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You are here: Home / Appetizers & Snacks / Best Pimento Cheese Recipe

Best Pimento Cheese Recipe

Posted by Jessica Pinney on January 18, 2018, last updated February 9, 2021

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Pimento cheese with diced jalapeños on a black background.

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.

Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe in a glass jar on a black background.

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???)

Fingers holding a Ritz cracker with Pimento Cheese.

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.

A sandwich made with white bread and homemade pimento cheese.

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:

  • Pimento Cheese Potato Skins

More Appetizer Recipes:

  • Deviled Eggs with Fried Chicken Skin
  • Chicken Fried Pickles
  • Fire Crackers
  • Beer Cheese Fondue
  • Crock Pot Garlic & Onion Beer Boiled Peanuts
Print

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.

  • Author: Jessica Pinney
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American
Best Homemade Pimento Cheese - Pimento Cheese Recipe
Print Recipe
★★★★★ 4.8 from 20 reviews

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

Did you make this recipe?

Please tag @cookingwithjanica and use #cookingwithjanica on social media. We'd love to see!

Pimento Cheese Recipe - Homemade Pimento Cheese

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  1. Savanadana says

    January 10, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    Thinking of using this on hot baked potatoes as topper looks delicious, have you ever tried on baked potato?

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      January 11, 2021 at 11:24 am

      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.

      Reply
  2. Diane says

    June 2, 2021 at 5:55 pm

    Great recipe. I grew up on pimento cheese. I added a small sweet red pepper and it was great. Thankyou

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. LaDonna says

    June 18, 2021 at 6:16 pm

    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

    Reply
  4. Beverly says

    August 21, 2021 at 11:43 am

    Do you use fresh Jalapeños or the pickled kind in a jar?

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      August 21, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      Hi, Beverly! I use fresh jalapeños in my pimento cheese.

      Reply
      • Larry Corey says

        January 4, 2022 at 1:43 pm

        Do you remove the seeds and spines from the Jalapeños or leave in?

        Reply
        • Jessica Pinney says

          January 4, 2022 at 4:07 pm

          I generally remove them but it is a matter of preference. Leaving the seeds in will result in a spicer pimento cheese.

  5. Marcia Gaines says

    August 24, 2021 at 7:57 am

    What is Tsp, teaspoon or tablespoon?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      August 24, 2021 at 10:11 am

      Teaspoon.

      Reply
      • Elle says

        June 8, 2023 at 7:47 am

        Fabulous

        Reply
  6. Sallie says

    August 26, 2021 at 8:05 am

    Are you using fresh pimentos or from a jar?

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      August 26, 2021 at 9:00 am

      Jarred pimento.

      Reply
  7. Joan says

    October 23, 2021 at 3:19 pm

    I love this recipe! I have made it 6 times and is always a hit with my guests and husband!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  8. Amy says

    November 15, 2021 at 5:24 pm

    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.

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Raven Qinah Wallyss says

      May 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm

      Duke’s or GO HOME!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elle says

        June 8, 2023 at 7:48 am

        Why Dukes? THANKS ALWAYS USE OLIVE OIL BLUEPLATE

        Reply
        • Ginger Aldrich says

          September 16, 2023 at 7:16 pm

          It’s not southern if it’s not Dukes bit if you like something else fine

  9. Voga Buhl says

    December 23, 2021 at 11:33 pm

    🎄🎄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☃️☃️

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  10. Della Powers says

    February 11, 2022 at 9:34 pm

    This looks so delicious I’ve got to try it I love pimento spread.

    Reply
  11. Sandra M Freeman says

    May 13, 2022 at 7:50 pm

    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.

    ★★★

    Reply
  12. klbr says

    August 14, 2022 at 11:41 am

    Delicious! I used hatch chilies instead of jalepeno and used cincinnati chili hot sauce

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  13. Frida Fallas says

    October 15, 2022 at 3:59 pm

    Hi, if I want to use fresh peppers, what do I need to do with them?

    Reply
  14. Rebekah Thomas says

    December 2, 2022 at 12:55 pm

    Going to make this for the weekend.

