Pimento Cheese
Updated Jul 10, 2026
A delicious southern favorite, this homemade Pimento Cheese recipe is so much better than anything store bought and comes together in just 10 minutes!
I can’t wait to share this recipe with you! It wasn’t until I was an adult that I discovered how delicious homemade pimento cheese spread was.
While my husband loved pretty much any store bought or gas station version, I did not want to try it.
It wasn’t until I tasted what homemade pimento cheese tasted like that I fell in love. I couldn’t believe what I had been missing!
What is pimento cheese made of?
It’s a creamy cheesy mildly sweet pepper mixture that is spreadable and is best served on a sandwich (white sandwich bread is best) or with crackers.
All you need to make this delicious spread is just a few simple ingredients and a jar of pimento peppers.
This spread is also great as an appetizer which is what inspired me to make this pimento cheese ball for our holiday gatherings!
Pimento Cheese Ingredients
- Cream cheese: the creamy base.
- Cheddar cheese block: freshly grated is a must!
- Diced pimento peppers: drained from the jar.
- Mayo: this is key for getting a traditional flavor of pimento cheese.
- Spices: salt, onion powder, and garlic powder are added for flavor.
What are pimento peppers?
The star of this dish, pimento peppers, also known as pimientos, are a type of pepper with a mild sweet flavor and no spiciness.
How to make pimento cheese dip
Step 1: Allow your cream cheese block to soften, which will take around 30-45 minutes depending on the temperature in your kitchen.
Once the cream cheese is soft, use mixers to beat it until fluffy.
Step 2: Add the fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimento peppers, mayo, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
If you like your pimento cheese with a little spiciness, you can also add cayenne pepper to taste.
Step 3: Beat to combine all of the ingredients together. Cover and chill it until you are ready to serve. Giving the dip a few hours in the fridge before eating really helps all of the flavors combine together.
How to serve
- As a sandwich: Un-toasted white soft sandwich bread is the best for making pimento cheese sandwiches.
- As a dip: Serve this spread with your favorite crackers or crunchy veggies for a snack or lunch. Bell pepper, cucumber, or celery slices would all make a good vessel for this dip.
Storing
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
This is the best easy foolproof recipe, and anyone can make it!
Whether you grew up with this southern favorite or not, you have to give it a try! This delicious dip will become a classic in your home too.
Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ⅓ cup diced pimento peppers, drained
- 3 tablespoons mayo
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
- Add the sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimento peppers, mayo, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Beat again to combine all of the ingredients together.
- Cover and chill the pimento cheese in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, or until you are ready to serve it.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Serve with crackers for an appetizer or on white sandwich bread for lunch.
Nutrition
Delicious. I did add more mayo for a creamer texture.
How many cups is this? I had large block of cheese I purchased from a cheese factory?
Around 2 cups worth for an 8 oz block
Made this today and it has an awesome taste. Will be making again
So glad you enjoyed it!