Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe

Active Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 10 mins

Yield:

4 cups

There's one remarkable spread that holds a treasured spot at every Southern table: the legendary pimiento cheese spread. It's a beloved, tried-and-true dish that everyone seeks out. Whip up a batch of this creamy cheese spread, and stick it in the fridge until guests come over.

Our Southern pimiento cheese recipe is pretty straightforward; we use two types of cheese: sharp Cheddar and sharp white Cheddar to create this colorful cheese concoction. But there is one thing that makes our pimiento cheese stand out: the addition of dill pickle juice. Don't knock it until you try it. This tangy addition will win over even the non-pickle eaters.

It's important to use a high-quality mayonnaise to bind all of these ingredients together (our personal favorite is Duke's). This loveable spread comes together in just 10 short minutes. It's versatile enough to be served as an appetizer with crackers and celery or can be transformed into a creamy pimiento cheese sandwich.

Learn how to make this classic pimiento cheese recipe. The options are truly endless with this one-of-a-kind Southern favorite.

Southern Living Southern Pimento Cheese on a platter ready to serve with crackers and vegetables — Dotdash Meredith

What Is Pimiento Cheese?

Pimiento cheese (or pimento cheese) is a beloved Southern staple, known for its rich, creamy flavor, and versatility. It's typically made with a combination of shredded cheeses, pimiento peppers, mayonnaise, and seasonings, although it can also include cream cheese, mustard, hot sauce, pickles, or other ingredients in the mix.

The ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor makes it an ideal dish to serve at parties, whether as a dip with crackers, chips, or crudité, as a topping to burgers, hot dogs, baked potatoes, or deviled eggs, or as a filling for sandwiches. Not surprisingly, it's also referred to as the "caviar of the South."

The History of Pimiento Cheese

Pimiento cheese has a long history, with the first recorded spreads combining cheese and peppers popping up in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pimiento peppers made their way to the United States in the late 19th century from Spain, around the same time as farmers in New York began producing an early version of cream cheese. The two ingredients came together for a spread that was commercially produced as a ready-to-serve and affordable item.

After World War II, adaptations were made, particularly in the South, where the cream cheese was swapped with Cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise was added in as a binder. A popular choice for school lunches, large gatherings, and entertaining at home, it's been a Southern staple ever since.

Ingredients for Southern Pimiento Cheese

Creamy cheeses and mayonnaise are livened up by the addition of mustard, pickle juice, garlic, Worcestershire, seasonings, and of course, peppers, for a crowd-pleasing spread you'll want to double up on. To make Southern pimiento cheese, you'll need:

White sharp Cheddar cheese and sharp Cheddar cheese: Creates the base for the spread, with the two types of Cheddar adding flavor and color to the mix.
Jarred, roasted red peppers: Gives the spread its name, along with sweetness, color, and a slightly smoky flavor.
Whole-grain mustard: For a tangy, spicy addition that wakes up the flavors of the spread.
Dill pickle juice: For a tangy acidity to balance the richness of the cheese and mayonnaise.
Garlic: Adds depth and complexity.
Worcestershire sauce: For umami flavor and depth.
Mayonnaise: A rich binder for the spread.
Salt, pepper or cayenne as desired: To season the mixture.

Southern Living Southern Pimento Cheese ingredients — Dotdash Meredith

How To Make Southern Pimiento Cheese

Whether you serve pimiento cheese as a spread, in sandwiches, or as a stuffing for peppers, all you'll need is a quick stir to have it ready to serve. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Stir together the pimiento cheese: Stir to combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Step 2. Chill: Chill for at least one hour, then stir again, adding more mayonnaise if needed. Season as desired.

Our Tips for the Best Pimiento Cheese

For the best pimiento cheese, keep these simple tips in mind:

Quality ingredients: We hate to say it, but you will want to grate your own cheese for this recipe. Pre-shredded versions contain anti-caking agents that will affect the flavor and texture of your pimiento cheese. Good quality peppers, mayonnaise, and seasonings are just as important.
Season generously: Don't be afraid to add a little more seasoning to taste if needed after chilling the mixture.
Mix gently: Mix gently so you have better control over the final texture.
Chill and rest: Gives the flavors time to meld and the cheese time to chill properly before serving.

What To Serve With Southern Pimiento Cheese

Serve pimiento cheese as a filling for sandwiches, sliders, or grilled cheese, or as a topping for hamburgers or deviled eggs. You can also bake it into sausage rolls or casseroles, stir into potato salad or grits, stuff into peppers, or of course, serve as a dip with crackers, pita chips, crudité, flatbreads, and more.

How To Store Southern Pimiento Cheese

Store pimiento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one to two weeks. Freezing is not ideal as the texture can change after thawing, but if needed, freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and use to incorporate into other types of dishes.

More Pimiento Cheese Recipes You'll Love

If you love pimiento cheese, get ready to find whole new ways to incorporate it into your repertoire:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

8 oz. shredded white sharp Cheddar cheese
8 oz. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers from a jar
2 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard
2 Tbsp. dill pickle juice
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic, from 2 medium cloves
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 cup mayonnaise, such as Duke's or Hellman's
Salt, pepper or cayenne as desired

Directions

Stir together the pimiento cheese:

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; stir to combine.

Dotdash Meredith
Chill:

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Add more mayonnaise and seasoning:

Stir again and add more mayonnaise if needed, as cheese will absorb mayonnaise during refrigeration. Add salt, pepper or cayenne if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use fresh pimiento peppers for pimiento cheese instead of jarred?

Yes—you can use fresh pimento peppers instead of jarred to make pimiento cheese. Roast until the skin of the peppers is charred, then peel and dice before using.
Are pimiento cheese sandwiches a Southern thing?

Pimiento cheese became a popular addition to sandwiches in the South in the early 20th century, and remain a favorite to this day. Pimiento cheese sandwiches are often served at picnics and other types of gatherings.