Creamy Homemade Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern recipe. Extra sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, a few seasonings and 5 minutes are all you will need for this delicious spread. Best served with crackers, celery, on a sandwich or on a burger.
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Joanna's Personal Plate
Easy Recipe: Skip the store bought and whip this up in 5 minutes. I bet you have everything on hand except for the pimentos. However, you can find pimentos in your grocery store with the jarred and canned vegetables like olives.
Quick & Easy Appetizer: Mix some homemade pimento cheese up and place on the table with crackers, veggies, pita chips, etc. You'll love how quickly this comes together making it the perfect last-minute appetizer. Don't forget about including this on big holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, New Years and game day!
*TIP Save the liquid from the jar of pimentos. You can use this to thin out the pimento cheese spread if it's too thick.
Growing up in the south, we ate a lot of pimento cheese spreads. Almost every time we went to the grocery store, we picked some up.
We ate a lot of pimento cheese sandwich's for lunch. It was sort of a staple part of our groceries.
I've had all sorts of brands, from the popular national brand, to the local store brand. I can say that my favorite store bought, if I had to actually buy it would totally be Publix brand. It's the best, hands down.
I totally prefer homemade, because you haven't had pimento cheese until it's homemade!
Ingredients needed to make Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread:
- extra sharp cheddar cheese
- cream cheese
- mayonnaise
- garlic powder
- paprika
- onion powder
- dried mustard
- diced pimentos
How do you make Pimento Cheese from scratch?
- In a mixer with a paddle attachment cream the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried mustard together until thoroughly combined.
- Pour in the shredded cheese and mix until combined.
- Add in the diced pimentos and mix until combined.
I've literally had a jar of pimentos in my pantry for about a year now. I had been meaning to make my recipe so that I could share it with y'all, but other things were getting in the way.
I would forget until late at night when the cravings would hit, and there was just no way that I was ever in the mood to take photos at 10 o'clock at night.
This is why I decided that I would put pimento cheese sandwich's on the weekly menu for dinner, and take the photos.
So, I did, and everyone has since complained every day that I need to make this every week to keep in the fridge for sandwiches and crackers.
So, that will be the plan next week when I shop for groceries...Buy the ingredients to make this to keep in the fridge, because it's perfect for lunches, and snacks!
I've even heard of people dipping celery in pimento cheese, but I've never given it a try. Have you?
Have you ever had pimento cheese? What's your favorite way to eat it? Let me tell you, a grilled pimento cheese sandwich is amazing!
Oh, and it makes an excellent burger topping!!
Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread Faq's and Tips
What are pimentos? Pimento peppers also known as cherry peppers, are even more mild than red bell peppers. You may recognize them as the little red peppers that are stuffed inside green olives.
What makes a great pimento cheese? The cheese - extra sharp - New York sharp is even better. You do not want to use pre shredded here. Take the extra time to grate it using a boxed grater.
The cream cheese sets this one apart from many other pimento and cheese recipes. It gives it the perfect creamy texture.
Mayonnaise - because it's got a slight tang that you'll appreciate in the pimento cheese.
What is the flavor of pimento cheese? Pimento cheese is a little salty, a little tangy, creamy and cheesy.
What is pimento cheese called in the south? Pimento cheese is often referred to as "southern pate" or "southern caviar." It's been a staple in the south for decades.
How long will homemade pimento cheese last in the refrigerator? Good question! It doesn't last but a couple of days in our house. However, if will keep up to two weeks, stored in an airtight container, in the fridge.
What's the best way to serve pimento cheese? I love it on butter crackers - but it's also so good on grilled cheese - on top of a hamburger - and these Spicy Pimento Cheese Chicken Cheeseballs.
Do not use pre shredded cheese for this recipe. Pre shredded cheese is coated with an anti-sticking powder which you don't want in this recipe.
Creamy Homemade Pimento Cheese
Nothing makes a sandwich better, or the perfect cracker topping, than my recipe for Creamy Homemade Pimento Cheese!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar you can not buy pre-shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard
- 4 ounces diced pimentos drained and dried
Instructions
- In a mixer with a paddle attachment cream the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried mustard together until thoroughly combined.
- Pour in the cheese, and allow to come together. Lastly pour in the diced pimentos to combine.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 215Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 272mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 8g
robin rue says
Ooooh that sounds good. I Have never had pimento cheese before, but I want to make some for myself and my hubby for our next movie night snack.
Allison says
I have always wanted to make pimento cheese! I need to make this soon for sure, our whole family loves it!
Kristina says
I've never had this before but it looks tasty! I love cheese and crackers so ill have to make this spread.
Jeanine says
This would be a great before dinner or even after school snack! Looks tasty and. Ever had this before. I'll have to try it out sometime since it's simple and easy to make!
Janel says
This sounds like a lovely cheese spread that would go good on top of crackers. I don't think I've ever had pimentos before now I'm curious to try it .
Laura says
I love pimento cheese spread, especially with bell peppers or celery! Yum! I've never made it myself but now I'll have to try!
Sona Jain says
This looks so good and so easy to make! I would definitely want to try.
Journa Ramirez says
I'm a huge fan of cheese recipes and pimento is on top of my list! Thanks for sharing this, now.. I can make my own creamy pimento cheese at home!
Amanda Love says
I never thought that pimiento would be easy to make. I think it's really nice that you shared this with us! I'm sure my kids will enjoy this.
Jessi says
I have never been a big fan of pimento cheese, but this looks really good! I might have to try it out one night. My husband likes pimento, so at least I know one of us would love it. This really looks better than what I have tried from the store though.
Ana De- Jesus says
I love pimento olives but I have to confess I have never tried pimento cheese before. It does look delicious and I can imagine it being tasty in a salad as well as crackers like you have demonstrated here x
Jenny says
This is a great recipe. It sounds simple enough, so I'm going to try it.
Cindy Ingalls says
I always thought pimento cheese was not the tastiest. Then I saw a show on the Cooking Channel where they made it from scratch and I knew I had to try it. Can't wait to whip up some using your recipe.
Jean says
I'm afraid to say I've never had pimento cheese, but it looks great! I would definitiely like to give your recipe a go and see if I like it. Homemade is always the best.
Nikki says
I am all about the cheesy goodness. This recipe sounds super easy to make! Perfect for a tasty dip for all those upcoming summer BBQ parties, or just as a tasty snack while I'm binging on Netflix!
Jalisa says
Oh yum. Definitely something different to serve during any holiday.
katriza says
My kids love anything with cheese in it so this would be a nice snack for them! can't wait to try it!
Heather says
This looks yummy and pretty easy to make. I bet my daughters would love it with veggies.
anne says
when i saw the photo, i know my mom will love this as she is into cheese and pimiento! Thank you for sharing this recipe! I will definitely try this over the weekend
katrina gehman says
those look really good. i'm having a little party next week. this may be a great addition to the menu.
Nikki says
I love cheese, but never have like store bought pimento which is weird bc I love olives with pimentos. I think that whatever the store uses that makes it processed why I don't like it, so I should def try to make my own at home.
HilLesha O'Nan says
How gosh! My mom would love this recipe, especially since she loves pimento cheese sandwiches. I'll have to share the link to your recipe with her!
daniella says
This homemade pimento cheese looks 100 times better than the stuff you see at the store. This is a must try.
krystal says
Mmmmm YES please! What a fun way to have a delicious dish at a party. I've never made my own before.