This quick and easy flavor-packed Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe takes less than ten minutes to make and is a favorite appetizer for friends and family. Sharp cheddar, white cheddar, pimentos, and a handful of other common kitchen ingredients are added to a cream cheese mayonnaise base to make one of the best dips ever!
Crazy Good Pimento Cheese
Is your life a crazy whirlwind of activity that is hard to keep up with sometimes? Do you love to make great food, sip on great wine, and entertain from time to time? I LOVE IT, but the days are often packed to the brim, and there does not seem to be enough of me to go around. You can whip this delicious Quick Southern Pimento Cheese up in about ten minutes.
This crazy good cheese dip can be prepared in advance, stored in an airtight container, and stirred before placing it in a serving bowl. It is delicious served with celery, carrots, crackers, and crostini. Serve leftovers on baked potatoes or spread between two slices of white bread and make delectable pimento cheese sandwiches. If you like this dip, try my spinach artichoke dip, pizza dip, and jalapeno popper dip.
What are pimentos?
Pimentos are a type of chili pepper. They are as red as bell peppers but slightly sweeter and mildly hot. Pimentos are generally canned or jarred but sometimes roasted. They are also dried, ground, and used to make the spice commonly known as paprika. For this recipe, you will be using a small jar of them.
What is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a creamy, tangy cheese spread made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar, and pimentos. It is a trendy dish in Southern cuisine, and it is sometimes referred to as “Southern Pate.”
Pimento Cheese Ingredients
- Cream Cheese -preferably full fat and softened to room temperature
- Mayonnaise – I like Duke’s, but there are other good brands out there
- Cheddar Cheese – good quality, sharp or white cheddar cheese with tons of flavor
- Spices – a few common pantry spices like onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper
- Worcestershire Sauce – Lee % Perrins is the best
- Pimento Peppers – diced and jarred. Usually in the same aisle as the pickles at the grocery store.
- Mirin – although most Southerners would turn their nose at this, it adds a sweetness that melds with the other flavors.
How to Make Pimento Cheese?
Using a stand or hand mixer and a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Then add your cheeses, spices, Worcestershire Sauce, and mirin (optional). Finally, stir in the pimentos and refrigerate the mixture until 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Use an electric mixer or spoon to combine for optimal texture and flavor. A food processor is not recommended, as you want the spread to retain most of its texture.
- You can substitute roasted red pepper for the pimentos.
- Use real mayo for this recipe. Duke’s is by far my favorite.
- Mirin is sweetened sake and can be found in the Asian food section of some grocery stores. Substitutions for the mirin include 2 tablespoons of sherry mixed with 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. You could also substitute maple syrup.
- Store this spread in the fridge until about 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How to serve Pimento Cheese?
- With saltines, Ritz crackers, crisp crackers, chips, or crostini
- Spread over little rye or white toasts for tea sandwiches
- With veggies like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and red bell peppers.
- Stuffed in little steamed red potatoes (hallow out the inside with a melon baller)
- With slices of bell pepper or cucumber
- In a warm omelet
- With sliced apples
- Spread between slices of white bread and grilled (the best-grilled cheese sandwich ever)
Storage
Store this spread in the fridge until about 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
This delicious dip is delectable, easy, loved, and foolproof. Put the ingredients on your grocery list, and let me know what you think.
More Party Appetizers
Pimento Cheese Recipe
This classic Southern Pimento Cheese is sure to be the hit of your next party. To take it over the top, serve in little steamed red potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: appetizer
- Method: mixer
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 1 box (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayo (preferably Duke’s)
- 1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon mirin (optional)
- 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, using a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and mayo until smooth and creamy. Add the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mirin (optional); beat just until blended. Stir in pimentos. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate until 30 minutes prior to serving.
Notes
- For optimal texture and flavor, use an electric mixer or spoon to combine. A food processor is not recommended, as you want the spread to retain most of its texture.
- You can substitute roasted red pepper for the pimentos.
- Use real mayo for this recipe. Dukes is by far my favorite.
- Store this spread in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Kevin Moore
My kids really love this cheese. It is quick to make and so darn tasty. It is difficult to stop eating it. Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Kevin!
Divia K
Great soft cheese recipe. The more I cook, the more I like southern recipes. This one is a keeper. It is going in my recipe folder.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Divia! So glad that you liked it.
Kassie
Beth, your Southern Pimento Cheese recipe is a game-changer! I love how quick and easy it is to whip up this flavorful dip, perfect for any gathering. Delicious with crispy crackers and celery and carrot sticks.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kassie! So glad that you liked it!
Kimberlee
Your southern pimento cheese was the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. With your clear instructions and tasty recipe, you’ve made it irresistible for anyone craving a taste of the South. Keep sharing these delightful recipes that bring joy to kitchens everywhere!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Kimberlee! I appreciate your support!
