A southern specialty for my favorite midwesterner
Until I met my fella, I had pretty much lived my whole life without Pimento Cheese. Though I had a vague idea what it was, it wasn't a regular guest in our house growing up. So, I assumed his adoration with the dish was a "charming midwest thing" - a category where I organize the things he loves or grew up with that I don't really understand.
Once I finally tried it, I realized I had definitely been missing out and because my charming midwest fella puts up with my teasing, I decided to develop this Pimento Cheese recipe for him. In actuality, Pimento Cheese is actually a southern specialty, with a pretty traditional base of cheese, mayo, and pimentos blended together, with additional ingredients added to your taste. I like to give ours a small kick with a tiny bit of cayenne pepper, but if you prefer yours on the mild side, it's super tasty without.
Pimento Cheese in 5
This Pimento Cheese is awesome eaten as a classic dip with low-carb veggies and parmesan crisps or used as a spread for sandwiches or burgers. The best part? This labor of love takes a whopping 5 minutes or less in your food processor.
A note for special diets
This Pimento Cheese is gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free and friendly for Keto diets. If you chose to use a lactose-free cream cheese in this recipe, it is also friendly for SIBO and Low-FODMAP diets.
Pimento Cheese (a 5-minute labor of love)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: approx 5 ¼ cups 1x
- Category: Appetizers & Bites
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pimento Cheese is a southern specialty with a base of cheese, mayo, and pimentos blended together, with additional ingredients added to your taste. I like to give ours a small kick with a tiny bit of cayenne pepper, but if you prefer yours on the mild side, it's super tasty without.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (I like to use this lactose-free version but you don't have to)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp mayo
- ¼ c diced pimentos
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne (omit for a milder mix)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until well-incorporated. I like to leave mine a little chunky, so I am careful not to over-blend.
- Store in a covered glass dish in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cheese will soften slightly after a few minutes at room temp, making it perfectly spreadable.
Notes
Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 97
- Sodium: 134 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg
Keywords: cheese, pimentos
Ohh this sounds delicious! I'm a HUGE fan of Pimento Cheese!
★★★★★
Bring on all the Pimento Cheese please!!! I cannot get enough of it and your recipe sounds so perfect!
★★★★★
My husband, who has some seriously southern roots, loves - LOVES - pimento cheese! I can't wait to make this for him!
★★★★★
My dad loves pimento cheese but I'm 100% sure he's never gone the DIY route. I'm going to share this post with him - I bet he'll be super into it!
★★★★★
I don't think that I could live without my food processor. This looks like the perfect thing to make with it 🙂
★★★★★
Agreed! I rely on my food processor for so many things these days.
You know, I have never had pimento cheese. I see so many delicious looking recipes with it. I need to give it a shot.
I had never had it until just the past few years. Definitely a fun way to shake up a cheese spread!
oh this sounds perfect almost on everything and I don't mind spending 5 minutes of labor to make this gorgeous pimento cheese.
★★★★★
I'm obsessed with eating pimento cheese but being a PA girl at heart, I've never made it myself. But now that I'm a Southern gal in West Virginia I feel like I need to learn to make it myself, I had no idea it only takes 5 minutes! What have I been waiting for? Thanks for the recipe inspiration!
★★★★★
Definitely time for you to make a batch! It's not the south without a little pimento cheese (and maybe a sweet tea too!).
Wow this is such a great idea. I love adding all sorts of things in my cream cheese and making spreads but never used pimento before. Looks really delicious and so tasty. I must give this a try.
★★★★★
I've heard of pimento cheese but have never had it. This recipe is making me want to give it a try.
★★★★★
This pimento cheese looks so delicious Jenni! I must admit, I've never tried it, but it looks like a perfect dip or spread that would go well with so many different snacks! Perfect for a friends and family gathering!
★★★★★
It's awesome used as a spread for sandwiches and burgers or simply on a cheese and charcuterie board as a spread for veggies and crackers.
I love this pimento cheese! This would be great as a spread for parties or on top of burgers. Can't wait to make this!
★★★★★
Pimento cheese is a staple down here and we LOVE IT! It's my favorite with hearty crackers. Totally making soon!
★★★★★
This looks so simple to make - it's time to ditch the store bought for sure!! I always serve as a dip / snack when I have guests, so will be making my own next time!!
★★★★★
I've never made my own pimento cheese dip before but yours looks fantastic! I'd be spreading this over everything. I'm such a cheese fanatic...sounds awesome!
★★★★★
I haven't had pimento cheese in ages! Always liked it spread on a slice of bread. Your recipe looks wonderful and easy to make too.
What an easy, tasty snack/appetizer! It would be great for holiday entertaining or as a snack while homegating - great recipe!
★★★★★
I love a good dip. This looks so easy to make. perfect for entertaining, or a quiet evening with tea and crackers.
★★★★★
I totally agree! It's also really great as a spread for sandwiches!
I tried pimento cheese for the first time a few years back and absolutely loved it. Your recipe definitely brings those memories back!
★★★★★
I don't know how I went so long without trying it. I love how easy it is to come together!