Best Pimento Cheese Recipe (2024)

You are here: Home / / Best Pimento Cheese Recipe

Posted by Jessica Pinney on January 18, 2018, last updated January 28, 2024

Jump To RecipePrint Recipe

What is pimentocheese?

Pimento cheese is a treasured Southern dish. It is sometimes referred to as “the pâté of the South”.

The base of therecipe is pretty simple – shredded cheese is combined with mayo and diced pimentos.

Everyone has their own little variation though – some people use different types of cheese, add spices, or even bread and butter pickles (yuck!).

My recipe, the one I’m sharing with you today, includes diced jalapeños, white pepper, and celery salt.

My personal favorite cheeses for this dish are sharp cheddar and extra sharp white cheddar. It is best to buy block cheese and shred it yourself. Store bought shredded cheese is full of preservatives that alter the taste. Tillamook makes an excellent version of both cheddars.

What goes with pimento cheese?

Pimento cheese can beeaten simply as a dip. When serving this way, I think it’s beston Ritz crackers. (What isn’t best on Ritz crackers???)

It is also often served on celery sticks. (My favorite way to eat it growing up!)

You can add it to virtually any dish you would use cheddar cheese in: pimento cheese burgers,pimento cheese grits, pimento grilled cheese, pimento queso…the possibilities are endless!

What is a pimento cheese sandwich?

One of the simplestand most popular ways to serve pimento cheese is in a sandwich.

Traditionally, white bread is used and the only condiment is mayo.

The pimento cheese sandwich is undoubtedly the most popular item at the Master’s golf tournament in Georgia.

I think pimento cheese is one of those recipes that gets better a day or two after you make it. 24-48 hours gives all those ingredients and flavors a chance to meld together and really become something phenomenal.

But you know I can never wait and always sample some the first day I make it.

How long does it last? Can you freeze it?

Pimento cheese should last at least a week when stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. Unfortunately, pimento cheese does not freeze well.

Other Pimento Cheese Recipes

Pimento Cheese Potato Skins

More Appetizer Recipes

Deviled Eggs with Fried Chicken Skin
Chicken Fried Pickles
Fire Crackers
Beer Cheese Fondue

Best Pimento Cheese Recipe

This homemade pimento cheese recipe has the perfect balance of flavors, making it the best version of the classic Southern food.

Author: Jessica Pinney
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 10 1x
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star4.8 from 21 reviews

Ingredients

2.5 Cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar

1.5 Cups Shredded Extra Sharp White Cheddar

1 Cup Pimentos, diced

1–2 Jalapenos, diced

1/2 Cup Mayo

3/4 Tsp Vinegar Based Hot Sauce (optional)

1/2 Tsp Celery Salt

1/4 Tsp White Pepper

1/8 Tsp Salt

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Add all ingredients in a large bowl, stir until well combined.

Serve as a sandwich between 2 slices of white bread, or serve as a dip with crackers or vegetables.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to one week.

