Grandma’s Secret Smooth Pimento Cheese Recipe

Southern kitchens have long celebrated their beloved pimento cheese spread as a creamy, tangy delight.

Generations of cooks pass down cherished recipes with whispered secrets.

Sharp cheddar melts into soft cream cheese, creating a luxurious blend that dances across taste buds.

Roasted red peppers add vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to this classic Southern staple.

Crisp crackers and fresh vegetables eagerly await a generous dollop of this zesty mixture.

Homemade versions blow store-bought options out of the water with their robust, authentic flavors.

Grab a spoon and savor every delectable bite of this irresistible Southern comfort!

Pimento Cheese That Brings Bold Southern Flavor

• Quick Prep Magic: Whips up in just 10 minutes with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for spontaneous snacking or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serves as a delightful spread for crackers, sandwiches, burgers, or veggie dips, adapting effortlessly to different meal styles and preferences.
• Flavor-Boosting Refrigeration: Chilling for 30-120 minutes helps ingredients meld together, intensifying the tangy, creamy taste and creating a more robust appetizer experience.
• Southern Comfort Classic: Represents a beloved Southern recipe that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of homestyle comfort to any table, connecting generations through delicious tradition.

Cheese and Spice Blend for Pimento Cheese

• Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that provides smooth texture and rich flavor; select full-fat versions for best results.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds bold flavor and classic pimento cheese character.

• Pimentos, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Provides signature tangy and slightly spicy profile; pimentos bring mild, sweet pepper taste.

• Fresh Chives: Adds bright color and mild onion-like flavor for final presentation; optional but recommended for visual appeal.

Pimento Cheese – How to Mix and Chill

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend softened cream cheese with mayonnaise using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully integrated.

This technique creates a luxurious foundation for your pimento cheese spread.

Step 2: Season with Zesty Spices

Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly mixing these aromatic seasonings throughout the creamy mixture to distribute flavor evenly.

Step 3: Fold in Vibrant Ingredients

• Diced pimentos
• Freshly shredded cheddar cheese

Carefully fold these components into the seasoned base, ensuring a harmonious blend without overmixing.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl and transfer to the refrigerator.

Allow the pimento cheese to rest and meld flavors for a minimum of 30 minutes, up to two hours.

This resting period helps intensify the taste profile.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before presenting, sprinkle fresh chives across the top of the pimento cheese for a delightful pop of color and subtle onion undertone.

Serve chilled with crackers, vegetables, or as a versatile spread.

Cheese Spread Tips With Pimento Power

• Use a hand mixer for a lighter, fluffier texture that blends ingredients more evenly than manual stirring.
• Choose a high-quality, freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dip.
• Refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least 30 minutes to allow seasonings to meld and develop a more robust taste.
• Adjust black pepper and add a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a spicier kick to the classic recipe.
• Use as a sandwich spread, veggie dip, or stuffing for jalapeño poppers to maximize versatility of this Southern classic.

Pimento Cheese Stored Smooth for Another Spread

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The creamy texture and flavors stay best when chilled.
• Not recommended, as the cheese and mayonnaise base can separate and lose its smooth consistency when thawed.
• Best enjoyed cold as a dip or spread. If slightly chilled, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften and enhance flavors.
• Stir gently before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore creamy texture.

Best Matches For Pimento Cheese

• Savor Southern Comfort Pairings: Pimento Cheese Edition
• Pair with Crisp White Wines: Bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy richness, creating a refreshing balance that elevates the tangy cheese spread.
• Match with Classic Southern Crackers: Buttery, flaky butter crackers or crisp saltines provide the perfect crunchy contrast, allowing the pimento cheese's bold flavors to shine.
• Complement with Chilled Craft Beer: Light, hoppy pale ales or wheat beers offer a cool, crisp accompaniment that cleanses the palate between creamy bites, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• Serve alongside Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Crisp cucumber, celery, and bell pepper strips add a fresh, healthy crunch that balances the rich, decadent cheese spread while providing a lighter dipping option.

Pimento Cheese Tweak Ideas

• Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese: Add diced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Vegan Cashew Cheese Alternative: Replace dairy ingredients with soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based mayo for a creamy dairy-free version.
• Greek Yogurt Light Version: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a tangy protein boost to the traditional recipe.
• Smoky Gouda Variation: Substitute cheddar with smoked gouda cheese and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, richer flavor profile.

FAQs

• What are pimentos and where do they come from?

Pimentos are sweet, mild red peppers originally from Spain and Portugal, often found jarred or canned. They have a distinctly sweet flavor and bright red color that adds both taste and visual appeal to dishes like this cheese spread.

• Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

Fresh hand-shredded cheese melts and blends better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can make the texture less smooth. For the best results, grate your own cheddar cheese directly from a block.

• How can I make this pimento cheese spicier?

Add a dash of cayenne pepper, a few drops of hot sauce, or finely chopped jalapeños to increase the heat level. Start with small amounts and adjust to your personal spice preference.

• Is pimento cheese a Southern United States specialty?

Yes, pimento cheese is considered a classic Southern appetizer and spread, often called the “caviar of the South”. It’s popular at gatherings, picnics, and as a versatile party snack across Southern states.

Pimento Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in this classic pimento cheese spread, blending sharp cheddar, tangy cream cheese, and roasted peppers into a rich, irresistible dip. Serve alongside crackers or slather on sandwiches for a delightful taste of Southern hospitality you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (at room temperature)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Wet Ingredients and Garnish:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 4 ounces (113 grams) diced jarred pimentos (drained)
• Fresh chives (chopped, to garnish)

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Instructions

1. Vigorously whip cream cheese and mayonnaise in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform consistency, utilizing an electric hand mixer for enhanced texture and aeration.
2. Incorporate paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, blending thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the creamy base.
3. Gently fold in vibrant red pimentos and sharp, aged cheddar cheese, ensuring delicate integration without overmixing to maintain a rustic, chunky texture.
4. Transfer the mixture to a sealed container, allowing the robust flavors to harmonize and intensify during a minimum 30-minute chilling period in the refrigerator.
5. Prior to presentation, delicately sprinkle finely chopped chives across the surface, adding a fresh, verdant accent that elevates the visual and flavor profile of the classic Southern spread.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to lighten the dip and add protein, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a more intense, tangy flavor that elevates the entire spread.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like adding monterey jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick and varied texture.
• Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 408 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg