Pimento Cheese (10 Minute Prep!)

Name: Pimento Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 8 oz. block cream cheese, (softened); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1/2 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese ((go extra sharp if you can)); 1 4 oz. jar diced pimentos, drained; 1-2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos, well drained; Green onions ((optional))

This Pimento Cheese recipe is the 10-minute prep, luxuriously creamy, cheesy, tangy, and as-spicy-as-you-like dip or spread that you’re going to want to serve with everything!

Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern cheddar cheese and pimento pepper dip or spread that’s a must-make for game-day, holidays, get-togethers, or just to enjoy every day! It’s luxuriously creamy, cheesy, tangy, and as-spicy-as-you-like and so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients in less than 10 minutes. This homemade Pimento Cheese recipe is guaranteed to knock the socks off of any store-bought version and is incredible versatile: use it as a spread on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, etc. as a dip for vegetables, crackers, chips, or in stuffed chicken breasts, potatoes, quesadillas and more! It also earns major points because it’s make-ahead friendly and tastes even better the next day for an outrageously delicious, stress-free, crowd pleaser.

Dips are always a party favorite! Don’t miss these popular recipes: Jalapeno Popper Dip, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Hot Crab Dip, French Onion Dip and, of course, this new Homemade Pimento Cheese Dip.

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How to Make pimento cheese Video

up close of pimento cheese recipe showing how rich and creamy it is

What is pimento cheese?

What is it? Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern spread or dip, also affectionately referred to as “pâté du Sud,” Southern pâté, or “the caviar of the South,” but at our house, we just call so good. It is primarily served as a dip with crackers or vegetables, or as a spread for sandwiches, but it can also be used to flavor deviled eggs, grits, pasta, potatoes and more.

What is it made of? In its most essential form, Pimento Cheese is made with cheddar cheese, pimento peppers and mayonnaise. Depending on the region, it may also include cream cheese, jalapeno peppers, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, dill pickles, garlic and/or onion.

What does it taste like? Pimento Cheese tastes like a rich and creamy sharp cheddar cheese dip/spread with a subtle sweetness and tanginess from the pimentos. We also like it spicy at our house, jalapenos elevate it to a whole new level!

What are Pimento Peppers?

What do they look like? The star of every recipe for Pimento Cheese is the pimento peppers (also spelled pimiento), or cherry peppers. These peppers are small, heart-shaped sweet red peppers that are typically 3-4 inches long and 2-3 inches wide.

What do they taste like? Pimento peppers are a little peppery but incredibly mild, registering between 100 and 500 heat units on the Scoville scale, making them one of the mildest of all the chili peppers (the jalapeno is 40 times hotter). You can think of them as a tangier, sweeter, more aromatic red bell pepper. Pimientos are also responsible for the signature reddish hue of Pimento Cheese.

What are they used for? You might recognize pimiento peppers as the little red peppers from “pimento stuffed olives,” or dried and ground with other spices to make paprika. They can be stuffed like mini bell peppers or used in soups, pasta, risotto grains etc., or anywhere you would use a red bell pepper. They are especially tasty in Southwest and Mexican fare such as in chilis, tacos, beans and rice.

showing how to serve pimento cheese recipe adding to a platter with cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, cauliflower and crackers

WHY YOU’LL LOVE this recipe

10-minute prep. It really is that easy!
Pantry friendly. Keep some jarred pimentos stocked, and you can make this homemade recipe at a moment’s notice.
It’s rich yet light. This recipe combines cream cheese, Greek yogurt/sour cream and mayonnaise for not only hypnotic flavor, but the ideal indulgently creamy yet not too heavy texture.
No bland dip here! This recipe for Pimento Cheese is seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, salt and pepper as well as pickled jalapenos – yum!
Makes everything better. Use it on sandwiches, burgers, in potatoes, rice, grits or pasta, or as a dip for chips, crackers, or veggies.
It’s a party sensation. Bring this dip and watch it disappear in minutes.
Stores well. It lasts for up to one week in the fridge!

