Pimento cheese is one of those recipes that sounds simple because it is simple, but the little choices make a big difference. Some versions are too sweet. Some are too bland. Some have so many extras added that you lose the flavor of the cheese completely.
This version keeps things simple: sharp cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and a few seasonings. The key is using freshly grated cheese and giving the mixture time to chill so the flavors can come together.
Key Ingredients
To get the best flavor and texture. here are the ingredients I think work best.
Sharp cheddar cheese
For the best texture, grate the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but it is usually coated to keep it from clumping in the bag. That coating can make pimento cheese feel a little dry or grainy instead of creamy.
Freshly grated cheddar blends into the cream cheese and mayonnaise much better, and it also has a superior flavor. You want the cheese to have enough texture that the finished spread still tastes like cheese, not a completely smooth dip. To achieve this consistency, I recommend using the large holes on your box grater.
Mayo
Picking the right mayonnaise is key. I prefer Hellmann’s over Duke’s or any other brand, but that is my personal preference.
If I want to make it really creamy and decadently rich, I use my homemade mayonnaise. It is literally ready in 60 seconds and uses only a few ingredients that I already have on hand.
White Pepper and Cayenne
Many pimento cheese recipes call for cayenne pepper, and for good reason. It adds a little kick that works beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese.
I also like adding white pepper. White pepper has a gentle warmth that seems to disappear into creamy ingredients like cream cheese and mayonnaise. It doesn’t make the pimento cheese noticeably spicy, but it adds another layer of flavor that makes the mixture feel more balanced.
The cayenne is completely optional and can be adjusted to your taste. If you enjoy a little heat, start with a pinch and add more from there. If you prefer a milder pimento cheese, simply leave it out.
For me, the combination of white pepper and a small amount of cayenne creates the perfect balance of warmth and heat.
How to Make Pimento Cheese
This is an easy recipe you can whip up in minutes. Here are the step by step instructions.
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Start with softened cream cheese. This matters more than it seems. If the cream cheese is too cold, it will be hard to mix and you may end up with little chunks throughout the pimento cheese. Let it sit at room temperature until it is soft enough to press with a spoon.
Step 2: Grate the Cheddar
Grate the cheddar using the large holes of a box grater. Extra-sharp cheddar gives this recipe the best flavor. Mild cheddar can work, but the finished pimento cheese will taste softer and less bold. I do not recommend using pre-shredded cheese unless you really need the shortcut. Freshly grated cheese gives you a much better texture.
Step 3: Drain the Pimentos
Drain the diced pimentos well before adding them. You do not need to press every bit of moisture out, but you do want to remove the excess liquid from the jar. Too much liquid can loosen the mixture and water down the flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. You can use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon. A hand mixer makes the base smoother and a little fluffier, while a spoon gives you a more rustic texture. Either works and it comes down to what you prefer.
Step 5: Add the Cheese, Pimentos, and Seasonings
Add the shredded cheddar, drained pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you are using it. This is when you will want to mix by hand as using a mixer will chop up the cheese and mess with the texture.
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. And truth be told this is one of those recipes that tastes better the longer it sits. I like to make it at least 4 hours ahead of time or even the day before for the best flavor.
What goes well with Pimento Cheese?
Serve it with crackers, toasted bread, celery sticks, pretzels, or fresh vegetables. It is also excellent on sandwiches, burgers, grilled cheese, or tucked into stuffed jalapeños.
But my favorite pairing with pimento cheese is fried green tomatoes!
Variations
- For a little extra heat, add 1 seeded and minced jalapeño
- Want a smokier flavor, use 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika
- For extra texture, add 1 chopped green onion
Pimento Cheese
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or sturdy spoon
- Cheese grater (recommended if shredding fresh cheese)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Airtight container for chilling
Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 4-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature.
- Freshly grate the cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater.
- Drain the diced pimentos well.
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar, drained pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and salt.
- Mix until fully combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve cold with crackers, toasted bread, celery, vegetables, or sandwiches.
Pimento Cheese
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or sturdy spoon
- Cheese grater (recommended if shredding fresh cheese)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Airtight container for chilling
Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 4-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature.
- Freshly grate the cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater.
- Drain the diced pimentos well.
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar, drained pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and salt.
- Mix until fully combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve cold with crackers, toasted bread, celery, vegetables, or sandwiches.