Homemade Pimento Cheese is a creamy, zesty spread made with freshly grated cheese and pimentos. It comes together in just a few minutes for an amazing spread that you'll want to put on everything!
Homemade Pimento Cheese
It seems there's a territory battle in the realms of pimento cheese. The Southerners claim it's a Southern dish, but it's also a total Midwestern staple.
No matter where it came from, what I DO know is that it's delicious.
If you're unfamiliar with pimento cheese, it's a cheese spread that is flavored with pimentos. Pretty simple. It's usually used as a dip, spread, or on sandwiches. (My first experience with pimento cheese was on a grilled pimento cheese, ham, and pickle sandwich. Delish!)
This homemade pimento cheese is creamy and zesty with a little help from freshly grated sharp cheddar, garlic, red pepper flakes, and of course, pimentos. You'll want to put it on everything!
Can I Use Packaged Pre-Shredded Cheese?
You can use pre-shredded cheese to make homemade pimento. It will still kind of come out the same.
However, pre-shredded cheeses are coated in starch (usually potato starch) to prevent sticking, which is why I really recommend using freshly grated cheese for this recipe. None of the extras, just yummy cheesy flavor.
What to Serve with Homemade Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is classically served as a cracker spread. Club crackers or butter crackers work great for this.
You can also make a delicious gooey grilled cheese using pimento cheese, or check out these ham and pimento cheese sliders.
Pimento cheese can also be added to simple recipes to add some extra cheesy goodness. Try stuffing a chicken breast with pimento cheese, or topping a burger.
If you're looking for keto and low carb options, you can absolutely use pimento cheese as a veggie dip for carrots, celery, cucumber slices, radish slices, or chopped broccoli and cauliflower. You can also opt for cheese whisps or pork rinds.
More Pimento Cheese Flavor Ideas
Classic homemade pimento cheese is delicious. If you want to add a little something extra or new to enhance the flavor, here are some yummy ideas:
- Jalapenos. Seed and chop for a mild pepper flavor. Leave some seeds for a spicier kick.
- Garlic. Try 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced, or an extra ½ teaspoon garlic powder for extra zesty garlicky flavor.
- Horseradish. Works nicely if you just add ½ teaspoon to give it a little extra flavor without being too over-powering.
- Bacon. Because, of course, bacon makes everything better, and bacon and cheese is basically heaven.
- Onions. Finely mince 1-2 tablespoons sweet onion.
More Recipes You'll Love
- Pimento Cheese Sliders - slider appetizers with sweet ham and pimento cheese
- Ranch Cheddar Beer Dip - classic dip flavors that are enhanced with a little beer to give it a truly unique flavor
- BLT Dip - just like the favorite sandwich, but in a dip!
- Cheddar Bacon Garlic Dip - easy and so flavorful with crispy bacon and zesty garlic.
- Authentic Creamy Guacamole - fresh, zesty, and healthy dip that's super easy to make.
Homemade Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounces mild cheddar freshly grated (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar freshly grated (about 2 cups)
- 3 tablespoons mayo
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup diced pimentos (drained before measuring)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, mayo, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder using an electric mixer or food processor.
- Fold in pimentos.
- Transfer to a container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This recipe is keto, low carb, and gluten free!
- Use a good quality mayo. I personally like Duke's. No matter your mayo preference, do not use Miracle Whip for this recipe. It will completely alter the flavor.
- Use high quality, freshly grated cheese. Since cheese is one of the primary ingredients and a flavor that will definitely be coming through, buy the good stuff for the best flavor!
- You can use a spoon (or electric mixer like my video!) to mix everything together instead of a food processor. The texture will be a little different with each of these methods. The food processor will make the smoothest spread, while a spoon will leave the most chunky texture.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for a little extra spice. Tabasco is great for this because it adds a lot of heat without altering the flavor too much.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to marry.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
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Toni Dash says
I love how easy this is to make! Homemade is really the best!
Jenn says
I love pimento cheese but have always thought it was too complicated to make. Your recipe makes it seem so easy, and I love that it's keto! I can't wait to make this!
Priya Lakshminarayan says
That looks droolworthy! Would love to serve them for our Thanksgiving party! Saving it
Dannii says
This looks amazing. Perfect for when we can have guests over again.
Angela says
My mom loves pimento cheese. I didn't know it was so easy to make. She will love this.
Jacqueline Piper says
This looks fantastic, I've never had pimento cheese before but I'm going to have to try it now - loving the idea of the grilled cheese sandwich with it!
Rebecca says
I never would have guessed pimento cheese would be so easy! this looks delicious
Shelley says
I have such a serious weakness for Pimento Cheese - how awesome to find this super-easy recipe to make my own. And oh my goodness - that recipe for Pimento Cheese Sliders?!? Brilliant!!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
Since I'm from the South, I'll proudly claim Pimento cheese as a Southern dish. That said, my midwestern husband can easily mow through an entire jar. I'm going to surprise him with your recipe!
Angela says
So easy to make and tastes delicious!
Emily says
We love cheese in our house! Thank you for this easy to follow and delicious recipe. I can't wait to share it!
Vicky says
We recently moved down south and I was introduced to pimento cheese. Do you know I had no idea pimentos were peppers until I read your post. I had no idea what went into pimento cheese. Can't wait to try and make my own.
Art says
I absolutely love homemade pimento cheese! This is the perfect appetizer dip that we will enjoy on many occasions.
Sarah James says
Your Homemade Pimento Cheese looks delicious. I love how easy it is to make and looking forward to trying some in a toasted sandwich.
Kate says
Such a great dip or sandwich spread, and so easy to make - a winner!
Gloria Duggan says
Patio parties are just around the corner. This recipe will be perfect. Easy to make and easy to eat. My guests will love it.
Emily Flint says
I never knew it was so easy to make my one pimento cheese! This was a hit at my party.
Toni says
This has been one of our favorite snacks!! Perfect for my kids!
Toni says
This has been one of our favorites!!
FM says
I love pimento cheese, but have not had any for about 10 years. I’m from the Midwest and grew up eating pimento cheese sandwiches. We also would put it on saltine crackers (aka soda crackers greeting up).
I’m going to try this recipe and see if I can make it dairy free. I have always been a little bit irritated by dairy, but after 50 I had to give it up.
Thank you for the recipe