PIMENTO CHEESE Recipe ingredients

Your mind will be blown at how these everyday ingredients transform into hypnotic Pimento Cheese Dip. This homemade recipe tastes far superior to store-bought options and is easy to customize depending on personal preference. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Pimentos: These are the star of the dip! Pimento peppers are easy to find at the grocery store, typically in glass jars, stocked with the olives and pickles. You will need one 4-ounce jar for this recipe. Pick up a jar of chopped pimentos, otherwise, if they come in slices, just chop them yourself into a ¼-inch dice.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar or extra-sharp cheddar is best in Pimento Cheese Dip so the flavor really shines through. As always, purchase a block of cheese and shred it yourself (use the largest holes for this recipe) for the best quality. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in anti-clumping chemicals which inhibits both the pure flavor and creamy texture.
Cream cheese: This forms the base of the recipe, making it luxurious creamy and spreadable, and underscores the tanginess of the peppers. I recommend full fat cream cheese but it will also work with less fat, but remember less fat = less flavor and creaminess so adjust your expectations. Please do NOT use nonfat cream cheese.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Either one will work great in this recipe. They infuse the dip with additional tangy creaminess and lighten the dip, preventing it from becoming too heavy.
Mayonnaise: This adds a delectable richness, a silky texture and most importantly, binds all of the ingredients together and prevents them from separating. Duke’s brand of mayonnaise is standard in Southern Pimento Cheese, which is made with egg yolks and no added sugars, but use whatever you have on hand. Please use real mayo and not Miracle Whip
Heat: All recipes need a little kick of heat. You don’t have to make this dip spicy by any means, but you can if you want to! I love using pickled jalapenos, but you can also spice it up with a fresh, chopped and seeded jalapeno pepper, hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Seasonings: This homemade Pimento Cheese is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt and pepper for irresistible savoriness mingled with the sweet tanginess.

top view of serving pimento cheese on a platter as a dip with vegetables and crackers

Do I have to use cream cheese?

Not all of today’s recipes for Pimento Cheese include cream cheese, but according to Serious Eats’ history on pimento cheese, they all use to! In fact, in an article published in Good Housekeeping in 1908, it recommended stuffing sandwiches with a blend of soft cream cheese, mustard, chives, and minced pimentos – and many similar recipes followed.

I find Pimento Cheese Dip with cream cheese highly superior in both flavor and texture and don’t recommend skipping. When combined with sour cream and mayonnaise, you’ll enjoy the tastiest combination.

HOW TO MAKE Pimento Cheese

Homemade Pimento Cheese is one of the easiest dips or spreads you can make, ready in just 10 minutes. You can simply mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, pimentos, and seasonings together, OR for the creamiest texture, I like to use my hand mixer. Here’s how to make it (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Beat cream cheese. Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and spices to a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it is well combined and fluffy, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add the pimentos. Add the cheese, pimentos and jalapenos and stir to combine.
Step 3: Serve! Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with the green onions. Serve as a dip (ideas below) or as a spread.

a collage showing how to make pimento cheese by 1) adding cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and spices to a bowl, blending with a mixer, then stirring in pimentos, sharp cheddar cheese and jalapenos

TIPS FOR making homemade Pimento cheese

Chop the pimentos small. If your jar of pimientos comes in strips, chop them into a 1/4-inch dice.
Drain the ingredients well. Add the pimentos and jarred diced jalapenos (if using) to a strainer before you begin the recipe so they have sufficient time to drain, then blot them thoroughly with paper towels. Excess liquid can make your dip/spread runny.
Soften the cream cheese. Before using, the cream cheese should be soft enough that you can stick your finger in it. If it is not soft enough, then it will yield lumpy dip. To quickly soften cream cheese, cube it, then microwave for 15-30 seconds, adding 10 second increments as needed.
Don’t mix the recipe up in a food processor. Homemade Pimento Cheese is best when the pimentos and cheese retain their texture, the dip is meant to be a little chunky!
Use your food processor to grate the cheese. You can however, use your food processor to grate the cheese with the cheese grater attachment – so quick and easy.
Shred the cheese yourself. Shredding the cheddar yourself will deliver superior flavor and texture, instead of pre-shredded cheeses which will deliver muted flavor and creaminess.
Add heat to taste. You have the option of using pickled jalapenos, a fresh diced jalapeno or cayenne pepper. I suggest add a little at a time, combining and then tasting – a little goes a long way!
Adjust consistency. If you would like a looser dip/spread, add additional mayonnaise or sour cream/Greek yogurt.
Season to taste. Add additional seasonings as desired or make it tangier with a splash of lemon juice or pickles or spicier with hot sauce or cayenne.
Let it soften before serving. Due to the cream cheese, this Pimento Cheese recipe hardens slightly as it cools. If it’s been refrigerated, let the dip rest for 30 minutes at room temperature to soften up a bit before serving, or microwave it for about 20 seconds.

HOW TO SERVE HOMEMADE PIMENTO CHEESE

Pimento Cheese can be served in so many different ways! Here are a few ideas to upgrade veggies, sandwiches and more!

Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Pimento Cheese Sandwiches are scrumptious served hot or cold.

