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.
Pimento Cheese
- 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
Mary says
Ohh this sounds delicious! I'm a HUGE fan of Pimento Cheese!
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
Bring on all the Pimento Cheese please!!! I cannot get enough of it and your recipe sounds so perfect!
Renee | The Good Hearted Woman says
My husband, who has some seriously southern roots, loves - LOVES - pimento cheese! I can't wait to make this for him!
Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says
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!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I don't think that I could live without my food processor. This looks like the perfect thing to make with it 🙂
Whip & Wander says
Agreed! I rely on my food processor for so many things these days.
Nicole says
You know, I have never had pimento cheese. I see so many delicious looking recipes with it. I need to give it a shot.
Whip & Wander says
I had never had it until just the past few years. Definitely a fun way to shake up a cheese spread!
Linda says
oh this sounds perfect almost on everything and I don't mind spending 5 minutes of labor to make this gorgeous pimento cheese.
Charity says
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!
Whip & Wander says
Definitely time for you to make a batch! It's not the south without a little pimento cheese (and maybe a sweet tea too!).
Natalie says
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.
Anne Lawton says
I've heard of pimento cheese but have never had it. This recipe is making me want to give it a try.
Anna says
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!
Whip & Wander says
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.
Sharon says
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!
Kelly Anthony says
Pimento cheese is a staple down here and we LOVE IT! It's my favorite with hearty crackers. Totally making soon!
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
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!!
Tammy says
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!
Marie says
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.
Lauren Vavala says
What an easy, tasty snack/appetizer! It would be great for holiday entertaining or as a snack while homegating - great recipe!
Mirlene says
I love a good dip. This looks so easy to make. perfect for entertaining, or a quiet evening with tea and crackers.
Whip & Wander says
I totally agree! It's also really great as a spread for sandwiches!
Michelle says
I tried pimento cheese for the first time a few years back and absolutely loved it. Your recipe definitely brings those memories back!
Whip & Wander says
I don't know how I went so long without trying it. I love how easy it is to come together!