Published: · Modified: by Pam
Here is the classic southern pimento cheese recipe you've been looking for. It's simple and without any fancy added ingredients. This is just plain old fashioned cheesy goodness.
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- Ingredient notes
- How to make it
- Ways to use pimento cheese
- FAQ's
- 📖 Recipe
Pimento Cheese has long been a favorite here in the south, but it's now gained in popularity all over. We're big fans of taking something great and adding a fun new twist, and we've done that twice with this southern spread.
Spicy and Smoky Pimento Cheese has two ingredients that give it the "smoky" flavor, and several that give it the "spicy kick". Besides all that there is cream cheese in that recipe which binds it all together. The old fashioned versions did not have cream cheese, though, so we've left it out here.
Pepperjack Pimento Cheese is what you might think. Made from a combination of pepperjack and cheddar cheeses, it gets more of a peppery punch from additional diced pickled jalapeno peppers.
But, for this recipe we are going old school, plain and simple pimento cheese. In other words, this is how my mama made it, so you know it's good!
Ingredient notes
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (buy a block and grate it yourself - this is essential!)
- Mayonnaise (we use either Dukes or Blue Plate)
- Cayenne Pepper (do yourself a favor - do NOT leave it out)
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
You could use a mild cheddar, but we prefer a bold sharp cheese. We cannot emphasize enough the need to grate your own cheese. The pre-shredded type has a coating to keep it from sticking together. You do not want that in your spread.
Cayenne pepper is most always found in a very small amount in classic southern Pimento Cheese. It's not enough to give any real heat, but the flavor pairing of the cheddar and cayenne is unmistakable, and a marriage made in heaven.
Cast Iron Skillet Potatoes (which can be cooked on the grill) and Classic Southern Cheese Straws are two more examples of recipes which use that flavor combination.
How to make it
- Grate or shred the cheese.
- Mix all of the ingredients except the pimentos until well blended.
- Add the drained pimentos and stir.
As you begin to blend the ingredients it may seem a little dry. You should wait until everything is well mixed before deciding if you want to add another spoonful of mayo.
There is a little bit of liquid in the peppers, even after they're drained. We most often find that no additional mayo is needed.
Ways to use pimento cheese
Oh, y'all - the possibilities are endless! It's traditionally served as a dip or spread with crackers or veggies (celery being a favorite).
You can also make the most divine little appetizers by filling petite phyllo shells with it and top with bacon. These are served hot and the recipe is simply called Pimento Cheese Appetizers.
You can stir it in your grits. It's especially good in this chicken and grits dish.
You can top a burger with it. These Stuffed Burger Sliders are actually stuffed with none other!
You can make Pimento Cheese Biscuits.
The most classic way to serve is between two slices of bread for divine sandwich. The traditional sandwich doesn't have anything else on it. Just order one at the Masters Golf Tournament and see what you get. They know their southern food!
FAQ's
Is Pimento Cheese served hot or cold?
Most often cold on a sandwich or with crackers or celery, but you can make a grilled pimento cheese or top a burger with it. Either way, it's amazing!
How do you keep pimento cheese sandwiches from getting soggy?
Just don't make them too far in advance. In most cases the day they will be eaten is best.
How long can you keep homemade pimento cheese?
It's perfectly safe for up to 10 days if kept tightly covered and refrigerated. It actually has the best flavor if you can make it a day ahead of serving.
📖 Recipe
Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Pam
Here is the classic southern pimento cheese recipe you've been looking for. It's simple and without any fancy added ingredients. This is just plain old fashioned pimento cheese.
4.82 from 16 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 12 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6 people
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, but recommended
- 2 ounces diced pimento peppers
Instructions
Blend all ingredients in a bowl except the pimento peppers.
Add the pimento peppers and still under well combined.
If pimento cheese seems dry add mayonnaise a teaspoon at a time.
Notes
- Do NOT use pre-shredded cheese.
- Dukes or Blue Plate Mayonnaise is recommended.
- Cayenne pepper is an optional, but highly recommended ingredient.
Keyword pimento cheese
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
For a quick and fun look at this recipe be sure to check out the Google Web Story.
Dips & Spreads
- Pepper Jack Pimento Cheese with Jalapenos
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- Hot Corn Dip with Cream Cheese
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- Crab Au Gratin Recipe
- Baked Brie Cheese with Sundried Tomatoes and Pesto
See more
Reader Interactions
Comments
Michelle says
So easy and delicious on crackers! My kids and I loved it!Reply
Tara says
Oh yum! You had me at plain old fashioned cheesy goodness. This pimento cheese looks so good and easy too.Reply
Ned says
I have not had this in years and this was on point! Thank you for such a wonderful recipe that I could share with my family.Reply
Traci says
I'm in love with this pimento cheese! It's too easy and always gets devoured at our parties. Easy five stars! Thanks for sharing!Reply
Pam says
Thanks so much Traci!
Reply
Andrea says
This definitely is the classic southern recipe I've been looking for. I love how easy it is to make and I can't wait to dig into this.Reply
imsen says
This Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese looks so amazing! I love the combination of the flavors! Thanks for sharingReply
Diane says
Yummy 😋
I used the pre cratered cheddar cheese and it worked great.
Easy and much better than store bought!!A keeper!!!Reply
Pam says
Thanks so much Diane! We still recommend ALWAYS grating your own cheese, but if you're happy, we're happy!
GAIL IRVIN says
You ever tried it as a Grilled cheese sandwich with Tomato soup? If not try it and thank me later !Reply
LeAnn Baldy says
Oh, my goodness!!! This was AMAZING! I, too, was too lazy to grate my own. I used Sam’s finely shredded extra sharp cheddar. Delish! Thank you so much.Reply
Pam says
Thank you for letting us know LeAnn!
Reply
Mary says
This pimento cheese was so good!! Easy and quick, and just the right flavor. I will definitely be making again!Reply
Pam says
Thank you so much Mary! Glad you loved it.
Reply