Nutrition

Calories: 203

Reader Interactions

Join the Conversation

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Savanadana says
January 10, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Thinking of using this on hot baked potatoes as topper looks delicious, have you ever tried on baked potato?
Reply
- Jessica Pinney says
  January 11, 2021 at 11:24 am
  I’ve never used it on baked potatoes, but we made pimento cheese potato skins that were delicious. I’m sure the baked potatoes would be good too. If you try it, please let us know how it turns out.
  Reply
Diane says
June 2, 2021 at 5:55 pm
Great recipe. I grew up on pimento cheese. I added a small sweet red pepper and it was great. Thankyou
See Also
Sweet 'n Salty Nut Clusters Recipe Vegan Chicken Recipe General Tso Tofu Recipe That's Deliciously VEGAN - Instant Veg Coca-Cola Fudge Recipe
Reply
LaDonna says
June 18, 2021 at 6:16 pm
I would give this recipe a 5 star rating, my husband loves it so much that he wants me to
make it a staple in our refrigerator at all times
Love it
Reply
Beverly says
August 21, 2021 at 11:43 am
Do you use fresh Jalapeños or the pickled kind in a jar?
Reply
- Jessica Pinney says
  August 21, 2021 at 8:56 pm
  Hi, Beverly! I use fresh jalapeños in my pimento cheese.
  Reply
  - Larry Corey says
    January 4, 2022 at 1:43 pm
    Do you remove the seeds and spines from the Jalapeños or leave in?
    Reply
    - Jessica Pinney says
      January 4, 2022 at 4:07 pm
      I generally remove them but it is a matter of preference. Leaving the seeds in will result in a spicer pimento cheese.
Marcia Gaines says
August 24, 2021 at 7:57 am
What is Tsp, teaspoon or tablespoon?
Thanks
Reply
- Jessica Pinney says
  August 24, 2021 at 10:11 am
  Teaspoon.
  Reply
  - Elle says
    June 8, 2023 at 7:47 am
    Fabulous
    Reply
Sallie says
August 26, 2021 at 8:05 am
Are you using fresh pimentos or from a jar?
Reply
- Jessica Pinney says
  August 26, 2021 at 9:00 am
  Jarred pimento.
  Reply
Joan says
October 23, 2021 at 3:19 pm
I love this recipe! I have made it 6 times and is always a hit with my guests and husband!
Reply
Amy says
November 15, 2021 at 5:24 pm
Real Southern pimento cheese always uses just a little sugar – maybe a teaspoon. Also try to use Duke’s brand mayo if you can find it for authenticity.
Reply
- Raven Qinah Wallyss says
  May 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm
  Duke’s or GO HOME!
  Reply
  - Elle says
    June 8, 2023 at 7:48 am
    See Also
    Mexican Pinto Bean Soup | Easy Stew Recipe - Elavegan
    Why Dukes? THANKS ALWAYS USE OLIVE OIL BLUEPLATE
    Reply
    - Ginger Aldrich says
      September 16, 2023 at 7:16 pm
      It’s not southern if it’s not Dukes bit if you like something else fine
Voga Buhl says
December 23, 2021 at 11:33 pm
🎄🎄Cut washed/dried (paper towel ) Celery sticks , ahhh like 1 inch or a little longer………and fill them with the Pimento Cheese ………finger food with a dinner or snack by themselves……… SO YUMMY ☃️☃️
MERRY🎄CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR☃️☃️
Reply
Della Powers says
February 11, 2022 at 9:34 pm
This looks so delicious I’ve got to try it I love pimento spread.
Reply
Sandra M Freeman says
May 13, 2022 at 7:50 pm
I had to add extra mayonaise, cheese, and a bit of sugar to cut the salty taste. I know almost everyone loves this, but I would cut out the regular salt and only add the celery salt.
Reply
klbr says
August 14, 2022 at 11:41 am
Delicious! I used hatch chilies instead of jalepeno and used cincinnati chili hot sauce
Reply
Frida Fallas says
October 15, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Hi, if I want to use fresh peppers, what do I need to do with them?
Reply
Rebekah Thomas says
December 2, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Going to make this for the weekend.
Reply
Charlotte says
December 3, 2022 at 8:37 am
What could you use instead of mayo?
Reply
- M says
  August 16, 2023 at 5:44 am
  You can use Miracle Whip, and it will still be delicious!
  Reply
Barb says
December 23, 2022 at 4:36 pm
Looking at the picture, it looks like it’s creamery. Do you melt the cheese?
Reply
Lisa says
December 26, 2022 at 8:10 am
LOVE LOVE LOVE This recipe!!! Quick, easy and delicious! So much better than store bought. I did use diced chili’s instead of jalapeños for my family and it was fine! (I prefer the jalapeños)
Reply
Helen Barnhardt says
January 25, 2023 at 1:41 pm
I made grilled cheese sandwiches with the pimento cheese. Yum yum.
Reply
Helen says
February 12, 2023 at 1:03 pm
