Homemade Pimento Cheese

A hand picking up a cracker with pimento cheese spread on top from a tray with crackers and veggies.

5 from 23 votes

This Homemade Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern appetizer or snack made with less than 10 ingredients. It's a recipe I grew up with and make all the time using pantry staples. I always like to note that this spread will be gone in minutes at any occasion, so make a double batch!

Author: Nikki Lee

Servings: 12 servings

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

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

I usually double this recipe when serving for a party.

You can switch up the cheeses in this if you like. I love a mixture of sharp yellow and white. When I triple or quadruple for a really big crowd, I will use a block each of yellow, white, pepper jack, and colby jack.

Spice it Up: Add in diced jalapenos, green chiles, or extra red pepper flakes to taste.

RECIPE 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.

Nutrition

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