Creamy sharp cheddar spread with pimentos and a hint of heat
Southern Pimento Cheese
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8
About 2 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Southern Pimento Cheese
Creamy sharp cheddar spread with pimentos and a hint of heat
★4.7(21)
Classic Southern pimento cheese spread with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, and a dash of cayenne. The ultimate snack spread in 10 minutes.
10m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
10m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern staple often called the caviar of the South. This creamy, tangy spread is perfect on crackers, in sandwiches, or stuffed in celery.
Sharp cheddar and cream cheese create the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess, with sweet pimentos and a touch of cayenne for warmth.
This recipe represents the best of American home cooking — unpretentious, generous, and built to satisfy. Southern Pimento Cheese is the kind of dish that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. It draws on the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped American food culture, combining familiar flavors with techniques that produce consistently excellent results.
Smart snacking is about balance — enough substance to satisfy, enough flavor to feel like a treat, and enough nutrition to actually fuel your body. This recipe hits all three marks and comes together quickly enough to make from scratch whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- 2
Add grated cheddar and stir until evenly combined.
- 3
Fold in drained pimentos, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 4
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more cayenne for heat or mayo for creaminess.
- 5
Serve immediately or refrigerate 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
Sharp cheddarPepper Jack cheese
Adds built-in spice
MayonnaiseDuke's mayonnaise
The preferred Southern brand for authenticity
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Grate your own cheese — pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Mix in diced jalapenos or pickled peppers for a spicy variation.
This is excellent as a grilled cheese filling or burger topper.
Taste and adjust seasoning at every stage of cooking — what tastes right before cooking often needs adjustment after.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Serve cold or at room temperature. Can be warmed in the microwave for a dip consistency.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Make a double batch — these disappear faster than you expect. Having extras on hand means you always have a wholesome option ready when hunger strikes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (40mg) · 8 servings
Calories180
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein8g
Carbohydrates15g
Fat2g
Fiber260mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are pimentos?
- Small, sweet red peppers sold jarred and diced. Found in the olive/pickle aisle.
- Can I use mild cheddar?
- You can, but sharp cheddar gives the best flavor and traditional taste.
- How long does this keep?
- Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, most homemade snacks stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. Refrigerated versions keep for up to 10 days.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Absolutely. The seasoning amounts are starting points — taste and adjust to your preference. Start with less if you are sensitive to salt or spice, and add more gradually.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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