Makes the best grilled cheese sandwich
Reply
Shelly says
February 24, 2023 at 4:18 pm
Hi where can I buy pimento?
Reply
- Lori says
  February 25, 2023 at 12:52 pm
  Hi Shelly, if you are just looking for the pimento you should find the jars in the same section of any USA grocery store with the pickles and such. We are from southwestern Kentucky and my folks always use jarred pimentos.
  Reply
Helen says
April 17, 2023 at 9:38 am
I have made this recipe several times. Try making grilled cheese sandwiches with it.
Reply
Donna Teichman says
June 21, 2023 at 1:09 pm
Just like the recipe I used growing up in Texas.
Later, I learned to make a killer dip by first mixing grated cheese and Miracle Whip, Then adding hot Paces Picante Sauce until it was of dipping consistency. Hot in flavor not heated.
This was when we had only Fritos to dip with.
Tortilla chips on the shelf weren’t available.
To this day I will only eat Fritos with regular pimento cheese, or the dip variety.
.
Reply
Sharon Coleman says
July 8, 2023 at 6:07 am
Could you can it?
Reply
Tammy says
July 22, 2023 at 1:12 pm
Do you drain the liquid from the jarred pimento or add it in?
Reply
Barbara says
July 26, 2023 at 3:46 am
How does it become creamy when the cheese is shredded?
Reply
Wendy Petties says
August 2, 2023 at 10:50 am
Hi. The best way to eat pimento cheese is on a fresh, crispy rice cake! Try it. It’s wonderful! I’m going to try your recipe.❤️
Reply
Diane Irwin says
August 13, 2023 at 7:33 am
Wonderful.. I had forgotten how delicious celery tasted with this spread. I will keep this in my fridge and take it to work for all of us to snack on.
Reply
Deborah Spencer says
August 13, 2023 at 6:41 pm
Hi, I’m originally from Kansas. My grandmother always made this with Colby Cheese, Miricle Whip, and Jared Pimentos, and a very finely chopped baby Gerkins and a little of the juice from the Gerkins jar. She put the cheese through a hand cranked meat grinder. Make sure you drain and squeeze the pimentos so the dip is not too wet.
Reply
M says
August 16, 2023 at 5:41 am
I gave this pimento cheese recipe 5 stars because, because it’s just that amazing! So easy to put together quickly and it tastes great. Occasionally, I substitute another pepper for the jalapeño pepper, since the jalapeño is too spicy hot for some of my family’s tastes. I’ve had good luck using Anneheim peppers, salad peppers, or even bell peppers. Personally, I like the ones that pack a little more heat! Our favorite way to eat the pimento cheese is grilled on nice slices from a crusty loaf of homemade whole grain bread, which I buy from the bakery at the grocery. But, it never fails when I make it on white bread! For dressing, just your favorite mayo.
Reply
Christine Cox says
September 16, 2023 at 2:21 pm
I will definitely make this receipe, I love pimento cheese.
Reply
Anne says
November 27, 2023 at 6:05 pm
This looks like the same way I make it, except I add a some cream cheese, a little feta and goat cheese occasionally, and always Hellman’s, but that’s a personal choice. What type of vinegar-based hot sauce are you referring to? Louisiana Hot Sauce? Wonderful recipe! ❤️
Reply
Holly says
January 31, 2024 at 2:15 pm
This pimento cheese with bacon jam on top and on cut baguette slices is a copycat of my favorite appetizer ..,
Reply

« Older Comments

FAQs

How is pimento cheese made from scratch? ›

Stir together pimiento, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, onion, and cayenne in a large bowl. Stir cheeses into pimiento mixture until well combined. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

Why do southerners love pimento cheese? ›

It may have become popular in the South because it didn't spoil easily at room temperature, making it easy to pack in lunchboxes, particularly for textile workers. But it was also fashionable as a sandwich in tea rooms.

Show Me More ›

Can you eat pimento cheese after the expiration date? ›

Once opened, as long as the product remains refrigerated, Palmetto Cheese should be good until the date printed on the side of the lid. However, like any product, the “freshness” will be compromised after a few weeks, though it would remain safe to eat.

Discover More Details ›

What brand of pimento cheese is from South Carolina? ›

Pawleys Island Specialty Foods is a wholesale food company based in Pawleys Island, SC. We are the creators and marketers of the #1 brand of pimento cheese in America called Palmetto Cheese. Founded in 2006, Pawleys Island Specialty Foods continues to develop and market new products for retail customers.