Southern Homemade Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese is a rich and creamy spread with just the right spice and seasonings. It works for dipping veggies or crackers or as a spread for toasted bread or a sandwich. A southern staple that’s highly addictive and will have you craving more.

Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, wing sauce, and jalapenos–makes this the best pimento cheese recipe for your recipe box.

Southern Homemade Pimento Cheese is made with freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Yes, FRESHLY shredded cheese. Please do not buy the shredded cheese and try to make this. It will make a difference in the taste.

What are Pimentos?

Pimentos are not hot peppers at all. They are most commonly associated with the bits of red pieces you see stuffed inside olives. They have a mild taste and add to the color of this cheese spread. They work as garnish or as an ingredient in this pimento cheese recipe.

Pimentos are a variety of red chili pepper. They are yellow, green, and red peppers. They turn red when they reach maturity. They are mild and sweeter than a red bell pepper.

Pimentos are sold in most grocery stores in small jars. I usually find them in the pickle aisle close to the olives or on a shelf beside the canned vegetables. You can substitute a red bell pepper or roasted red peppers if you can’t find a jar of pimentos.

How Do You Eat Pimento Cheese?

Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread can be eaten as a dip with crackers, which is fabulous! Set it out at holiday parties with some veggies, crispy crackers, or toasted bread, and you will have an appetizer your guests will love.

Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

The south is known for its pimento cheese sandwiches, and jalapeno pimento cheese is fabulous. Just spread it between two slices of white bread or your favorite bread, add a little mayo, and enjoy! Try it sometime-you will be so glad you did! This is my favorite way to eat this spread.

Pimento cheese sandwiches are served at wedding showers, baby showers, and parties. To make them fancy–just cut the crust off, and cut them into fourths — instant party food. For children, use your cookie cutter and cut out fun shapes.
Add bacon and fried green tomatoes to kick your sandwiches up a notch. This will certainly take it over the top. Amazingly delicious!

If you are looking for a warm sandwich- try making grilled pimento cheese. You can make your sandwich, warm it in a skillet or place it on a Panini Press. It makes a delicious spread. Be sure to try my chicken salad for a different sandwich option. It is served at parties and showers, as well.

Not a sandwich fan–that’s okay–try it on top of celery sticks, burgers, and grits. Just about anything you would put cheese on–pimento cheese will kick it up a few notches.

In my opinion, pimento cheese gets better each day. Of course, I like to eat it the same day I make it, but it is even better the next day. You can make this as thick, creamy, and spicy as you like. Add more wing sauce or jalapenos to your liking. Feeling brave–add some cayenne pepper. 

Ingredients Needed to Make Southern Pimento Cheese

Just a few main ingredients are needed to make a bowl of Spicy pimento cheese spread.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese — is the best cheese for a pimento cheese spread. Cheese is the key ingredient and should be grated by hand to ensure a fresher taste. It only takes a few extra minutes to grate your own cheese, and the taste is so worth the effort.
Cream Cheese–I always keep an extra block or two or three in my refrigerator. You never know when you might need an additional block for a recipe. Such as Crock Pot Chicken Chili, Creamed corn, or Jalapeno Pepper Jelly and crackers. Cream cheese is a staple in my home.
Diced Pimentos–I find the pimento peppers easily in my grocery store. So, I bought a small jar of diced pimentos for this recipe. They add color and have a sweet flavor when mixed well with cheddar cheese and cream cheese. They are one of the main ingredients for this dish. Drain the peppers well before adding them to the mixture.
Mayonnaise— use your favorite mayo. Again this just binds everything together and makes the pimento cheese a little bit creamier.
Wing Sauce–a secret ingredient. Not many pimento cheese spread recipes–if any–have wing sauce as one of the ingredients. The wing sauce gives it a kick and takes the pimento cheese spread up a few notches.
Diced jalapenos–I like spice. If you don’t like the heat–leave them out. Not a big deal and the taste will still be fantastic. If using jalapenos, remove the seeds and chop the pepper finely. Wear gloves when working with hot peppers. The burn is real. You can also use pickled jalapenos if so desired.

Try Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers for some over-the-top appetizers.

Instructions for Making the Best Pimento Cheese

For complete instructions, see the recipe card below.

1. Shred the cheese. You can use a box grater or food processor for this step.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the pimentos, mayonnaise, wing sauce, and jalapenos. 
3. Add the shredded cheese and cream cheese. Mix until everything is well combined. 
4. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Pimento Cheese Recipe Variations

*Add diced dill pickles to the recipe.
*Add chopped green olives to the pimento cheese spread. I have done this before, and it is excellent.
*Add a dash of cayenne pepper and a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for more flavors.
*Add some pepper jack cheese or jalapeno cheddar cheese.
*If you desire more seasonings, add some black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Be sure to try my chicken salad for another sandwich option or party food.

More Ways to Serve Southern Pimento Cheese

*Add the mixture to stuffed eggs. Follow my stuffed deviled egg recipe and substitute the egg filling with the pimento cheese filling.

*Add pimento cheese to a baked potato.

*Use as a dip for veggies such as celery and cucumbers or pretzels.

*Serve for lunch with crackers.

*Serve as a Pimento Cheese sandwich cut into wedges for a party.

*Try different cheeses. The choices are quite endless.

*Serve on a burger instead of sliced cheese.

For More Appetizer Recipes

Be sure to check out all of the appetizers to find a few you’ll love.
spicy shrimp
Buffalo Wings
Chicken and Waffles
Rotel Party Dip
Fried Dill Pickles

This Southern Homemade Pimento Cheese is easy to make and quite delicious. Try it for your next party, get-together, or as a different sandwich option. If you are looking for a delicious cheese spread with lots of cheddar flavor, this is it! The ways to eat it are endless. It is the pate of the south.

Thanks, Jimmy Lee, for the recipe! It is definitely a keeper!