Homemade Pimento Cheese
Spend any time in the south, and you’ll discover that Homemade Pimento Cheese is basically its unofficial mascot! This creamy, cheesy, and sassy spread shows up on sandwiches, burgers, fries, and even cheddar cheese grits!
Get the Scoop!
- Unique Flavor – The tangy, creamy combo of sharp cheddar, cream cheese and diced pimentos is like no other dip you’ve ever tasted.
- Great Topping – Spread it on fried green tomatoes and fried chicken.
- Easy to Make – Uses just a few ingredients and no cooking required.
Nothing beats making pimento cheese at home where you can adjust the heat and sneak a few bites before anyone else gets a chance. This southern pimento cheese recipe is easy to whip up, and once you try it, you’ll never settle for store-bought again. It’s my go-to party dip recipe that’s been passed down through my family for ages!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, making a dip board, or just need a snack at your next party or event, pimento cheese dip will always be a favorite. For more dips you’ll love, try Pepperoni Pizza Dip and Baked Ricotta Cheese to get the party started!
What You’ll Need
For ingredient quantities and additional tips, see the recipe cardbelow.
- cream cheese – you can use low fat if preferred, but make sure it’s softened
- mayonnaise – I use Dukes, but you can substitute your favorite brand
- extra sharp cheddar cheese – shredded by hand (trust me, it makes a difference)
- diced pimentos – can substitute roasted red peppers
- garlic salt and onion powder – the perfect spice combo
- Franks hot sauce – substitute cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, or leave it out if you must.
Step by Step Instructions
- Add cream cheese to a stand mixer or food processor.
- Beat until creamy. Add mayonnaise to cream cheese and blend well.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and pulse a few times with mixer or food processor. Scrape down the sides with a spatula and pulse again.
- Add drained pimentos, garlic salt, onion powder and hot sauce (or cayenne pepper). Pulse a few times, then stir with a spoon.
Favorite Companions
- Classic Ritz crackers or pita chips
- Fresh celery sticks or sliced sweet peppers
- Toast, bagels, or plain white bread
- Pretzels or tortilla chips
- Sandwich spread for burgers and fried chicken
- Stirred into mac and cheese, deviled eggs and scrambled eggs
Make It Yours
🥓 Add bacon bits on top for a smoky crunch
🌶️ Mix in hot peppers for a spicy kick
🧀 Use smoked gouda or pepper jack instead of cheddar
Dip Tips
- Shred cheese by hand – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that keep it from mixing properly.
- Let it chill – The flavors really come together after an hour or two in the fridge.
- Use room temp cream cheese – Makes mixing way easier and creamier.
- Don’t skip the hot sauce! – It adds a touch of sass that gives it great flavor without too much heat. If you can’t tolerate any spice, use dried mustard or Worchestershire.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, it’s a classic staple of southern cuisine, and appears on many appetizer menus in southern restaurants. There’s even fried pimento cheese balls out there!
If you only use mayo, it will separate and appear oily after a while. And, if you plan on baking it, cream cheese is a must.
It’s got a gentle kick that adds necessary flavor, but you can dial the heat up or down depending on your preference.
Storage Notes
Make It Ahead – whip it up several days in advance and it will taste even better!
Leftovers – store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing – the texture might change, but you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it out in the fridge overnight before serving.
Homemade Pimento Cheese
*See notes in post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Equipment
- stand mixer or food processor
- spatula
- serving bowl and spoon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise - (I use Duke's)
- 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded by hand
- 4 ounces diced pimentos - (drained)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Franks hot sauce - (can substitute 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper for more spice)
Instructions
- Add cream cheese to a stand mixer or food processor. Beat until creamy.8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Add mayonnaise to cream cheese and mix well. Scrape down sides with a spatula.1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Stir in cheddar cheese and pulse a few times with mixer or food processor.8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded by hand
- Scrape down sides with a spatula.
- Add drained pimentos, garlic salt, onion powder and hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Pulse a few times, then stir with a spoon.4 ounces diced pimentos,1/2 teaspoon garlic salt,1/2 teaspoon onion powder,1 to 2 teaspoons Franks hot sauce
- Serve in a decorative bowl with dippers like celery, crackers and pita chips.
Notes
- Make It Ahead – whip it up several days in advance and it will taste even better!
- Leftovers – store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days (if it lasts that long!)
- Freezing – the texture might change, but you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it out in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nutrition
*Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
This recipe tastes just like my Mama used to make. It’s so much better when homemade.
Thank you Cecily. I agree. Homemade is where it’s at! ❤️