Traditional Pimento Sandwich: Go as simple as sandwiching the chilled spread in between two slices of bread or proceed to top with add-ins such as pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, arugula, and even potato chips or a fried egg.
Grilled Cheese: For the best Pimento Cheese Sandwiches, go grilled! The cheese becomes extra creamy, warm and melty and is sublime paired with the buttery, crunchy bread.
Toasted Ciabatta Sandwich: One of my favorite, super easy ways to serve homemade Pimento Cheese is to slather it on toasted ciabatta (always have on hand from Costco), then top with peppered salami. So simple, SO flavorful.
Panini: Spread the insides of sliced ciabatta with Pimento Cheese then layer with desired topping such as mozzarella cheese, arugula, tomatoes, basil and sliced grilled chicken, bacon, or salami. Grill in a greased grill pan, placing a heavy pan on top of the sandwich for about 3 minutes per side.

As a Dip

This recipe for Pimento Cheese is so incredible tasty as dip – we inhale it! Keep in mind the, the dip should be at room temperature when serving, otherwise it can be too hard. Try it with any of the following dippers:

Vegetables: Dunk all your favorite veggies such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, jicama or any crunchy raw veggies into the dip.
Crackers and chips: Dip your favorite crunchy snacks into Pimento Cheese such as Ritz crackers, multi-grain crackers, corn chips, tortilla chips, potato chips, pita chips, bagel chips, etc.
Bread: Any form is tasty dipped in the cheese, such as crostini, sourdough, baguette slices, crusty bread, soft pretzels, etc.

As a Spread

Toast and bagels: Pimento Cheese makes a flavorful spread for toast, bagels or crostini; serve them with just the spread or top with salami, bacon, sliced avocados, tomatoes, sprouts, arugula, fried egg, etc.
Burgers/sandwiches/hot dogs: Swap the cheese for mayo on your burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs.
Wraps: Slather homemade Pimento Cheese on flatbread, pitas, etc. before adding your toppings like chopped chicken, tomatoes, olives, red onion, arugula, bacon, etc.
Pinwheels: Use it as the spread in any of your favorite pinwheel appetizer recipes for extra flavor.
Quesadillas: Spread it inside quesadillas for a gorgeous melty filling.
French Bread Pizza or Flatbread: Spread the cheese over flatbread or a sliced loaf of French bread and top with desired toppings such as cooked sausage, chicken or shrimp, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and any other desired toppings. Bake at 350 degrees F until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

showing how to make pimento cheese recipe by mixing mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar and pimentos together in a glass bowl

As an Add-In

Pimento Cheese is tasty wherever cheese or cream cheese can be used!

Chicken: That’s right, this recipe is fabulous for stuffing inside slit chicken breasts. It becomes so melty and creamy baked in the oven! Fill the pockets with any additional add-ins like bacon, steamed broccoli or asparagus.
Eggs: Add the cheese to scrambled eggs, omelettes, or egg yolks to make deviled eggs.
Baked potatoes: Instead of topping your baked potatoes with a dollop of sour cream, try homemade Pimento Cheese – your spuds will never taste better!
Mashed potatoes: Stir the cheese directly into your favorite mashed potato recipe instead of sour cream – SO good!
Pasta: Add it to virtually any creamy pasta from Macaroni and Cheese to Chicken Spaghetti to Fettuccine Alfredo for a fun spin.
Rice: Stir it into plain rice, cheesy rice, Mexican rice, rice pilaf or risotto.
Grits: Stir it directly into grits for extra cheesy decadence.

showing how to serve pimento cheese by dipping a cracker into the cheese

possible recipe variations

You are welcome to jazz up your recipe for Pimento Cheese until your heart (and belly) are content! Most of these add-ins are not traditional, but don’t let that scare you away!

Cheeses: Sharp cheddar cheese imparts the most iconic flavor, but you can still play with other cheeses such as aged white cheddar or half cheddar, half mozzarella, Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack or even Gouda.
Cream cheese substitute: The cream cheese makes the dip thicker, richer and creamier. For a less rich dip, swap the cream cheese for equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream.
Use fresh aromatics herbs: Use 2 minced cloves garlic, and 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh oregano, or mix and match herbs as desired.
Make it spicy: Use 2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapenos or fresh diced jalapeno, chopped chipotle chili pepper for a smokier heat, cayenne pepper, tabasco or red pepper flakes.
Add protein: While cooked and crumbled bacon is a common addition, you can also stir in chopped salami, pepperoni, or even chorizo. I suggest turkey chorizo as pork/beef chorizo is extremely greasy. If adding chorizo, omit the jalapeno because chorizo is quite spicy.
Add Worcestershire sauce: This adds a punch of umami.
Add horseradish sauce: This is a regional brilliant addition that’s bold, hot, spicy and peppery.
Add pickles: Stir in a few tablespoons of dill pickle relish (or finely-diced pickles) for some extra tang.
Add olives: Sir in about ¼ cup chopped green olives to make Carolina-Style Pimento Cheese.
Add pepperoncini: These are slightly sweet but mostly tangy with a slight zip of heat. Pepperoncini typically come in a glass jar and are easy to find at your grocery store next to the sandwich condiments. Make sure to pat dry before adding to the Pimento Cheese recipe.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Rinse, thoroughly dry and chop for a robust tanginess.
Add corn: Roasted corn, sweet corn straight off the cob, corn salsa or even corn salad add juicy sweet pops of flavor and texture.

pimento cheese FAQS

What nationality is pimento cheese?

