Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese
You’ll love the rich flavor and creamy texture of this Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe. Made with simple ingredients, this classic Southern staple is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or even as a delicious dip for a snack. You’ll love all the many ways to enjoy this simple recipe!
What I love about this homemade pimento cheese is that it has an added secret ingredient that you don’t find in traditional recipes. This takes the flavor to the next level and puts this simple Southern classic on my radar more for making finger sandwiches or even as a dip for tailgating during football season. I love all the ways that you can eat and enjoy this delicious pimento cheese – and I think you will, too!
If you’re looking for more simple recipes, be sure to try this Tex-Mex Poblano Artichoke Dip or this Jalapeno Popper Dip.
Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar – Freshly shredded cheese works better than pre-grated cheese.
- Cream cheese – This needs to be softened to use in this recipe.
- Mayonnaise – Adds richness and helps thin the texture a bit.
- Dijon mustard – For a pop of flavor.
- Smoked paprika – My secret ingredient for a boost of flavor.
- Garlic powder – Raw garlic pressed through a garlic press also works.
- Onion powder – You can use finely minced fresh onion if you prefer.
- Salt – Salt enhances all the other flavors.
- Cayenne pepper – Needed for the hint of spice.
- Worcestershire sauce – A must to make this Southern pimento cheese recipe.
- Pimento peppers – The star of the show. One small jar, well drained.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese
Step One: Mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise with the other seasonings.
Step Two: Stir in the pimento and mix well.
Top Tip💡
If you can grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese, you’ll notice a better cheese flavor in this old-fashioned pimento cheese recipe. Pre-shredded cheese often contains added ingredients to make it shelf-stable, which is why I prefer to shred my own.
Step Three: Add the cheese and mix until it is incorporated throughout.
Step Four: Place the bowl in the fridge to chill at least 2 hours prior to serving.
Storage
Once you make this easy pimento cheese spread recipe, store it in the fridge until it’s time to eat. Keeping it in an airtight container is best. If you dont’ want to eat it chilled, remove it and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Hot sauce – If you want to add more spice to your mixture, you can use hot sauce in addition to or to replace the cayenne pepper. (You can also omit any type of spice if you don’t want it to be spicy.)
- Cheese – You can use all types of cheese for this old fashioned pimento cheese recipe. Some options are extra-sharp cheddar cheese, mild cheddar, white cheddar, or other flavors.
- Sour cream – Some people prefer to use less mayo, so adding a bit of sour cream can help with that.
- Green olives – Instead of just using the pimento part of the olives, you could dice up green olives and add those sparingly as well. You can do this by hand or use the food processor.
Loving dip recipes? Try my Everything Bagel Dip next!
Common Questions
There are so many good options! You can make pimento cheese sandwiches, turn this into a pimento cheese dip, or just scoop a spoonful to eat when the craving hits. You can even top grilled chicken with it or use it in stuffed mushrooms.
Crackers, celery sticks, sliced red bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, or carrot sticks are always great options. You can also slice and toast a baguette to spread the cheese on.
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Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz sharp cheddar freshly shredded
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- dash Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz pimento drained
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and mayo with the seasonings and mix well.
- Stir in the pimento.
- Add the cheese. Mix until it is thoroughly incorporated.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition
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My sister and I grew up eating pimento and cheese sandwiches. My mother was from Texas. Maybe because we were young or because this is how she knew it, but it was always cheese, mayo and pimentos…that’s it.
I might try some of the seasonings you have in yours or when I make it as a dip. Old dogs, you know?
I do really like your site and recipes! Thank you!