Pimento Cheese is slightly spicy, tangy, and can be used as a rich spread, sandwiches or fantastic creamy dip all made with cream cheese, cheddar, mayo and spices.
Pimento Cheese is versatile and I love it, it’s great for serving at special occasions or parties as a dip and it’s one of my favorite things to spread on a sandwich to really spice things up.
I can even eat just a Pimento Cheese sandwich on bread, if you have never had it as a sandwich before, you are absolutely missing out, even better when it’s grilled!
It’s so easy to double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd and trust me, it will all get devoured! This appetizer spread has to be one of my favorite party dips, especially since it comes together so fast.
You know how I always say, quick and tasty is two of my favorite words and this Pimento Cheese Recipe is exactly that. Once you try it you will be hooked.
Even our picky kids love this, my mom brought this recipe up with her from when she lived in Mississippi so I’ve been eating it since I was a a kid and I still can’t get enough.
Obviously over there years I have tweaked it to my preference, but the main recipe has stayed the same. I love recipes that are passed down and this has to be one of my favorite ones.
Some of our other favorite dip recipes we have on our site include: 7 Layer Dip, French Onion Dip and Easy Sausage Dip.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- You only need a handful of ingredients and this appetizer comes together in just 10 minutes.
- Adaptable, you can add more heat or less, whatever you like.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe to serve more people or keep on hand for later.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (FULL RECIPE AT BOTTOM)
Cheddar cheese
Cream cheese
Mayonnaise
Pimentos
Green onions
Jalapeno
Hot sauce
Garlic powder
HOW TO MAKE PIMENTO CHEESE, STEP BY STEP:
- Hand grate your cheddar cheese and add it to a large mixing bowl with the cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, green onions, hot sauce, garlic powder, and jalapeños.
- Mix every thing together using an electric hand mixer until it’s fully combined.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
WHAT ARE PIMENTO PEPPERS?
Contrary to their name, pimento peppers aren’t spicy at all. They’re a very, very mild pepper, even more mild than a red bell pepper. They can also be referred to as cherry peppers if you see that name in the grocery store instead.
IS PIMENTO CHEESE A SOUTHERN THING?
Pimento Cheese is a common dish in the South. It’s also called Southern pâté in some places. North Carolina is the largest Pimento Cheese consumer in all of the U.S. It’s incredibly popular there but also all over the Southern U.S.
But it’s not just a Southern thing, Pimento Cheese recipes have been popping up all over the place.
Since it doesn’t spoil super easily at room temperature, it can sit out or sit in a lunch box for a while and do fine, especially in warm climates like the South. Maybe that’s a reason it’s so popular there?!
IS PALMETTO CHEESE THE SAME THING AS PIMENTO CHEESE?
They’re actually the same thing. One friend accidentally was telling another friend about the cheese they had and called it Palmetto cheese on accident. The name stuck around a while which is why some call Pimento Cheese Palmetto Cheese.
HOW DO YOU SERVE PIMENTO CHEESE?
The ways to serve this dish are endless, but here are some ideas:
- With crackers as a dip.
- As a dip with veggies like celery, carrots, broccoli, etc.
- Spread on 2 slices of bread.
- Used like a condiment on sandwiches or sliders (amazing on Grilled Cheese, Reubens, Deviled Eggs, BBQ Chicken Sliders, Italian Sliders, etc).
HOW TO STORE:
Leftover Pimento Cheese can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours then should be stored in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to up to 7-10 days.
You can serve this room temp or chilled. I prefer room temp but you do what you choose. It’s also easier to spread at room temperature.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use a block of cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese in a bag is coated with preservatives so it doesn’t stick together. Personally, I think grating it yourself makes a huge difference in the taste and texture, making it more rich and creamy.
- I feel like this dip is only subtly spicy. If you don’t like spicy foods, leave it out entirely. If you don’t have jalapenos or hot sauce, you can just add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a smokiness.
- This dip is also really good using other cheese varieties. Using sharp cheddar is a classic, but you can try using white cheddar, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, medium cheddar as well. Just make sure it is a firmer cheese that you are able to grate yourself for optimal flavor and texture.
- Others have suggested adding bacon, pickles, and bell pepper for more texture and a unique flavor addition.
- We do not recommend freezing this recipe.
- This can easily be doubled to serve more people.
Here’s the perfect party appetizer or easily spreadable recipe to jazz up your sandwiches. With so many uses you’re bound to fall in love with this Pimento Cheese Recipe!
IF YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
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Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese block
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces diced pimentos drained
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- 1 small jalapeno seeded and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Notes
- Use a block of cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese in a bag is coated with something so it doesn’t stick together. Personally, I think grating it yourself makes a huge difference in the taste and texture, making it more rich and creamy.
- I feel like this dip is only subtly spicy. If you don’t like spicy foods, leave it out entirely. If you don’t have jalapenos or hot sauce, you can just add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a smokiness.
- This dip is also really good using other cheese varieties. Using sharp cheddar is a classic, but you can try using white cheddar, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, medium cheddar as well. Just make sure it is a firmer cheese that you are able to grate yourself for optimal flavor and texture.
- Others have suggested adding bacon, pickles, and bell pepper for more texture and a unique flavor addition.
Nutrition
Tornadough Alli is not a nutritionist or dietitian, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and nutritional value is important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and values can vary depending on which brands were used.
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