The Best Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe

Homemade pimento cheese is the perfect cracker spread or on a sandwich. Make a grilled cheese, add it to a burger, stuff celery, or use it as a dip! The possibilities are endless.  

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Pimento cheese made from scratch is 100 times better than the stuff from the grocery store.  It’s so easy to make, too!  

Here in the south, this stuff is a staple, and we will eat it on almost anything. THE BEST!

We love our appetizers, especially when we have friends and family over. And on game day, we have to have some good finger foods like this.

Some other appetizers we love breaking out alongside this homemade pimento cheese are our easy homemade Chip Dip Recipe, Layered Black Bean Taco Dip, Sausage Balls, and Smoked Chicken Salad.

Why This Recipe Works

You can serve it any way you like. You can serve it as a pimento cheese spread or pimento cheese sandwiches. You can make a killer burger by topping it with this amazing spread.

I don’t use cream cheese in my pimento cheese. Why? Because my aunt taught me differently, I think it tames the tangy sharp cheddar taste too much.

Some recipes call for cream cheese; if that is your preference, go for it. We believe that pimento cheese without cream cheese allows the cheddar to be the star and shine.

Our favorite way to enjoy this easy homemade pimento cheese is with grilled smoked sausage and jalapeno on a saltine. This is a must-try!

This was introduced to us, as an appetizer, by my sister-in-law one night while having dinner at a barbecue restaurant. Now we make it at home and enjoy it as a meal.

If you’re a fan of cheddar cheese, this will go with anything. But we do recommend it with the sausage. Man, it’s a perfect bite!

What Is Pimento Cheese

This classic spread is made from some pretty simple ingredients. The main ingredients are cheddar cheese, mayonnaise (mayo), pimentos, and spices.

Pimento peppers (also called cherry peppers) are a type of red chili pepper, the same pepper from which paprika is derived. It is not red bell peppers, as some are led to think.

How To Make Pimento Cheese

Grab your box grater and grate the sharp cheddar cheese by hand, or my favorite way is with the food processor. A hand mixer is not needed. It comes together pretty easily using a spoon.

Mix the cheddar cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (basically, all the ingredients) together in a bowl and refrigerate.

Keep refrigerated for at least two hours before serving.

That’s it! It can’t much easier than that, and the flavors are amazing!

This is so tasty, I promise you. You need to try it.  Cool, pimento cheese, warm smoky grilled sausage with jalapeno’s fresh, crisp flavor.  To die for! Kick store-bought to the curb.

You can also use serrano peppers. I’m too big of a wimp for those.

Pimento cheese dip is a southern favorite. The great thing about this easy recipe is that it’s so easy to make and delivers big flavor.

Take this delicious dip, this pâté of the south, and play with other ingredients.

There are so many different ways to make this classic southern spread into your own homemade pimento cheese recipe.

Tips And Variations

• Skip the crackers and serve with celery sticks to make this easy pimento cheese recipe keto.
• This southern pimento cheese recipe will keep at room temperature for a good while. Perfect for family gatherings and cookouts.
• If you like a little kick, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce and/or red pepper flakes.
• Use Duke’s mayo if you can find it. It’s a classic southern staple.
• Use different types of cheese. Extra-sharp cheddar cheese for more kick, or conversely, use an equal mix of Monterey jack and cheddar cheese for a mild cheese experience. Do not use pre-shredded cheese if you can help it. It’s coated with cellulose (blech!).
• Add more mayo and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a more creamy texture. This will give you more of a dip versus a spread.

FAQ

Other Delicious Appetizer Ideas

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