Southern Pimento Cheese (2024)

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

15 mins

Servings:

12

Yield:

3 cups

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Pimento cheese is the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, tailgates, and just about any get-together! The easy-to-make Southern staple is a true crowd-pleaser. This Southern pimento cheese recipe will surely become a go-to in your recipe box.

What Is Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that's traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling. Pimento cheese is often called the "pâté of the south."

How to Make Pimento Cheese

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

What's In Pimento Cheese?

These are the ingredients you'll need to make pimento cheese at home:

· Cheese: This recipe calls for shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. You can use a mix of mild and sharp Cheddar, if you'd like.
· Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is a key ingredient in traditional pimento cheese.
· Cream cheese: Cream cheese makes this pimento cheese spread extra decadent.
· Pimentos: Of course, you'll need jarred pimentos!
· Jalapeños: A minced jalapeño is optional, but it's great for fans of spicy flavor.
· Spices and seasonings: This pimento cheese is flavored with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

How to Make Pimento Cheese From-Scratch

It couldn't be easier to make homemade pimento cheese: Just mix all the ingredients until they're well-combined. Find the full, step-by-step recipe below.

Tip: You can combine the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until smooth and creamy.

Nicole's Top Pimento Cheese Tips

"Pimento cheese is a Southern staple," says culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom). "If you've never had it, today is the day!" Here are a few of her best pimento cheese tips and tricks:

· Make sure to grate your own cheese from the block. "Do not buy that pre-shredded stuff, it is not going to be the same," warns Nicole.
· Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment is a great shortcut for making big batches of pimento cheese, according to Nicole. But don't mix until the pimentos are pulverized! Stop when the mixture is well-combined.
· Instead of pre-diced pimentos, Nicole likes to buy jarred and sliced pimentos to dice herself before adding them to the cheese mixture.

How to Store Pimento Cheese

Store the pimento cheese in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can You Freeze Pimento Cheese?

You can freeze pimento cheese for up to three months. Though it will still taste delicious, the flavor might be slightly different after it has been frozen and thawed.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Delicious as-is," according to one Allrecipes community member. "Mix a dollop in with mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs or on top of a burger for a real treat!"

"This is absolutely AMAZING," raves DPerkins. "I stuck to the recipe, the only difference is that I roasted my jalapeno before adding. The entire family loved it. I will definitely be making this again."

"Loved this," says Debbie. "We like spicy and hot, so I added a bit more jalapeño and a splash of Sriracha as well. I served it warmed on an open faced, toasted bagel with a bit more extra shredded Cheddar melted on top."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained

  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (Optional)

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (Optional)

  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder

  • salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Southern Pimento Cheese (1)

  2. Place Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimento, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl.

    Southern Pimento Cheese (2)

  3. Mix until thoroughly combined.

    Southern Pimento Cheese (3)

  4. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

    Southern Pimento Cheese (4)

  5. Enjoy!

    Southern Pimento Cheese (5)

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

208Calories
20g Fat
2g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe12
Calories208
% Daily Value *
Total Fat20g26%
Saturated Fat9g43%
Cholesterol44mg15%
Sodium229mg10%
Total Carbohydrate2g1%
Dietary Fiber0g1%
Total Sugars1g
Protein6g13%
Vitamin C9mg9%
Calcium150mg12%
Iron0mg2%
Potassium43mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Southern Pimento Cheese (2024)

FAQs

What is pimento cheese called in the south? ›

Most Southerners have fond memories of a loving aunt mixing up a batch for a church gathering, while Northerners haven't the foggiest idea what pimento cheese even is. Affectionately referred to as “Carolina caviar” or “Southern pate,” it has been a Southern staple for well over 50 years.

What is the difference between palmetto cheese and pimento cheese? ›

Palmetto Cheese is a trademark for a brand of pimento cheese from Pawleys Island Specialty Foods, a division of Get Carried Away, based in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It is manufactured and packaged at Duke Sandwich Productions located in Easley, South Carolina.

Is pimento cheese sandwiches a southern thing? ›

Pimento cheese is most closely associated with Southern cuisine and has been referred to as the "pâté of the South", "Carolina caviar" and "the caviar of the South." Pimento cheese sandwiches have a long history at the Masters Tournament. They have been served there as a concession since the 1940s.

What is the SC brand of pimento cheese? ›

Pawleys Island Specialty Foods is a wholesale food company based in Pawleys Island, SC. We are the creators and marketers of the #1 brand of pimento cheese in America called Palmetto Cheese. Founded in 2006, Pawleys Island Specialty Foods continues to develop and market new products for retail customers.

Why is pimento cheese big in the south? ›

It may have become popular in the South because it didn't spoil easily at room temperature, making it easy to pack in lunchboxes, particularly for textile workers. But it was also fashionable as a sandwich in tea rooms.

Why did Costco stop selling pimento cheese? ›

Costco has reportedly stopped selling Palmetto Cheese after the owner of the pimento cheese brand called Black Lives Matter a "terror organization."

How are you supposed to eat pimento cheese? ›

A: Pimento cheese can be served as a dip with crackers or vegetables, as a spread on sandwiches or toast, or as a filling in stuffed peppers, grilled cheese, or mac and cheese.

Does pimento cheese go bad? ›

Place the cheese in a clean container and seal it so that it is airtight. Whereas pre-packaged pimento cheese can last up to four weeks in the fridge, the homemade version will not last quite as long due to the lack of stabilizers and preservatives — it will only last for about one week.

Is pimento cheese served hot or cold? ›

It can be served cold with a selection of crackers and vegetables, or hot as a dip with pico de gallo and tortilla chips. Pimento cheese is also great on sandwiches and burgers.

Does Kraft make pimento cheese? ›

Made with Philadelphia cream cheese and dried pimentos, this multi use spread delivers a unique taste that excites your taste buds.

Can you eat pimento cheese by itself? ›

WAYS TO SERVE PIMENTO CHEESE. If you put a bowl of pimento cheese and a spoon in front of us, we'd probably eat it all by itself. It's just that good!

What is the nickname for pimento cheese? ›

Pimento Cheese has many nicknames: PC, Carolina Caviar, Atlanta Paté, and Menta Cheese. In the Old South you cannot have a church social, family picnic, card game, wedding, or any social gathering without Pimento Cheese sandwiches. Kids ask for it with the same frequency as they ask for peanut butter up north.

What state is known for pimento cheese? ›

Soon, Georgia farmers were trying to grow red peppers domestically, roasting them, canning them, and sending out as many as 10 million cans of pimentos a year, spreading the gospel of pimento cheese around the country.

What is the Louisiana State sandwich? ›

A po' boy (also po-boy, po boy derived from the non-rhotic southern accents often heard in the region, or poor boy) is a sandwich originally from Louisiana. It traditionally consists of meat, which is usually roast beef, ham, or fried seafood such as shrimp, crawfish, fish, oysters, or crab.

What is hoop cheese in the South? ›

Hoop cheese is a traditional cow's milk cheese that was common in the Southern United States from the early to mid 1900s. It is still available today, although it is much less common. It is a simple cheese prepared by separating the whey from curds.

What is known as the caviar of the south? ›

Authentic Taste Of The South

Hampton Acres Pimento cheese is affectionately known as "the caviar of the South".

Is North Carolina known for pimento cheese? ›

In the 1950s, Charlotte-based Ruth's Salads began producing and selling pimento cheese. Today, the company is the largest producer of pimento cheese in North Carolina.

Where is the pimento cheese capital of the world? ›

While pimento cheese is a staple in many Southern homes, Charlotte has been considered the Pimento Cheese Capital of the World, according to Mental Floss.

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