Easy Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe (Southern Classic)
If you’re searching for a simple and creamy pimento cheese recipe, you’re in the right place! This spread is a true Southern staple that’s perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or even as a dip for veggies. Makes for a great appetizer combo with 3 ingredient black olive dip.
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Do you ever have one of those recipes that makes you think “YESSS! Where have you been all my life?” Mildly dramatic, but so true.
This my friends, in one of them– yummy pimento cheese dip!
And I have to tell you, I don’t particularly care for pimentos OR Tabasco sauce, but put together with some fresh cheese. Downright amazing.
Trust me, please. Make this for your next party.
As a bonus? This is no bake so you can prep it ahead of time (which is ideal to let everything firm up) and pull it out of the fridge when it’s party-time.
Why You’ll Love This Pimento Cheese Recipe
If you’ve never made homemade pimento cheese before, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor — and the best part? It comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re planning a party, prepping school lunches, or need a quick snack, pimento cheese is the answer. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and keeps well in the fridge all week.
Ingredients for the Best Pimento Cheese Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this creamy, flavorful dip:
Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe
While I firmly believe this dip deserves to be eaten chilled with pretzels, I won’t judge you if you pile it on top of your next grilled burger. Because that is definitely how we jazzed up our little slider burgers this week. #sorryNotSorry
I’m that big of a fan and thankfully Jordan is, too!
If you’ve never had pimento cheese dip before, it’s a traditional Southern dish served on sandwiches. While I loved our time on the Gulf Coast, I don’t think I discovered it until we moved to Michigan.
Which is probably the best for my waistline.
I would’ve happily toured my way through Mississippi & Alabama in pursuit of the best pimento cheese dip.
One of my close Southern blogging friends recently shared her own pimento cheese dip recipe. It looked so good that I thought, we really need to try this for ourselves!
One of the ways to kick up this dip is to use freshly grated cheddar cheese. Before you internally groan (I see ya!), get yourself a rocking food processor and let it do the hard work for you! Each Sunday we grate a large chunk of cheese from Costco and store it in a gallon size resealable bag.
If you are insistent that packaged shredded cheese is the only way to go, I ask you to try it just once. Pretty please! I’ve found that freshly grated cheese makes every semi-homemade dinner taste so much better.
And besides, have you ever seen pre-packaged cheese melt? It’s kinda gross and it’s full of fillers. That’s saying something for this shortcut loving momma.
You can toss all the food processor parts in the dishwasher when you are finished. The extra few minutes for freshly grated cheese make for a much better dip.
Mix in your fresh cheese with some whipped cream cheese, and it’s almost like heaven. The calories don’t count today my friends!
For even more delicious cold dip recipes, you will enjoy these:
Tips for the Best Pimento Cheese
- Chill before serving. Letting the cheese mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes helps the flavors blend beautifully.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the spread less creamy.
- Adjust the spice. Add a pinch of cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños if you like extra heat.
- Choose the right mayo. A good-quality mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellman’s) makes all the difference!
Ways to Serve Pimento Cheese
This dip is so versatile, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- With Pretzels or Pretzel Crisps – The salty crunch of pretzels pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy cheese.
- On Burgers – Spread a generous scoop on top of a hot burger patty. It melts slightly and adds an incredible punch of flavor.
- Classic with Crackers – Ritz, saltines, or butter crackers are always a safe (and tasty) bet.
- As a Sandwich Spread – Use it in place of mayo for a quick sandwich upgrade, or make a grilled cheese with it for the ultimate Southern twist.
- With Fresh Veggies – Celery sticks, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips make this dip feel just a little lighter while still being indulgent.
- Party Platter Ready – Add it to a charcuterie or appetizer board for an easy, crowd-pleasing option.
Pimento Cheese FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better after it sits in the fridge for a couple of hours. This lets the flavors blend and the dip firm up a bit.
How long does homemade pimento cheese last?
Stored in a covered container, it will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to stir before serving if it’s been sitting.
Can I freeze pimento cheese?
It’s not recommended — freezing changes the texture and makes it grainy. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh within the week.
Is pimento cheese spicy?
It has a little kick from the horseradish and green Tabasco, but you can adjust to taste. For less heat, cut the Tabasco in half or leave it out altogether.
Can I use pre-shredded cheddar instead of grating it myself?
Freshly grated cheddar is always best! Pre-shredded cheese has fillers that prevent it from blending smoothly, so you’ll miss out on that creamy, classic texture.
Enjoy! I hope you find this pimento cheese dip recipe super easy. If you can, splurge on the time to have freshly grated cheese. You’ll love it!
- Related: The Easiest 15 Minute Appetizer
- Related: 3 Ingredient Sausage & Queso Slow Cooker Dip
- Related: Quick Taco Layer Dip
Yummy Pimento Cheese Spread
This yummy pimento cheese recipe will be the hit at your next party! Throw it together with only 6 ingredients and even make it ahead of time, too!
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Cheddar, Freshly Grated
- 1 Pound Whipped Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 Cup Mayonaise
- 1 Cup Pimentos, chopped
- 1/4 Cup Prepared Horseradish
- 2 Tablespoons Green Tabasco Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients except for the cheddar cheese.
- Once mixed together, fold in cheddar cheese, until well combined
- Store in covered container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 683Total Fat: 62gSaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 990mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 24g
Hi, I’m Brittany, and I believe life at home should feel easier, not heavier.
I’m the creator of Our Home Made Easy, a space for busy women who want dinner on the table, their homes running smoothly, and a little breathing room at the end of the day.
You won’t find perfection here, just realistic recipes, smart shortcuts, and simple routines that work in real life. The kind that help you feed your family well, stay organized enough, and still have time to actually enjoy it.
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