Pimento Cheese
A creamy, tangy Southern spread made with sharp cheddar, sweet pimento peppers, and just the right amount of mayo. This addictive "Carolina caviar" comes together in 10 minutes and works as a dip, sandwich filling, or burger topping.
For 2 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Grate the cheddar cheese.
Use a box grater to shred the sharp cheddar on the large holes. Freshly grated cheese melts and blends far better than pre-shredded, which is coated in starch. Measure out 2 packed cups.
TIPGrate your own — pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that make the spread grainy. - mix · ~1 min
Cream the base.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Beat with a spatula until smooth and fully blended with no lumps remaining.
- mix · ~2 min
Fold in the cheese and seasonings.
1.Add the grated cheddar to the cream cheese mixture and fold in until evenly distributed.2.Add the drained, finely chopped pimentos along with the minced garlic.3.Season with a pinch of cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Fold everything together until well combined.TIPFold gently — overmixing breaks down the cheese shreds and you lose that rustic texture. - other · ~1 min
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Give the pimento cheese a taste. Add another pinch of cayenne if you want more heat, or a touch more mayo if you prefer it creamier. Every batch of cheddar varies in sharpness, so this step makes all the difference.
- rest · ~30 min
Chill before serving.
Transfer to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The rest lets the flavors meld and the texture firm up.
TIPPimento cheese is always better the next day — make it ahead if you can. - serve
Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.
Bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Spread thick on white sandwich bread for a classic Southern pimento cheese sandwich, or serve as a dip with crackers, celery sticks, and bell pepper strips.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Grate cheddar from a block yourself — pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that create a grainy texture.
- 2Let the cream cheese soften fully at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free base.
- 3Drain the pimentos well and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid watering down the spread.
- 4Fold the cheese in gently so the shreds stay distinct, giving the spread a rustic, chunky texture.
- 5Chill the finished pimento cheese for at least 30 minutes — flavors meld and the texture firms up beautifully.
- 6For the best flavor, make this a day ahead and let it rest overnight in the fridge.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy jalapeño
Add 1-2 finely minced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) along with the pimentos. This adds a bright, fresh kick for those who love extra heat.
smoky baconSmoky bacon
Fold in 1/4 cup of crumbled, cooked bacon and substitute 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for the cayenne. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar and pimentos.
herb gardenHerb garden
Mix in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives and 1 tablespoon of fresh dill. This variation brightens the spread and makes it ideal for spring and summer gatherings.
low oilLow-oil
Replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of full-fat Greek yogurt and reduce the cream cheese to 3 oz. This cuts the fat significantly while keeping the tangy, creamy texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Calcium from Cheddar
Sharp cheddar cheese is a concentrated source of calcium, which supports bone health and muscle function.
Vitamin C from Pimentos
Pimento peppers are a good source of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production.
Contains Healthy Fats
The cream cheese and mayonnaise provide monounsaturated and saturated fats that help fat-soluble vitamin absorption and promote satiety.
Low in Carbohydrates
This spread is naturally low in carbs and sugar, making it a good choice for low-carb or keto-friendly diets when served with vegetables or keto bread.
Frequently asked questions
Technically yes, but the spread will be noticeably grainier because pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents. Freshly grated cheddar gives a far superior creamy texture.