Rafael
So creamy and flavorful. It is really hard to stop eating this spread. It is delicious with carrot sticks.
Lee of TheManilaPh.com
Been wanting to make this for so long! Thanks for the recipe. Easy to follow
Mary Ann
This is my favorite pimento cheese recipe. It reminds me of my grandmother’s recipe. I turned a few friends onto it and they love it.
Dana L
Such a great recipe. Tastes just like the stuff we’d get in the South when we lived there!
Anjali
Yum!! We made this and served it as a dip with crackers when we had some friends over and it was a hit!
Holly
I have to say that I have never been a huge fan of pimento cheese, but I have only ever had the store-bought stuff. It’s one of those things that I *want* to like (like shrimp and grits), but I just never had. I ran across your recipe and decided to give it a try. What a world of difference. It was super easy and tasted nothing like anything I have had before. Thank you for sharing.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Holly!
Cathleen Rhode
I love this recipe so much!! It is definitely a favorite in my house, I will definitely make it again. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Gianne
It’s creamy, tangy, and has the perfect kick of heat from the pimentos. It’s the ultimate comfort food and pairs perfectly with crackers, veggies, or as a sandwich spread. Delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Gianne! So glad that you like the Pimento Cheese!
Zadie
I just love this pimento cheese. Such a great appetizer for halftime. The guys loved it and they gave it two thumbs up which is awesome because sometimes it is hard to please them.
Beth Pierce
I would agree. Sometimes men are hard to please.
Amy Liu Dong
This pimento cheese was delicious and easy to make!
Chloe Arnold
Oh this looks delicious! My husband is southern and he would love this fun reminder of his home! Might have to surprise him and make these!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Chloe! I sure hope he enjoys it as much as we do!
Mary
I had something like this at a restaurant once. It would be nice to try out your recipe and make this at home. I love pimentos (and cheese of course)!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mary! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Monique
Your Southern Pimento Cheese recipe is a winner! The flavors are spot-on, and the creamy texture is just perfect. Loved making it and everyone at the gathering couldn’t get enough. Your recipe is now a go-to for any occasion. Great job!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Monique! I am so glad that you like the Pimento Cheese!
Stephanie
Yum! This pimento cheese spread is perfect for my football party appetizer trays. Thanks for the recipe.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Stephanie! Enjoy!
Carrie Robinson
I just love putting this pimento cheese on my sandwiches! It is quick and easy to make and everyone loves it.
Dina and Bruce
Dukes for sure! Love the dry mustard in this! So good!
Kim
OOH this was delicious. I’ll definitely be making this again. I am thinking New Years Eve.
Chenee
This would make an incredible appetizer for Christmas Eve. Can’t wait to make it!
Casey
We live near a cheese factory and they make this but it’s so expensive. I’m really excited to be able to make it myself. Thanks for sharing!
Sisley
This is a delicious dip. Perfect for events and watching the game.
Kate
This pimento cheese had so much flavor! Next time I’ll serve it in potatoes like you suggest!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kate! You will love it!
Naomi
This is one quick and easy Southern classic pimento cheese dip. My friends and family gobbled it up on Sunday while we were watching football. Great gameday food.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Naomi! It is great gameday food.
Quynh
I made this for our Halloween party, and everyone loved it! So easy to put together. I made it ahead of time and just kept it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Quynh! I am so glad that everyone like it. We love it too.
Sarah
This was such an easy and creamy recipe that did not disappoint! Turned out light, fluffy and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Kristen
I took this to a party yesterday and everyone loved it! I’ll definitely make it again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kristen! So glad that they enjoyed the pimento cheese.
Kushigalu
Love this quick and easy recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Luci Petlack
I’m a big fan of pimiento cheese. This recipe is great!
Amanda
I really love this dip! It was a huge hit at my last pool party. Definitely one of my favourite dips.
Linda
I am 74 years old and have made a lot of pimiento cheese recipes, but this is by far the best I’ve ever had!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Linda! I am so glad that you liked it!
Lavanda
I’ve always loved pimento cheese, and this easy and fast version is perfect for satisfying those cravings in no time.
Mary
How interesting! I’ve never had this dip before. Sounds very cheesy and delicious!
Jocelyn
This is my new favorite cheese spread. It was really delicious and full of flavor – thank you for the recipe.
Michelle
This looks and sounds so yummy! I am a cheese fanantic so I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the recipe. Beth!
Karen
I am addicted to this pimento cheese. It is just that good. I am going to make it again this weekend.
Luna S
This looks down right amazing! I would love to make this and try it out with my family.
