipping the chilling time.

Not Draining Pimentos
Not draining the pimentos well.

Overmixing
Overmixing the spread.

Too Much Mayonnaise
Adding too much mayonnaise.

Cold Cream Cheese
Using cold cream cheese that won't blend smoothly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy after thawing.

Make-Ahead Tip: Pimento cheese tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use another cheese?
A: Yes. Sharp cheddar is traditional, but white cheddar, pepper jack, or a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend also work well.

Q: Is pimento cheese spicy?
A: Not usually. Add cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce if you want more heat.

Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: You can substitute part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Q: Why is my spread oily?
A: Using freshly grated cheese and not overmixing helps maintain a creamy texture.

Q: What are pimentos?
A: Pimentos are sweet red peppers that add color and mild sweetness to the spread.

Final Thoughts

Pimento Cheese Spread is a timeless Southern favorite that's creamy, tangy, and incredibly versatile. Whether served as a party dip, sandwich spread, burger topping, or snack with crackers and vegetables, this homemade version delivers far more flavor than anything from the store. Keep a batch in the refrigerator and you'll always have an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer ready to go.