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This Homemade Pimento Cheese recipe is always in our fridge at home. It’s a family recipe that’s been passed down through generations and only gets better with time! Whether you enjoy it for lunch, as a snack, or serve it when entertaining, it’s a spread that everyone loves and is easy to make in about 5 minutes. Serve it on a sandwich, toast, with crackers, or veggies, and I guarantee there will be no leftovers!
Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Made this over the weekend and it was SO GOOD!! Making it again for my mom’s birthday party this weekend! Thanks for the great recipe!”
— Michaela
Now, if you’ve never had pimento cheese before, you’re in for the best snack in my family’s opinion! It’s made with shredded cheddar, mayo, cream cheese or sour cream, pimentos, and spices. Every true Southerner has their own way of making pimento cheese, but I’m a fan of my family’s version most!
There was always a tub of this cheese spread in the fridge during the week when I was growing up, it’s the perfect little bite when you’re hungry. Don’t forget to put it out as an appetizer for your next party, I guarantee the compliments will be flowing!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- An appetizer or snack fit for any occasion. I’m not kidding when I say this is always in our fridge every week! It’s perfect to make a big batch on Sundays to enjoy.
- Customize with other flavors. You can easily put your twist on this pimento cheese spread with spices, herbs, and even jalapenos for heat!
- Versatile for serving. In the South, we put this on everything – cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, toast, or just buttery Ritz crackers.
Ingredients
- Sharp Yellow or White Cheddar: Use your favorite brand here, and buy the blocks; you will definitely want to grate this yourself.
- Mayo: The creamy ingredient that makes this into a spread or dip consistency.
- Sour Cream: My secret ingredient adds more creaminess and a hint of tang to balance out the cheese.
- Pimentos: The sweet peppers found in pimento cheese that are also a little bit zesty thanks to the brine they are packed in. They pair perfectly with the sharp cheddar.
- Lemon: A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all of the ingredients.
- Cayenne Pepper: Add a pinch for spice! Or omit if you prefer mild.
- Garlic Powder: I love a touch of garlic flavor, because who doesn’t love garlic?! You can use grated fresh garlic, too.
How To Make Pimento Cheese
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Shred the Cheese
Freshly shred an 8-ounce block of sharp cheddar cheese.
If you’d like, you can mix cheeses. I like a mixture of white and yellow sharp cheddar cheese.
Step 2 | Combine the Ingredients
Add mayo, sour cream, pimentos, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
Combine by hand or with an electric mixer for a smoother texture.
Step 3 | Refrigerate & Serve
Stir and refrigerate at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.
Expert Tips
- Grate the cheese from the block. Avoid the pre-shredded cheese at all costs! It has an anti-caking powder on it that will make your pimento cheese gritty.
- For best flavor and texture, chill before serving. I like to chill mine for at least 30 minutes to help develop the flavors. Most of the time, I make it early in the day or the night before.
- Use an electric mixer for a smoother texture. Everyone likes the texture of their pimento cheese differently. If you like it smooth, the electric mixer or food processor does the trick every time.
- If you want to substitute the sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great healthy alternative.
- Always squeeze the lemon juice fresh. Don’t use the pre-bottled juice; fresh has the cleanest and most vibrant flavor!
- Drain the pimentos well before adding. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess brine so your pimento cheese isn’t runny.
Variations
- Make it spicy. Add chopped fresh or pickled jalapenos for more heat!
- Add fresh herbs. If you are an herb-lover, stir in chopped scallions, parsley, cilantro, or even chives.
- Try cajun-style pimento cheese. Add a few pinches of cajun seasoning to transform the flavor!
- Made it smoky. Stir in smoked paprika for even more depth of flavor.
What to Serve With Pimento Cheese Spread
There are so many options, here are some favorites for the ultimate Southern meal:
- Fried Pork Chops
- Collard Greens
- Baby Lima Beans
- Black-Eyed Peas
- Southern-Style Green Beans
- Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole
- Oven Fried Panko Crusted Chicken Drumsticks
If you are looking for options for a Southern tea party or the Masters golf game-day spread, try my egg salad sandwich recipe.
Storage
If you have leftovers after a party, you’re in luck! There are never any at our house. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
When it comes to freezing, I don’t recommend it, since it will change the texture of the spread once it thaws.
You can make this pimento cheese a day in advance before hosting or for meal prep during a busy week. The flavor gets better and better with time!
Recipe FAQs
It’s a classic Southern recipe made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sometimes sour cream or cream cheese, and pimentos.
It depends on your recipe! I’ve heard of all the different options like garlic salt, pickled jalapeno juice, grated onion, Worcestershire, and even BBQ sauce! My recipe has a little sour cream, lemon juice, a hint of cayenne, and garlic powder – chef’s kiss.
Yes, they are a type of sweet red pepper, but not a classic red bell pepper. The jarred version in pimento cheese are roasted, peeled, and then placed in a jar with a brine.
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Homemade Pimento Cheese
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese - freshly shredded – yellow or white I like to use a combination
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise - I use Duke's
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 tablespoons diced pimentos
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper - (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder - (or to taste)
Instructions
- Freshly shred an 8 ounce block of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Add mayo, sour cream, pimentos, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and garlic powder. Combine by hand or with electric mixer for a smoother texture.
- Stir and refrigerate at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.
Notes
- Grate the cheese from the block. Avoid the pre-shredded cheese at all costs! It has an anti-caking powder on it that will make your pimento cheese gritty.
- For best flavor and texture, chill before serving. I like to chill mine for at least 30 minutes to help develop the flavors. Most of the time, I make it early in the day or the night before.
- Use an electric mixer for a smoother texture. Everyone likes the texture of their pimento cheese differently. If you like it smooth, the electric mixer or food processor does the trick every time.
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This is so delicious!!
Thank you, Julie! I am so glad you love it!
If I could give this Pimento Cheese more than 5 stars, I would! As a Southern girl, I love, love, love me some Pimento Cheese, and this recipe is perfectly creamy with a hint of spice.
One of my top 5 favorite foods!!! I could LIVE off this stuff!
Thank you Brandi! I could live on it too!
Made this over the weekend and it was SO GOOD!! Making it again for my mom’s birthday party this weekend! Thanks for the great recipe!
Thank you Michaela! I hope your mom enjoyed it for her birthday!
Love the sour cream in this recipe. It gives it such a great tang – super tasty!
We grew up eating pimento cheese and my mother loves it. I made her a batch of your recipe and she loved it. I don’t think I can visit her until I make her some more!
Pimento cheese is the bomb and I love putting it on burgers and especially grilled cheese sandwiches!
I LOVE Pimento Cheese and this homemade version looks and sounds out of this world!
Oh my word, easy, authentic and you can pronounce everything you put in it! Love this recipe!
Such a perfect recipe. My guests loved it when I served it this weekend at our happy hour! And it was easy for me to make!
Thank you for sharing with friends! That’s the best compliment for any recipe!