![Basic Pimiento Cheese](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/OmzGrtgsKiGJbcWCFrNy3KkOXe8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2548801_south0494_brighter_0_0_1_1_0_0_1_0_0_0_0_2_0_0-a4c27382546040caa0d153173568c3e0.jpg)
Pimiento cheese is undeniably one of the South's favorite spreads. The combination of hand-grated Cheddar, plenty of diced pimientos, and a little cayenne all bundled up in some creamy mayonnaise is too good to resist. It may be a preferred accompaniment to crackers, but we're not judging if you've been known, on occasion, to it straight from the bowl or container. After all, the rich, slightly spicy, sometimes crunchy spread is one of life's small pleasures. We've got quite a few creative recipes that incorporate pimiento cheese, from appetizers to the main event.
Pimiento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
![Pimiento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/PAbMn8PMLNyEEwKjzakfz1ZuBbo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2679001_SeptH_0305-2000-689769e553954767bffab13e39898adf.jpg)
A classic casserole (chicken and broccoli) gets a Southern twist with the addition of melty pimiento cheese.
Southern Pimiento Mac and Cheese
![southern pimiento mac and cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hGNaQXA2MhYTmLStdAw6SxErNXg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2419301_20min32031_0_2-1-65673c8732274aa8971bea9ba0f81a05.jpg)
If you thought pimiento cheese couldn't get any better, try melting it into a cheese sauce for your mac. That's what we call next level.
Southern Pimiento Cheese
![Southern Pimento Cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/U3EInHvWMU8sXUoMydiSsVCD-nY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ab9404d8-94a9-4c9b-a9ad-eac95d2faeb0-bb8be91ac795478c8fa96e74962d4af8.png)
A Southern treasure, tried and true. We also add a little dill pickle juice that's guaranteed to win over even the pickle haters.
Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls
![Spicy Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Tz6fyHGk4bL9dvB6LWmzBfSM_CQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sausage_balls_0-1-823334b3d12c44c0bcb7bf8e902e32b1.jpeg)
Just 4 ingredients help these cheesy sausage balls come together in a snap.
Basic Pimiento Cheese
![Basic Pimiento Cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/OmzGrtgsKiGJbcWCFrNy3KkOXe8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2548801_south0494_brighter_0_0_1_1_0_0_1_0_0_0_0_2_0_0-a4c27382546040caa0d153173568c3e0.jpg)
Coarse, freshly-grated cheese works best, so get out your box grater.
Homemade Pimiento Cheese
![Classic Pimiento Chese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/sHGSSYPS7nhVsGnrN5tA6fhX1FY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2417301_south32292_0_0_0_0-2000-1f373980a7eb4d48a876831e7250a801-079925ea397846f0a3c0ef6e3a216841.jpg)
Hector Manuel Sanchez
While there are plenty of store-bought options, making it from scratch at home really can't be topped. It's easy to whip together for an impromptu get-together or if you just want something a little more flavorful for lunch. This recipe includes toasted pecans, ground red pepper, creamy mayonnaise, and sharp Cheddar cheese for a delicious combo.
Summer Vegetable Tart
![Southern Living Summer Vegetable Tart on a plate to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/VM7pl8KeO8wNOQ9zPEGB-mKhXfM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27593_SupT_MeatNthree_282-228207993fa8485f8cf7657346dc0155.jpg)
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Pimiento cheese is not just for dipping chips and crudite. Consider it as a foundation for layering delicious produce, like in this summer tart. Pimiento cheese is spread on the crust and then zucchini, squash, and corn are piled on top.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
![Southern Living Grilled Chicken Sandwich on a plate to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/kEdiYQOHkg0LQ642Mu0g9MrcLmk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Grilled_Chicken_Sandwich_011-11dc16cb9e24450e829911af04e5e426.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A simple grilled chicken sandwich is transformed not by a slice of cheese but a smear of pimiento cheese that gives it a flavorful Southern twist.