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
Eva HENDRICK says
Sounds good but I don’t know how to save it!
To old to learn new trick
Eva Hendricks
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says
It’s so hard to resist this dip!! Perfect for the Super Bowl this weekend 🙂
Amanda says
I absolutely love pimento cheese! We like to make them at home when we’re watching the Masters. I also love it just spread onto pieces of crusty baguette. Can’t wait to try your recipe!
★★★★★
Amy Nash says
I don’t think I have ever tried pimento cheese but it sounds wonderful! Love a good dip!
★★★★★
Katie Crenshaw says
Pimento Cheese is my favorite! I love that you add celery salt and jalapeños. YUMMMMMMM! This looks killer.
★★★★★
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Loving the south as I do — I love their tradition of pimento cheese. And I do agree with you when it comes to buying pre-shredded cheese. It’s terrible and if you read the ingredients you can see that there isn’t just cheese. –
★★★★★
Ben Myhre says
I would take this over pate any day. This dip looks spectacular.
Monica | Nourish & Fete says
Such a classic crowd-pleaser – great recipe! This would disappear so fast at a game-watching party!!
★★★★★
Veronika says
It looks really delicious! will be a great addition for a party!
★★★★★
Maggie @ Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Oh my! I could eat this entire cheesy goodness all by myself. Pinning for later!
Dianne Morgan says
Also, pimento cheese is delicious baked with tortilla chips or ritz crackers.
Lori says
Coming from the Southwestern corner of Kentucky, I ADORE pimento cheese. Ritz, saltines, celery…all great. But my all time favorite is just slathered on fresh soft white bread!! Adding the jalapenos intrigues me. May just have to try it. By the way, my daddy taught me how to make it and I prefer American cheese to cheddar. Happy Eating everyone and thanks to Janica for sharing her secrets!!
★★★★★
Connie says
Were canned pimientos used for this recipe? Fresh jalapeños?
Jessica Pinney says
Jarred pimentos and yes, fresh jalapenos.
Gale Boland says
Trying this over the weekend. It is enough of a difference that I want to try. Thank you for this version. I usually try Palmetto Cheese from lady out of Pawley’s Island in Myrtle Beach. Hers is delicious! Don’t have to worry about saving at my household. ☺❗
Janice says
Sounds great. I want to try it but what is Vinegar based Hot Sauce? Can I use regular jarred Hot Sauce?
Jessica Pinney says
You can use any kind of hot sauce you’d like, but I think a classic vinegar-based adds the best flavor to this dish. My personal favorite brand would be Louisianna Hot Sauce.
Sallie Day says
Pimento cheese or pimenter cheese as we call it here in the hills of Tennessee, is the best. I love how people are referring to it as a dip lol…never heard it referenced as that. As we eat it on everything as a spread not a dip.
★★★★
Cathy says
Yes! Is wonderful, you can add a tiny bit of shredded onion too for a little zip. The white cheddar really makes this recipe!
★★★★★
Sue Starke says
For a sweet twist serve red pepper jelly with the pimento cheese and crackers. Its a great combination!
Betty J Tibbetts says
Has anyone tried this as a grilled cheese sandwich?
Sue says
Betty J Tibbetts
This is very good as grilled cheese. Also adding thin sliced ham with this is very good.
Ellise says
We’ve been making homemade pimento cheese in our family for years. This recipe looks really good, except I think I would substitute pepper jack cheese for the jalapeños. I’ve had it with a hint of jalapeño flavor, and it was great. Will definitely try your recipe!!!
Arvemia Wilburn says
I sometimes add a drained can of rotel tomatoes to a recipe. I love mine with homemade bread and butter pickles. I like mine with town house crackers or as a sandwich with homemade white bread.
Janine Horn says
Why does it only last a week in the fridge? Cheese and mayo last way longer than that in the fridge?
Jessica Pinney says
This recipe calls for fresh jalapenos which have a shorter life. Also, the mixture of cheese, mayo, and pimento leads to some unpleasant watery run off after several days. I would not want to eat or serve it.
Candy Williams says
Have you ever just added a touch of fresh grated garlic to your pimento chees?
Christy Boston says
Since my husband and I moved to a different town, we haven’t been able to purchase our favorite pimento cheese dip at what used to be our local meat market (we are too far away now). This recipe comes the closet to the one we miss so much, which makes my husband and I very happy! I added some cream cheese to bind the rest of the ingredients together, but other than that, this is a fantastic recipe. Yumm!
★★★★★
Karolyn says
Ive made this recipe of your numerous times. I love it and so do my friends and co-workers. It makes a ton so they’re is enough to gi around for everyone. Sometimes I can’t find the white cheddar however the sharp cheddar is just fine.
Karen Matteo says
Love this! Ty!
Towona says
Super good!!! A little heat goes a long way.
★★★★★
Cindy says
This recipe looks like the pimento spread my mom used to make can’t wait to try it.
Beth says
Where is the sweet pickle relish ?
Doris Hardin says
The pimento cheese sounds wonderful…I love pimento cheese
Stephanie says
What kind of mayo do you use .
Nancy I. Hoedebeck says
I no longer use pimentos for my cheese-I use jared roasted red bell peppers because they have more flavor than the pimentos. Really adds flavor galore. To the other question-use Hellmans or any mayo-whichever is your favorite.
Jerrod says
Do you use real mayo or miracle whip?
Jessica Pinney says
Real mayo. Duke’s is the best if you can get your hands on it.
Donna Teichman says
I’ve made my version of this recipe since I was first old enough for my Mom to show how. Nothing written down, almost same ingredients, momma and I used jar of chopped pimentos, and several Jalepeno peppers.
Also. We used Kraft Miracle Whip instead of Mayo. I didn’t know Miracle Whip wasnt Mayo until I was in high school.
Colleen says
Can this recipe be canned?
Jessica Pinney says
I don’t can, so I am not an expert, but I do not believe that you can can (ha!) things that have mayonnaise.
Beth Robinsom says
Lordy, Lordy thank you for the recipe nice lady. I am currently living in Kauai and they do not have miner-cheese or for goodness sake even, chicken salad. Also the mayonnaise situation is not good. NO DUKES. I am looking forward to making your recipe as soon as my Duke’s order gets here.
katrina says
do you have complete nutrition values, u need how much per serving and carbs. Thank you
Dee says
This recipe is Delicioso! I spread the Pimento cheese over tortilla chips and microwaved it and it was so darn good. Give it a try!!
★★★★★
Sonya says
Can you cann this cheese?
Lora says
This is wonderful! I drained the pimentos, do you?
Jessica Pinney says
So glad you liked it, Lora! Yes, I drain the pimentos.
Beth says
This is THE best pimento cheese ever!!!! I’ve made it more times than I can count and it’s a hit every time!! I follow the exact recipe and it never disappoints. Do yourself a favor and try it today!!
Jessica Pinney says
Beth, thank you for the kind words. I’m so glad you enjoy the recipe!