Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the tangy-sweet, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy delight that is Homemade Pimento Cheese. This classic Southern spread takes just minutes to whip up, delivering bold flavor with every bite thanks to sharp cheddar, mellow pimentos, and a dreamy mayo and cream cheese blend. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a make-ahead appetizer, or just craving a nostalgic snack, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade Pimento Cheese lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients—each one adds something special, from sharpness to creaminess to that signature pop of color. Pick the best you can find, and let these humble additions work their flavorful magic!
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, freshly grated): Freshly grating sharp cheddar gives you rich flavor and a perfectly melt-in-your-mouth texture in every bite.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Mayo brings creamy tang and binds everything together seamlessly.
- Diced pimentos (4 oz jar, drained): These vibrant red peppers are the star ingredient, adding sweet color and a slight zing.
- Cream cheese (2 oz, softened): For unbeatable silkiness and that little extra body, cream cheese really sets this spread apart.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch packs a punch, giving the cheese extra depth and savory undertones.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and umami without overwhelming the cheese.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a little kick—add more or less to match your spice cravings!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Classic seasonings to balance the flavors and make everything pop.
How to Make Homemade Pimento Cheese
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by making sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go. Take a moment to grate the sharp cheddar cheese yourself—this small step makes all the difference in freshness and flavor. If your cream cheese isn’t softened yet, just zap it in the microwave in 10-second bursts until it’s spreadable.
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses and Mayo
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the freshly grated cheddar, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Use a sturdy spatula or large spoon to blend them together until they become creamy and slightly fluffy—this is your flavor-packed base and it should already smell absolutely amazing!
Step 3: Add in the Pimentos and Seasonings
Next, gently fold in the drained diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat). Stir just until everything’s evenly incorporated, but don’t overmix—you want those gorgeous flecks of red to shine through.
Step 4: Season and Taste
Before you call it done, taste your Homemade Pimento Cheese and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember: a little salt wakes up all the flavors, but start small and work up—cheese can already be salty!
Step 5: Chill to Meld Flavors
Once your spread is gorgeously creamy, cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets all the flavors dance together so every bite is balanced and bold. It’s hard to wait, but the results are worth it.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready, give your Homemade Pimento Cheese a gentle stir, then serve chilled or let it come to room temperature. That’s it! Gather your favorite crackers, baguette slices, or veggie sticks, and dig in to this irresistible, nostalgia-soaked Southern treat.
How to Serve Homemade Pimento Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions, chives, or a dusting of smoked paprika makes your Homemade Pimento Cheese pop on the platter. You can even add a few extra diced pimentos on top for a showstopping presentation and a little extra color.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy spread with crisp celery sticks, sweet baby bell peppers, or ultra-thin-sliced cucumbers for a crunchy, fresh contrast. It also shines as a topper for burgers or hot baked potatoes—just imagine the cheesy goodness melting into all those nooks!
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Homemade Pimento Cheese into finger sandwiches layered between pillowy white bread, use it as a gourmet grilled cheese filling, or spoon it into tiny phyllo cups as elegant party bites. Honestly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it, and it shines just as brightly at fancy gatherings as it does on a casual picnic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Homemade Pimento Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it keeps beautifully for up to five days. Always use a clean utensil to avoid contamination, and give it a quick stir before serving to restore its lovely, creamy texture.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze pimento cheese, it may lose some of its creamy consistency after thawing, given the mayonnaise and cheese combo. For best results, make it fresh and enjoy within the week, but if you do freeze, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and mix well before serving.
Reheating
Homemade Pimento Cheese is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so skip reheating. If you want it melty, try piling it onto toast or into a grilled cheese and heating it that way—transformative and delicious!
FAQs
Is it important to grate the cheese fresh, or can I use pre-shredded?
Freshly grated sharp cheddar truly gives Homemade Pimento Cheese its signature flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that don’t blend as smoothly, so if you can, always reach for the block!
Can I substitute other cheeses?
Absolutely—try white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky Gouda for fun variations. Stick to bold, flavorful cheeses that can stand up to the tangy pimentos and creamy blend.
What are pimentos, and can I use fresh roasted peppers instead?
Pimentos are sweet, mild red peppers that are typically jarred and diced for convenience. If you have fresh roasted red peppers, you can absolutely use those instead—just chop them finely and drain off extra juices first.
How spicy is this recipe with cayenne pepper?
Adding the recommended 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne gives Homemade Pimento Cheese a subtle warmth, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Adjust up or down to suit your preferred level of heat, or skip it entirely for a classic, kid-friendly spread.
Can I make Homemade Pimento Cheese ahead for parties?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day in advance actually lets the flavors meld together even more, making for a richer, deeper taste. Just give it a good stir before scooping and serving at your gathering.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Pimento Cheese is pure Southern comfort and an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack. I hope you give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite cheese spread!
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Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Pimento Cheese with this easy recipe. Creamy and flavorful, this cheddar cheese spread is perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients
Sharp Cheddar Cheese:
2 cups freshly grated
Mayonnaise:
1/2 cup
Diced Pimentos:
4 oz jar, drained
Cream Cheese:
2 oz, softened
Garlic Powder:
1/4 teaspoon
Onion Powder:
1/4 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper (optional):
1/4 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, drained pimentos, and softened cream cheese until creamy.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature with crackers, toast, or veggies.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend in a food processor.
- Try using white cheddar or adding jalapeños for a spicy variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