    Reply
  15. Charlotte says

    December 3, 2022 at 8:37 am

    What could you use instead of mayo?

    Reply
    • M says

      August 16, 2023 at 5:44 am

      You can use Miracle Whip, and it will still be delicious!

      Reply
  16. Barb says

    December 23, 2022 at 4:36 pm

    Looking at the picture, it looks like it’s creamery. Do you melt the cheese?

    Reply
  17. Lisa says

    December 26, 2022 at 8:10 am

    LOVE LOVE LOVE This recipe!!! Quick, easy and delicious! So much better than store bought. I did use diced chili’s instead of jalapeños for my family and it was fine! (I prefer the jalapeños)

    Reply
  18. Helen Barnhardt says

    January 25, 2023 at 1:41 pm

    I made grilled cheese sandwiches with the pimento cheese. Yum yum.

    Reply
  19. Helen says

    February 12, 2023 at 1:03 pm

    Makes the best grilled cheese sandwich

    Reply
  20. Shelly says

    February 24, 2023 at 4:18 pm

    Hi where can I buy pimento?

    Reply
    • Lori says

      February 25, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      Hi Shelly, if you are just looking for the pimento you should find the jars in the same section of any USA grocery store with the pickles and such. We are from southwestern Kentucky and my folks always use jarred pimentos.

      Reply
  21. Helen says

    April 17, 2023 at 9:38 am

    I have made this recipe several times. Try making grilled cheese sandwiches with it.

    Reply
  22. Donna Teichman says

    June 21, 2023 at 1:09 pm

    Just like the recipe I used growing up in Texas.
    Later, I learned to make a killer dip by first mixing grated cheese and Miracle Whip, Then adding hot Paces Picante Sauce until it was of dipping consistency. Hot in flavor not heated.
    This was when we had only Fritos to dip with.
    Tortilla chips on the shelf weren’t available.
    To this day I will only eat Fritos with regular pimento cheese, or the dip variety.
    .

    Reply
  23. Sharon Coleman says

    July 8, 2023 at 6:07 am

    Could you can it?

    Reply
  24. Tammy says

    July 22, 2023 at 1:12 pm

    Do you drain the liquid from the jarred pimento or add it in?

    Reply
  25. Barbara says

    July 26, 2023 at 3:46 am

    How does it become creamy when the cheese is shredded?

    Reply
  26. Wendy Petties says

    August 2, 2023 at 10:50 am

    Hi. The best way to eat pimento cheese is on a fresh, crispy rice cake! Try it. It’s wonderful! I’m going to try your recipe.❤️

    Reply
  27. Diane Irwin says

    August 13, 2023 at 7:33 am

    Wonderful.. I had forgotten how delicious celery tasted with this spread. I will keep this in my fridge and take it to work for all of us to snack on.

    Reply
  28. Deborah Spencer says

    August 13, 2023 at 6:41 pm

    Hi, I’m originally from Kansas. My grandmother always made this with Colby Cheese, Miricle Whip, and Jared Pimentos, and a very finely chopped baby Gerkins and a little of the juice from the Gerkins jar. She put the cheese through a hand cranked meat grinder. Make sure you drain and squeeze the pimentos so the dip is not too wet.

    Reply
  29. M says

    August 16, 2023 at 5:41 am

    I gave this pimento cheese recipe 5 stars because, because it’s just that amazing! So easy to put together quickly and it tastes great. Occasionally, I substitute another pepper for the jalapeño pepper, since the jalapeño is too spicy hot for some of my family’s tastes. I’ve had good luck using Anneheim peppers, salad peppers, or even bell peppers. Personally, I like the ones that pack a little more heat! Our favorite way to eat the pimento cheese is grilled on nice slices from a crusty loaf of homemade whole grain bread, which I buy from the bakery at the grocery. But, it never fails when I make it on white bread! For dressing, just your favorite mayo.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  30. Christine Cox says

    September 16, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    I will definitely make this receipe, I love pimento cheese.

    Reply
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