Southern Pimento Cheese

This Southern Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from garlic, paprika, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, this spread is incredibly versatile.

Whether you serve it with crackers, fresh veggies, or slather it on sandwiches and burgers, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Simple to make and always a hit, this pimento cheese is a delicious blend of rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and tangy pimentos—ideal for snacking or as a flavorful addition to any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Southern Pimento Cheese because it’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a flavorful kick.

The rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar create a smooth, indulgent base, while the pimentos add a tangy bite that balances the flavors perfectly.

The touch of garlic, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning gives it a unique Southern twist that makes it irresistible.

Whether served as a dip with crackers, a spread on a sandwich, or a topping for burgers, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and always delivers big on flavor!

Key Ingredients:

Mayonnaise and cream cheese for a smooth, creamy base.

Sharp cheddar cheese, grated for that rich, tangy flavor that makes the spread irresistible.

Pimentos, providing a burst of color and a mild, slightly sweet taste.

Garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning for a flavorful, savory kick.

Grated yellow onion, adding a subtle depth of flavor and slight crunch.

Southern Pimento Cheese

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 oz softened cream cheese

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning

4 oz jar of pimentos, drained (save 1 tablespoon of juice)

2 tsp grated yellow onion

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Stir in the pimentos (along with the reserved tablespoon of juice), grated onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Cover and refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop.

Serve chilled with crackers, fresh vegetables like celery, or spread it on sandwiches and burgers.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Customize the Cheese: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a smoky cheese for a unique twist on the flavor.

Texture Preferences: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the pimento cheese until it’s very creamy. For a chunkier version, leave some of the pimentos and onions in larger pieces.

Make It Ahead: This pimento cheese actually gets better after a few hours (or even a day) in the fridge as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for prepping in advance for parties or gatherings.

Adjust the Spice: If you like a spicier kick, consider adding a small amount of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to the mix.

Versatile Use: In addition to crackers and vegetables, try using this pimento cheese as a topping for burgers, in grilled cheese sandwiches, or even as a dip for pretzels or tortilla chips.

Storage: Keep any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it becomes too thick after chilling, you can stir in a little extra mayo to loosen it up.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, pimento cheese often tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.

This allows the flavors to meld together and develop fully.

Just make sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use light or reduced-fat cream cheese and mayo?

Yes, you can substitute with light or reduced-fat versions of both cream cheese and mayo.

Keep in mind that this may affect the texture slightly, making it less creamy, but it will still taste delicious.

What can I serve with Southern Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is versatile and can be served with crackers, fresh vegetables (like celery or carrots), or tortilla chips.

It also makes an excellent spread for sandwiches, burgers, or even a topping for grilled chicken.

Can I add more spices to this recipe?

Absolutely! If you like a bit more heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or finely chopped jalapeños.

You can also adjust the amount of paprika or Old Bay seasoning to suit your taste.

How long will the pimento cheese keep in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, pimento cheese will last for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

If it thickens over time, you can stir in a little extra mayo to loosen it up before serving.

Do I need to use jarred pimentos, or can I use fresh peppers?

While jarred pimentos are traditional and provide a specific flavor, you can substitute with fresh red bell peppers if you prefer.

Just be sure to roast and peel them first to mimic the texture and sweetness of pimentos.

Can I make this pimento cheese with a food processor?

Yes, you can! If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a food processor to blend the ingredients together.

Just pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency, but be careful not to over-process if you want to keep some texture from the grated cheese and pimentos.

How do I make sure the cream cheese and mayo are fully incorporated?

It’s important that the cream cheese is softened before mixing.

To ensure it’s fully incorporated, you can beat the cream cheese with the mayo using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth, before adding the rest of the ingredients.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute it with a combination of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

This will give you a similar savory and slightly spicy flavor.

Can I make this without onion?

Yes, you can omit the onion if you prefer a milder flavor.

If you like a little bite but want to avoid raw onion, you could try using a small amount of onion powder instead.