Pimento Cheese is a popular American dish claimed by the South. However, it actually originated in 1870 in New York! NY farmers invented the early versions of cream cheese around the same time Spain began importing jarred “pimiento” over to the United States. The two were a match made in heaven!

What is the flavor of pimento cheese?

Pimento Cheese is rich, creamy and tangy with a thick, spreadable consistency. It is often made spicy with the addition of jalapenos, cayenne pepper or Tabasco, zesty with horseradish sauce, more tangy with dill pickles or more savory with Worcestershire sauce.

What is pimento cheese called in the South? What is its nickname?

Pimento cheese has several affectionate names in the south including “Carolina Caviar,” “pâté du Sud,” Southern pâté, or “the Caviar of the South.”

What do people eat pimento cheese with?

I’ve included all sorts of ways to enjoy Pimento Cheese in this post! A popular favorite in the South, however, is to make tea-size finger sandwiches. It is also used as a dip with vegetables and crackers, as a spread for toast or burgers, stirred into grits or in deviled eggs.

Do you eat pimento cheese hot or cold?

Pimento Cheese is typically served slightly chilled, but not straight out of the refrigerator, otherwise it will be too thick (because the cream cheese hardens). It is also delicious warmed because it becomes melty and creamy like in quesadillas, or in pasta or grits.

HOW LONG is HOMEMADE PIMENTO CHEESE good for?

The shelf life of your homemade Pimento Cheese Dip will depend on the freshness of your sour cream/Greek yogurt. If they are fresh, then your Pimento Cheese should last for up to 7-10 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before serving, or microwave for 20 seconds.

CAN I FREEZE PIMENTO CHEESE DIP?

You won’t be worried about leftovers once you taste this dip! I do not recommend freezing homemade Pimento Cheese due to the cream cheese/sour cream/mayo base. The fat will separate and become a funny texture once frozen and thawed.

up close of dipping a cracker into pimento cheese recipe showing how rich and creamy it is

Looking for more Dip Recipes?

Jalapeno Popper Dip
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Hot Crab Dip
French Onion Dip
Hummus
Guacamole

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Tools Used in This Recipe

Hand Mixer

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Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern cheddar cheese and pimento pepper dip or spread that’s a must-make for game-day, holidays, get-togethers, or just to enjoy every day! It’s luxuriously creamy, cheesy, tangy, and as-spicy-as-you-like and so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients in less than 10 minutes. This Pimento Cheese recipe is guaranteed to knock the socks off of any store-bought version and is incredible versatile: use it as a spread on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, etc. as a dip for vegetables, crackers, chips, or in stuffed chicken breasts, potatoes, quesadillas and more! It also earns major points because it’s make-ahead friendly and tastes even better the next day for an outrageously delicious, stress-free, crowd pleaser.

Total Time: 10

Prep Time: 10

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Ingredients

1 8 oz. block cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

ADD LAST

2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (go extra sharp if you can)
1 4 oz. jar diced pimentos, drained
1-2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos, well drained (or substitute with 1 seeded diced jalapeno, cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste)

Garnish

Green onions (optional)

Instructions

Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream/Greek yogurt and spices to a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it is well combined and fluffy, about 1 minute.
Add the cheese, pimentos and jalapenos and stir until thoroughly combined.
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with optional green onions. Serve with crackers, vegetables, or as a spread. See post for TONS of serving ideas!

Video

Notes

Pimentos: These are easy to find at the grocery store, typically in glass jars, stocked with the olives and pickles. You will need one 4-ounce jar for this recipe. Pick up a jar of chopped pimentos, otherwise, if they come in slices, just chop them yourself into a ¼-inch dice.
Storage: The shelf life of your Pimento Cheese will depend on the freshness of your sour cream/Greek yogurt. If they are fresh, then your Pimento Cheese should last for up to 7-10 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before serving, or microwave for 20 seconds.

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4 Comments

April W says

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Delicious! My husband couldn’t stop raving about it! I made a couple modifications by adding more cheese and using a combo of cheddar and jalepeno harvati cheese. Thank you for the awesome recipe!

- Jen says
  
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  I love hearing that, thank you so much April! I am a huge fan of Havarti as well – yum!
  
Britni says

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This was amazing! I LOVE pimento cheese but have never tried to make it myself. It was great as a dip but also super tasty in a grilled cheese. I’ve never made a bad recipe from you!

- Jen says
  
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  Thanks for making my recipes Britni, I’m honored your loving them all! I’m so pleased this pimento cheese was another winner!