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh
Wow, this Southern Pimento Cheese recipe sounds absolutely delicious and convenient to make! 😍 I can’t resist a flavor-packed appetizer that’s quick to whip up. The combination of sharp cheddar, white cheddar, pimentos, and creamy ingredients in the cream cheese mayo base has my mouth watering already. Can’t wait to try this at our next family gathering or get-together with friends! Thanks for sharing this gem of a recipe! 🧀🌶️
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Sue! Enjoy!
Nadalie
I’m a sucker for anything cheesy! This recipe is great and looks so easy to prepare!
Beth Pierce
I could not agree more!
Yeah Lifestyle
This really is super yummy, and great served with some crackers and salad. Very easy to make too.
Lisa
Great pimento cheese recipe. The best one I have tried so far. I will definately make this again.
Sam
We loved this pimento cheese. I followed your suggestion and filled baby potatoes with it. The ultimate deliciousness! Thanks for the recipe, Beth.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sam. I am so glad that you liked the cheese spread.
Sandra
Thank you so much for this amazing recipe! A new staple at my kitchen!
Allyson Zea
Always a delicious snack! Loved this since living in the south – cant wait to try your recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Allyson! Enjoy!
Erin
So amazingly delicious! The family loved this! I can not wait to make it again!
Elizabeth
Such an easy and delicious dip to whip up when having guests over. Perfect for serving with crackers when I am entertaining. Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome. Elizabeth.
Justine
So good! Really easy to throw together, good flavor – reminds me of trips to the south.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Justine! So glad that you liked it!
Jess
Ooohhh I love pimento cheese. This recipe is the best. So easy, delicious and quick.
Maayke
I’ve never made pimento cheese before, but it was a big hit! Thank you for the recipe.
Kathy
I can’t wait to try this. Every recipe of yours that I’ve tried has been delicious! I’m just wondering about the Mirin. What flavor does it add? I know it’s optional but I don’t know whether to add it or not.
Beth Pierce
A little bit of sweetness. Have you tried mirin?
Andrea Thueson
I made this dip for a pool party and was hoping for leftovers, but it was gone! Needless to say, it was a hit!!
Jessica Burgess
This was the perfect dip for our guests we hosted the other night. They loved it, thank you!
Lily
This dip was delicious, we made it for movie night and this went within minutes, it was incredible!!
Ginny
This is better than any other pimiento cheese I’ve had. Thank you for the recipe!
Betsy
This needs to be on my New Year’s Eve spread! Every. Single. Year. 😀 SOOO good! So addictive! Yum!
Jen
This is one of those dips you put out and people just set up shop around it because they know it’s going to go fast! Love it!
Renee Goerger
Yes, please! Hand me a big spoon and I’m a happy girl!
Meagen
I loved this! I can’t wait to make it again for friends and family it’ll definitely be making appearances for our holidays meals! Yum!
pamela marie wetzel
reminds me of grannies, thanks
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Pamela!
Melisssa
One of my favorite dips, thanks for great recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! So glad that you like it.
Sara
Loving all the cheesy goodness in this recipe; looking forward to enjoying this for a midday snack tomorrow afternoon!
Ashley F
Never knew how easy this would be to make at home! Loved it!
Nellie Tracy
This is so delicious!! My entire family loves this recipe! Such a great recipe for gatherings!
Ashley
Never knew it would be so easy to make this at home! My kids love it!
Molly
What a smooth and flavorful dip; easily a new favorite appetizer for an afternoon snack or gathering!
Natalie
This sounds so delicious! I mean, who doesn’t love dipping things into cheese?! Great party appetizer!
Stephanie
This was so stink’n good! Definitely going to bring this to our neighborhood potluck this weekend.
Angel
Thank you, Beth, for sharing! I have been wanting to make my own since I enjoy it so much at restaurants, but simply lacked the know how. I can’t wait to try your recipe! I will be sure to slather it on virtually everything!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Angel! Enjoy! I love it everything too! It is so delicious!!
Mary
Love this recipe. Thank you
Tara
This was really amazing! Everyone at my house loved it.
Stephanie
This cheese was fantastic! I served it at our watch party and everyone loved it!
Matt Taylor
This looks so yummy! I love a good cheese dip.
Noelle
This was so good!! The flavors were so delicious, thank you!
Krissy
This reminds me so much of grandma. I can’t wait to try it!
Shashi
My mom loves pimento cheese and she would so love this version!
Caroline
I love how quick this is to make and such a classic for a party.
Tammy
I’ve actually never made my own pimento but it sounds seriously delicious and definitely one I would like to try! Yum!!
Ann Wilkins
Why can’t we print out the recipe?
Beth Pierce
You should be able to. I do not have it blocked for any reason. I can try emailing it to you. You can try that way.
Donna
I had to copy and paste the recipe to be able to print it..
Karen
I love pimento cheese & I want to learn to make it. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome!! 😉
Lourdes
I just saw this yummy-sounding recipe for a type of dip that I love! I am certainly going to try it. Thank you.