Homemade Pimento Cheese – made with just a handful of ingredients and perfect for dipping crackers, pretzels, veggies, or any of your favorite dippers!
Being from Wisconsin, I’m 100% convinced you can never go wrong with cheese. We add cheese to basically everything… from salads and sandwiches to casseroles and soups. And we almost ALWAYS add it to appetizers.
Now, I know Pimento Cheese has its roots in the south, but there’s no doubt it fits right in up north. Between the cream cheese and the cheddar cheese and the simple seasonings, it’s almost hard to believe it’s NOT from Wisconsin!
This spread is super creamy with tons of sharp cheddar cheese and diced pimentos. It’s mild enough for everyone to enjoy, and easy to spice up if you prefer a little heat!
Best of all, it comes together in just 5 minutes for a quick and easy appetizer everyone will love!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Cream cheese – I used 4 ounces softened cream cheese for the base of this dip. Regular (full fat) OR reduced fat will work fine.
Cheddar cheese – I added 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Mayo – I also added 1/4 cup mayo for extra creaminess and flavor.
Pimentos – I used 4 ounces diced pimentos. Pimentos are typically sold in either 2 ounce or 4 ounce jars and can be found near the olives and pickles at most grocery stores.
Spices – For flavor, I added 1 Tablespoon hot sauce (I used Frank’s), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Chives – I used fresh minced chives for garnish.
how to make pimento cheese
Combine everything but the cheddar. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayo, pimentos, and seasonings. Use a hand mixer to mix until all ingredients are incorporated.
Fold in the cheddar. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Garnish & serve. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh minced chives, and serve with crackers, pretzels, or any of your favorite dippers.
Recipe Variations
- Use any variety of shredded cheese (e.g. mild cheddar, monterey jack, Swiss, or pepper jack)
- Add extra pimentos
- Add fresh minced jalapeños
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for additional heat
- Add crispy crumbled bacon for a delicious twist
- Add additional seasonings, such as onion powder or smoked paprika
- Add minced dill pickles and garnish with fresh dill
storage tips
Leftover cheese spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
what to serve with pimento cheese spread
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Pretzels
- Fresh vegetables
- Bagel chips
- Sliced apples
More Recipes to Try
If you love a good cheese dip or spread, be sure to check out some of our other favorites!
Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces diced pimentos drained
- 1 Tablespoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayo, pimentos, and seasonings. Use a hand mixer to mix until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh minced chives, and serve with crackers, pretzels, or any of your favorite dippers.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Use any variety of shredded cheese (e.g. mild cheddar, monterey jack, Swiss, or pepper jack)
- Add extra pimentos
- Add fresh minced jalapeños
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for additional heat
- Add crispy crumbled bacon for a delicious twist
- Add additional seasonings, such as onion powder or smoked paprika
- Add minced dill pickles and garnish with fresh dill
leave a reply