Homemade Pimento Cheese

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My savory peppery Homemade Pimento Cheese is prepared with fresh ingredients — like hand-grated cheddar cheese, mild pimento peppers, white onions, silky cream cheese, and mayonnaise — combined into a cheesy, fluffy, spreadable texture.

You’re not alone if the words “pimento cheese” bring up major nostalgic feelings. It’s a traditional southern dip or spread many of us grew up on.

As a child, you probably didn’t realize the little flecks of bright red were, in fact, pimento peppers. Most kids are picky eaters, but old-fashioned pimento cheese has always been a family favorite!

This classic southern appetizer is easy and quick, taking only about 10 minutes to prepare!

All you need is a stand mixer, electric mixer, or a food processor (depending on your preference or what you have handy) and a few quality ingredients.

If you enjoy this savory homemade dip, be sure to check out my Cheesy Shrimp Dip, Blue Cheese Bacon Dip, and Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Tapenade for more crowd-pleasing yet simple recipes.

Key ingredients & substitutions for Southern Pimento Cheese

• Cream cheese — Cream cheese is the base for this cheesy spread. It enhances the flavor of the cheddar cheese and makes the recipe spreadable. Not all pimento cheese dips use cream cheese. Some only use mayonnaise, which is what you can do if you prefer.
• Sharp cheddar cheese — Sharp cheddar cheese is a given for any pimento cheese recipe. I recommend freshly grating a block of extra sharp cheddar for the most genuine flavor. If you aren’t a fan of sharp cheddar, you can use a milder variation.

• Mayonnaise — Mayonnaise gives this cheese spread a silkier texture and tangy flavor. If you’re looking to make this spread just like your grandmother used to, the famous southern brand would be Dukes.
• White onion — I like to use about two spoonfuls of grated white onion for some mild onion flavor. However, this ingredient is a little flexible—you may use green onion or onion powder instead.

• Pimentos — If you’re unfamiliar with these unique peppers, pimentos are a small and sweet red pepper. I use the jarred option to make this recipe even quicker and easier. However, you may roast fresh pimentos if you’d like! It’s also important to note that pimentos are often called cherry peppers at the store. If you are having a hard time locating them, you can use some roasted red bell peppers as well.  
• Spices — For making pimento cheese, you can use either a little garlic powder or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, depending on what you want in your final spread. In fact, you can use a little of both! And finally, add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.

How to make Pimento Cheese Spread

After completing this simple pimento cheese recipe, you’ll never choose a store-bought spread again! The quality ingredients and authentic flavors of my homemade recipe make for a much tastier and smoother snack. Plus, it merely takes minutes to prepare!

STEP 1 | Beat the cream cheese

First, ensure your cream cheese has been softened so it mixes well. Then, place the softened cream cheese into the bowl of a stand mixer or electric mixer.

Beat with the paddle attachment until you have a creamier texture. You do not want the whisk attachment as it will change the texture of the cheesy spread.

STEP 2 | Mix in other ingredients 

In the same bowl, toss in your shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, grated white onion, and garlic powder (or cayenne pepper).

Now, give the bowlful a good mix on low or switch to a rubber spatula until they are all well combined.

STEP 3 | Add in the pimentos

Next, drain your diced pimento peppers and add them into the large mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula to stir until the pimentos are evenly distributed throughout.

Of course, you can use the pre-diced jarred type of pimentos to make this recipe a breeze.

Step 4 | Serve!

And you’re done! Suddenly, you have a cheesy, peppery, old-fashioned pimento cheese ready in just minutes! For the best flavor and creamy texture, serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Serving suggestions

Don’t you agree there’s simply nothing better than golden Ritz crackers spread with homemade pimento cheese?

Yet, for a stunning presentation of this southern favorite, sprinkle bacon crumbles and fresh chopped green onions on top! You can also drizzle on your favorite hot sauce, too.

Or, spread some freshly made pimento cheese onto my Red Pepper and Bacon Bruschetta or go old-school and use it as a sandwich spread.

Behind the recipe: Homemade Pimento Cheese

You may be shocked to hear that southern pimento cheese was not born in the south at all. Believe it or not, it’s true. 

This is the case with many classic southern dishes. In fact, this is generally how the history of food goes.

A recipe is created in one region and is discovered and adored by another. The other region adopts the recipe and often puts its own twist on it.

Pimento cheese’s origins begin in New York, rather than in any southern U.S. state, where it is most popular today. It was a product of the industrial age when food began to be mass-produced and widely traded worldwide.

Cream cheese was a favorite of many women-led home economics and Domestic Science movements that coincided with the industrial revolution. Soon enough, pimento peppers would find their way into the market, originating in Spanish countries. They, too, were beloved by women of this movement. It was only a matter of time before cream cheese and pimento peppers were combined.

Eventually, the hit recipe was introduced to the south. It became even more sensational and remains a staple at the Master’s Golf Tournament and in southern cuisine today.