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    Whip & Wander » Recipes » Appetizers and Small Bites

    Published: Sep 3, 2018 · Modified: May 16, 2024 by Jenni · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Pimento Cheese

    This page may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    pimento cheese in a glass jar, cucumbers, crackers with white text
    Pimento cheese in a glass storage container with a cheese spreader with white text

    Pimento cheese in a glass storage container with a cheese spreader

    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 a glass jar, cucumbers, crackers
    cucumbers in a white dish, pimento cheese in a glass dish and crackers in a white dish

    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 hand scooping pimento cheese up on a cracker
    pimento cheese, cucumbers, and crackers on a wood board
    Print
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    pimento cheese and cheese spreader in a glass jar

    Pimento Cheese

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 25 reviews
    • Author: Whip & Wander
    • 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
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    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

    Scale
    • 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

    1. 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.
    2. 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

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary says

      June 20, 2019 at 2:51 pm

      Ohh this sounds delicious! I'm a HUGE fan of Pimento Cheese!

      Reply
    2. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

      June 19, 2019 at 8:02 am

      Bring on all the Pimento Cheese please!!! I cannot get enough of it and your recipe sounds so perfect!

      Reply
    3. Renee | The Good Hearted Woman says

      June 18, 2019 at 7:41 pm

      My husband, who has some seriously southern roots, loves - LOVES - pimento cheese! I can't wait to make this for him!

      Reply
    4. Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says

      June 18, 2019 at 11:02 am

      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!

      Reply
    5. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says

      April 29, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      I don't think that I could live without my food processor. This looks like the perfect thing to make with it 🙂

      Reply
      • Whip & Wander says

        May 01, 2019 at 12:23 pm

        Agreed! I rely on my food processor for so many things these days.

        Reply
    6. Nicole says

      April 28, 2019 at 9:15 pm

      You know, I have never had pimento cheese. I see so many delicious looking recipes with it. I need to give it a shot.

      Reply
      • Whip & Wander says

        May 01, 2019 at 12:28 pm

        I had never had it until just the past few years. Definitely a fun way to shake up a cheese spread!

        Reply
    7. Linda says

      April 28, 2019 at 8:44 pm

      oh this sounds perfect almost on everything and I don't mind spending 5 minutes of labor to make this gorgeous pimento cheese.

      Reply
    8. Charity says

      April 28, 2019 at 5:50 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Whip & Wander says

        May 01, 2019 at 12:30 pm

        Definitely time for you to make a batch! It's not the south without a little pimento cheese (and maybe a sweet tea too!).

        Reply
    9. Natalie says

      April 28, 2019 at 2:46 pm

      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.

      Reply
    10. Anne Lawton says

      April 28, 2019 at 12:21 pm

      I've heard of pimento cheese but have never had it. This recipe is making me want to give it a try.

      Reply
    11. Anna says

      April 28, 2019 at 10:11 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Whip & Wander says

        May 01, 2019 at 12:31 pm

        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.

        Reply
    12. Sharon says

      April 28, 2019 at 5:52 am

      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!

      Reply
    13. Kelly Anthony says

      April 26, 2019 at 4:23 pm

      Pimento cheese is a staple down here and we LOVE IT! It's my favorite with hearty crackers. Totally making soon!

      Reply
    14. Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says

      April 26, 2019 at 4:52 am

      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!!

      Reply
    15. Tammy says

      April 25, 2019 at 11:42 am

      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!

      Reply
    16. Marie says

      April 25, 2019 at 11:07 am

      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.

      Reply
    17. Lauren Vavala says

      October 26, 2018 at 4:25 am

      What an easy, tasty snack/appetizer! It would be great for holiday entertaining or as a snack while homegating - great recipe!

      Reply
    18. Mirlene says

      September 08, 2018 at 5:09 am

      I love a good dip. This looks so easy to make. perfect for entertaining, or a quiet evening with tea and crackers.

      Reply
      • Whip & Wander says

        September 11, 2018 at 9:16 am

        I totally agree! It's also really great as a spread for sandwiches!

        Reply
    19. Michelle says

      September 07, 2018 at 10:05 pm

      I tried pimento cheese for the first time a few years back and absolutely loved it. Your recipe definitely brings those memories back!

      Reply
      • Whip & Wander says

        September 11, 2018 at 9:17 am

        I don't know how I went so long without trying it. I love how easy it is to come together!

        Reply
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