What is pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese is a treasured Southern dish. It is sometimes referred to as “the pâté of the South”.
The base of the recipe is pretty simple – shredded cheese is combined with mayo and diced pimentos.
Everyone has their own little variation though – some people use different types of cheese, add spices, or even bread and butter pickles (yuck!).
My recipe, the one I’m sharing with you today, includes diced jalapeños, white pepper, and celery salt.
My personal favorite cheeses for this dish are sharp cheddar and extra sharp white cheddar. It is best to buy block cheese and shred it yourself. Store bought shredded cheese is full of preservatives that alter the taste. Tillamook makes an excellent version of both cheddars.
What goes with pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese can be eaten simply as a dip. When serving this way, I think it’s best on Ritz crackers. (What isn’t best on Ritz crackers???)
It is also often served on celery sticks. (My favorite way to eat it growing up!)
You can add it to virtually any dish you would use cheddar cheese in: pimento cheese burgers, pimento cheese grits, pimento grilled cheese, pimento queso…the possibilities are endless!
What is a pimento cheese sandwich?
One of the simplest and most popular ways to serve pimento cheese is in a sandwich.
Traditionally, white bread is used and the only condiment is mayo.
The pimento cheese sandwich is undoubtedly the most popular item at the Master’s golf tournament in Georgia.
I think pimento cheese is one of those recipes that gets better a day or two after you make it. 24-48 hours gives all those ingredients and flavors a chance to meld together and really become something phenomenal.
But you know I can never wait and always sample some the first day I make it.
How long does pimento cheese last? Can you freeze it?
Pimento cheese should last at least a week when stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. Unfortunately, pimento cheese does not freeze well.
Other Pimento Cheese Recipes:
More Appetizer Recipes:
- Deviled Eggs with Fried Chicken Skin
- Chicken Fried Pickles
- Fire Crackers
- Beer Cheese Fondue
- Crock Pot Garlic & Onion Beer Boiled Peanuts
Best Pimento Cheese Recipe
This homemade pimento cheese recipe has the perfect balance of flavors, making it the best version of the classic Southern food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2.5 Cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar
1.5 Cups Shredded Extra Sharp White Cheddar
1 Cup Pimentos, diced
1–2 Jalapenos, diced
1/2 Cup Mayo
3/4 Tsp Vinegar Based Hot Sauce (optional)
1/2 Tsp Celery Salt
1/4 Tsp White Pepper
1/8 Tsp Salt
Instructions
Add all ingredients in a large bowl, stir until well combined.
Serve as a sandwich between 2 slices of white bread, or serve as a dip with crackers or vegetables.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to one week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 203
Savanadana says
Thinking of using this on hot baked potatoes as topper looks delicious, have you ever tried on baked potato?
Jessica Pinney says
I’ve never used it on baked potatoes, but we made pimento cheese potato skins that were delicious. I’m sure the baked potatoes would be good too. If you try it, please let us know how it turns out.
Diane says
Great recipe. I grew up on pimento cheese. I added a small sweet red pepper and it was great. Thankyou
★★★★★
LaDonna says
I would give this recipe a 5 star rating, my husband loves it so much that he wants me to
make it a staple in our refrigerator at all times
Love it
Beverly says
Do you use fresh Jalapeños or the pickled kind in a jar?
Jessica Pinney says
Hi, Beverly! I use fresh jalapeños in my pimento cheese.
Larry Corey says
Do you remove the seeds and spines from the Jalapeños or leave in?
Jessica Pinney says
I generally remove them but it is a matter of preference. Leaving the seeds in will result in a spicer pimento cheese.
Marcia Gaines says
What is Tsp, teaspoon or tablespoon?
Thanks
Jessica Pinney says
Teaspoon.
Sallie says
Are you using fresh pimentos or from a jar?
Jessica Pinney says
Jarred pimento.
Joan says
I love this recipe! I have made it 6 times and is always a hit with my guests and husband!
★★★★★
Amy says
Real Southern pimento cheese always uses just a little sugar – maybe a teaspoon. Also try to use Duke’s brand mayo if you can find it for authenticity.
★★★★
Voga Buhl says
🎄🎄Cut washed/dried (paper towel ) Celery sticks , ahhh like 1 inch or a little longer………and fill them with the Pimento Cheese ………finger food with a dinner or snack by themselves……… SO YUMMY ☃️☃️
MERRY🎄CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR☃️☃️
★★★★★
Della Powers says
This looks so delicious I’ve got to try it I love pimento spread.
Sandra M Freeman says
I had to add extra mayonaise, cheese, and a bit of sugar to cut the salty taste. I know almost everyone loves this, but I would cut out the regular salt and only add the celery salt.
★★★