Pimento Cheese Recipe

Did you grow up eating pimento cheese sandwiches? It is a delicious Southern favorite full of cheesy goodness. We love to enjoy it as a dip for snacking and it’s super fun and easy snack recipe.

While grocery store bought pimento cheese works in a pinch, it does not compare to homemade. The secret to good pimento cheese is to use really sharp cheddar to create a dip everyone will love. For another easy dip recipe, make this 2 Ingredient Fruit Dip Recipe.

What is Pimento Cheese?

Pimenton Cheese is a Southern spread that is made with mayo, cream cheese, extra sharp cheddar cheese and mild sweet peppers. It is perfect to spread on your favorite bread or serve it as a dip.

Whether you serve it cold or warm, this easy Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese for the best taste and flavor
• Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese before mixing with the other ingredients
• Jarred Pimentos Peppers – Drained and Chopped. These are often called cherry peppers
• Mayonnaise – Use mayo that you prefer
• Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
• Cayenne Pepper – See Best Cayenne Pepper Substitute if you are out

For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Dip

Step 1 – Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl including diced pimentos.

Step 2 –Mix together all of the ingredients. You can use a hand held mixer, stand mixer or a sturdy spoon by hand. Just make sure everything is well combined.

Step 3 – Finally, scoop the pimento dip into a small serving bowl.

Expert Tips

• Shredded Cheese – Try to hand grate own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Shredded cheese has additives that can change the consistency.
• Pimento Peppers – Make sure to drain really well before mixing into the dip. You don’t want any extra liquid or it will be runny. You can chop the pimento cheese in a food processor.
• Cream Cheese – The cream cheese needs to be full fat. While you can certainly use reduced fat, it does not have the rich flavor pimento cheese is known for.
• Mayo – You don’t need much but make sure it is a good brand. Use what your family prefers if you are brand loyal.

Variations Ideas

• Top on Jam – This is optional but pimento cheese dip is really good topped with hot tomato jam. The sweet jam and savory dip combine for a great snack. Just put a small dollop on top of the dip.
• Cheese – Use sharp or extra sharp cheddar. This gives it the best flavor. Add in pepper jack or monterey jack for added flavor.
• Roasted Red Peppers – If you can’t find pimentos, you can substitute with roasted red peppers.
• Spicy – Add diced Jalapeños or hot sauce to the pimento cheese for a little heat.
• Smoky Flavor – For a smoked flavor dip stir in gouda cheese or smoked cheddar.
• Bacon – My husbands favorite is stir in chopped bacon for a delicious savory addition
• Other Additions – Feel free to add ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, onion powder, or chopped green olives.

How to Serve Pimento Cheese Dip

Serve this Pimento Cheese Dip with your favorite dippers. These are some of our favorites.

• Crackers
• Pretzels
• Pita chips
• Celery sticks
• Bell pepper slices
• Cucumber rounds
• Toasted baguette slices

Other Ways to Serve

This is so delicious that you will be looking for ways to serve this.

• I love it on burgers. Add it to your bun to make your burger creation amazing!
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Take this traditional sandwich to the next level when you make a grilled cheese with this.
• Biscuits. Serve the dip warm and load your biscuit with it. I like it with just pimento cheese but you could also add bacon.
• BLT– Jazz up your next bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich with a scoop of pimento cheese spread. Yum!