How to make the BEST Pimento Cheese -The Speckled Palate

Pimento Cheese is the ultimate Southern spread that comes together in less than 15 minutes. This classic recipe is easier to make at home than you would think. All you need are nine ingredients, which include sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos with their juice, as well as a blend of spices. Use it as the filling for a finger food sandwich or the centerpiece of an appetizer platter featuring crackers and sliced veggies.

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Side angle of a white bowl holding pimento cheese surrounded by crackers and celery sticks

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As someone who was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, I know a little bit about pimento cheese.

Specifically: I love it. It always felt like a treat that I would enjoy at various restaurants around town. (In my opinion, the pimento cheese sandwich at the now-defunct Holiday Ham was elite.)

It was not something that I needed to make… or so I thought.

Then, a few years back, we hosted our first Kentucky Derby party and that line of thinking changed.

Why I love this recipe:

If you’re in the market for a quick, delicious, creamy and flavorful pimento cheese, this is it.

While it calls for nine ingredients, four of them are spices you probably already have in your spice cabinet and two of them are the chopped pimentos (and the brine from said pimentos). The other three are readily available and easy to find.

What makes this recipe so special, other than the lack of time it takes to throw it together, is that it is the perfect thing to share.

Baby showers? Bridal showers? Parties? Holidays? Just because? This is an excellent spread to have in your fridge and to slather onto bread to make sandwiches whenever.

It’s also something you can meal prep and enjoy throughout the week if you like to have that prepped for yourself.

I personally love this homemade pimento cheese spread on a slice of toasted sourdough bread, but you can serve it in whatever manner you see fit. It also pairs beautifully wiht your favorite crackers.

More Southern recipes to try: Cottage Pie | Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice | Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients to make pimento cheese spread in bowls on a white stone surface with a blue linen

What you need to make this recipe:

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Large mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Box grater
Measuring cups and spoons and/or a kitchen scale

Let’s talk ingredients!

In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.

Here are the simple ingredients that you need to get at the store to make this recipe:

Sharp cheddar cheese — this is my go-to cheese as a base for pimento cheese. Please shred your own, as pre-shredded cheese from the store are oftentimes coated in anti-caking agents which changes their texture and their ability to mix into other ingredients. I do not recommend substituting it with another type of cheese.
Cream cheese — this adds some creaminess to the mixture. I like to use full-fat cream cheese because its texture is better than lower fat or nonfat cream cheese.
Mayonnaise — a little goes a long way! Duke’s mayonnaise is my personal favorite brand. Use what you’ve got on hand or your favorite if that’s different than mine.
Spices — we need a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika and celery salt to bring more flavor and spice to the mixture.
Pimentos — pimentos are small, sweet red peppers. We need the pimentos found in a jar for this recipe because they come in a brine, and I have not tried this recipe with fresh. Nor have I ever found fresh pimentos at my grocery store.
Pimento juice/brine — this adds some salty, briney flavor to the mixture and balances it all out! Just like the mayonnaise, a little goes a long way. If you add too much, the pimento cheese will be wetter, which is not ideal.

Diced pimentos and their juice on top of the creamy base mixture for pimento cheese in a bowl

How to make (recipe name)

Mise en place. Shred the cheese and set aside.

Build the base. Measure the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise into a bowl. Stir together vigorously or use a hand mixer to really mix them together well.

Add the flavor. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, celery salt. Stir to combine.

Don’t forget the pimentos! Add the chopped pimentos and juice to the mixture. Stir to combine. If you add a little too much juice, the mixture will feel really “wet.” This is OK – but you will need to refrigerate it to firm it up before serving.

Finish with the cheese. Measure the shredded cheese to the mixture, and stir until just combined.

Serve. You may enjoy this immediately or chill it in the refrigerator, then serve when desired.

how to store:

Store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in an airtight container.

This recipe does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and will thaw out weirdly.

Pimento cheese spread in a large red bowl on a stone surface after mixing

Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips

Pimento Cheese is an ultimate party food in the South because it’s easy, it comes together fast and you can make it early.

If I were to make this for sharing, here are some things I might do:

Double the recipe for a large crowd.
Make it early and keep it cold in the fridge. You can make this a few days in advance of whatever you’re hosting.
Serve it on sandwiches or as the centerpiece of a spread with chips, crackers and sliced veggies to dip into it.

Close up of two triangular pimento cheese sandwiches on a blue plate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to creamy pimento cheese?

The combination of the cream cheese with a little bit of mayonnaise is the secret to this recipe. It doesn’t feel heavy or too saucy.

What is the best cheese to use in pimento cheese?

High quality sharp cheddar cheese is the way to go.

Overhead of a bowl of pimento cheese surrounded by crackers and celery sticks

Quick tips and tricks to make (recipe variation name)

Make it early for ease of sharing. This is also great for meal prep for a week of lunches!
Pay attention to the temperature of the ingredients. The cream cheese will not mix well if it’s straight out of the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before starting.
Shred your own cheese. This way, it’ll mix more cohesively into the pimento cheese.

When to share…

SHOWERS. Baby, bridal, etc. Make tiny sandwiches and serve on a platter.
DERBY PARTIES. This wonderfully Southern spread is perfect for a crowd.
EASTER. Not only is this brilliantly colored and perfect for Easter, but it’s an easy brunch item to share.
TEA TIME. Kind of like the showers, but make tiny sandwiches to pair with tea!

Here’s how you can make this Southern pimento cheese spread at home…

Pimento Cheese

Servings: (¼ cup) servings

Erin Parker, The Speckled Palate

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Learn how to make the best pimento cheese spread here! All you need are 9 ingredients and less than 15 minutes to make this classic Southern staple. Use it as the filling in sandwiches, as the spread for a platter with crackers and sliced veggies or enjoy with a spoon. Whether you make it for a party, a gathering or meal prep for lunch, you’re in for a treat.

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

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EQUIPMENT

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