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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 18 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. Eva HENDRICK says

    January 19, 2018 at 6:08 pm

    Sounds good but I don’t know how to save it!
    To old to learn new trick
    Eva Hendricks

    Reply
  2. Dominique | Perchance to Cook says

    January 31, 2018 at 9:38 am

    It’s so hard to resist this dip!! Perfect for the Super Bowl this weekend 🙂

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    February 1, 2018 at 6:10 pm

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  4. Amy Nash says

    February 2, 2018 at 11:56 am

    I don’t think I have ever tried pimento cheese but it sounds wonderful! Love a good dip!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  5. Katie Crenshaw says

    February 3, 2018 at 1:35 am

    Pimento Cheese is my favorite! I love that you add celery salt and jalapeños. YUMMMMMMM! This looks killer.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  6. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    February 3, 2018 at 7:41 am

    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. –

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  7. Ben Myhre says

    February 4, 2018 at 4:34 am

    I would take this over pate any day. This dip looks spectacular.

    Reply
  8. Monica | Nourish & Fete says

    February 4, 2018 at 1:15 pm

    Such a classic crowd-pleaser – great recipe! This would disappear so fast at a game-watching party!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  9. Veronika says

    February 5, 2018 at 6:43 am

    It looks really delicious! will be a great addition for a party!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  10. Maggie @ Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

    February 5, 2018 at 8:25 am

    Oh my! I could eat this entire cheesy goodness all by myself. Pinning for later!

    Reply
  11. Dianne Morgan says

    October 18, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    Also, pimento cheese is delicious baked with tortilla chips or ritz crackers.

    Reply
  12. Lori says

    October 27, 2018 at 10:34 am

    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!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  13. Connie says

    November 5, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    Were canned pimientos used for this recipe? Fresh jalapeños?

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      November 5, 2018 at 6:48 pm

      Jarred pimentos and yes, fresh jalapenos.

      Reply
  14. Gale Boland says

    November 15, 2018 at 6:00 am

    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. ☺❗

    Reply
  15. Janice says

    November 20, 2018 at 4:40 am

    Sounds great. I want to try it but what is Vinegar based Hot Sauce? Can I use regular jarred Hot Sauce?

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      November 20, 2018 at 3:44 pm

      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.

      Reply
  16. Sallie Day says

    December 4, 2018 at 7:11 am

    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.

    ★★★★

    Reply
  17. Cathy says

    December 7, 2018 at 11:24 am

    Yes! Is wonderful, you can add a tiny bit of shredded onion too for a little zip. The white cheddar really makes this recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  18. Sue Starke says

    December 20, 2018 at 5:29 pm

    For a sweet twist serve red pepper jelly with the pimento cheese and crackers. Its a great combination!

    Reply
  19. Betty J Tibbetts says

    February 7, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    Has anyone tried this as a grilled cheese sandwich?

    Reply
    • Sue says

      March 31, 2019 at 6:01 pm

      Betty J Tibbetts
      This is very good as grilled cheese. Also adding thin sliced ham with this is very good.

      Reply
  20. Ellise says

    April 30, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
  21. Arvemia Wilburn says

    May 21, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    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.

    Reply
  22. Janine Horn says

    May 29, 2019 at 7:13 pm

    Why does it only last a week in the fridge? Cheese and mayo last way longer than that in the fridge?

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      May 30, 2019 at 10:00 am

      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.

      Reply
  23. Candy Williams says

    June 13, 2019 at 8:01 pm

    Have you ever just added a touch of fresh grated garlic to your pimento chees?

    Reply
  24. Christy Boston says

    June 18, 2019 at 8:00 pm

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  25. Karolyn says

    September 8, 2019 at 8:51 pm

    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.

    Reply
  26. Karen Matteo says

    September 16, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    Love this! Ty!

    Reply
  27. Towona says

    November 26, 2019 at 11:42 am

    Super good!!! A little heat goes a long way.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  28. Cindy says

    December 16, 2019 at 7:13 pm

    This recipe looks like the pimento spread my mom used to make can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
  29. Beth says

    February 1, 2020 at 6:36 am

    Where is the sweet pickle relish ?

    Reply
  30. Doris Hardin says

    March 8, 2020 at 10:54 am

    The pimento cheese sounds wonderful…I love pimento cheese

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      April 2, 2020 at 2:45 am

      What kind of mayo do you use .

      Reply
  31. Nancy I. Hoedebeck says

    April 3, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    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.

    Reply
  32. Jerrod says

    June 19, 2020 at 5:51 pm

    Do you use real mayo or miracle whip?

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      June 19, 2020 at 10:29 pm

      Real mayo. Duke’s is the best if you can get your hands on it.

      Reply
  33. Donna Teichman says

    June 25, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    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.

    Reply
  34. Colleen says

    July 5, 2020 at 10:03 am

    Can this recipe be canned?

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      July 5, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      I don’t can, so I am not an expert, but I do not believe that you can can (ha!) things that have mayonnaise.

      Reply
  35. Beth Robinsom says

    July 20, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    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.

    Reply
  36. katrina says

    July 28, 2020 at 9:29 pm

    do you have complete nutrition values, u need how much per serving and carbs. Thank you

    Reply
  37. Dee says

    September 19, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    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!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  38. Sonya says

    October 8, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    Can you cann this cheese?

    Reply
  39. Lora says

    November 29, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    This is wonderful! I drained the pimentos, do you?

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      December 2, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      So glad you liked it, Lora! Yes, I drain the pimentos.

      Reply
  40. Beth says

    January 6, 2021 at 1:26 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • Jessica Pinney says

      January 6, 2021 at 2:50 pm

      Beth, thank you for the kind words. I’m so glad you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply
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