A perfect, tangy and creamy Southern Comfort Food Staple that is a spreadable dip for crackers, celery and chips and makes the perfect summer sandwich! I’ll show you how to make your own Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese!
Southern Comfort Food, Ultimate Pimento Cheese
Why This Recipe Works…
- The perfect Cheese for the job!
- Use the BEST pimentos
- Shows you the right Mayo for the job!
- Making you a Pimento Cheese EXPERT!
How It’s Done..
Step 1.
Assemble your ingredients and grate the cheese.
Pimento Cheese Recipe
Step 2.
Chop the pimentos and drain very well.
Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese www.loavesanddishes.net
Step 3.
Put everything into a bowl and GENTLY mix. Then let the flavors marry in the fridge overnight.
Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
WHAT IS PIMENTO CHEESE?
A cheese spread that is made from…
- grated cheese,
- mayonnaise and
- pimentos.
Most people add a few other ingredients in for flavor, but those three are the basic recipe.
WHAT IS A PIMENTO ?
A pimento is a preserved red sweet pepper. The stem, seeds and ribs are removed before it is preserved and canned. Pimentos have a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe
How Do I Make a Pimento Cheese Sandwich?
A perfect traditional pimento cheese sandwich is a white bread sandwich with
- pimento cheese spread in a 1/2 inch thick layer
- between the bread and crusts removed.
Of course, this is your sandwich and you are free to make it anyway you prefer.
Some variations include:
- Toast the pimento cheese sandwich (leave the crusts on).
- Use a grainy or whole wheat bread
- Add pickles
- Use some olives.
Not hungry enough for a sandwich? Try on crackers!
What’s the BEST Pimento Cheese Recipe?
This is it! Just try the pimento cheese recipe listed in the recipe box below!
Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe
CAN YOU FREEZE PIMENTO CHEESE?
“Can this recipe be frozen”.
The answer for pimento cheese, unfortunately, is “no”.
Pimento Cheese contains mayonnaise and frozen mayonnaise will separate when it thaws.
Separated mayonnaise is not dangerous to eat (to my knowledge), however, it looks so gross that you will not want to eat it. Please trust me on that one.
HOW LONG DOES PIMENTO CHEESE KEEP?
You can keep pimento cheese at least 1 week as long as you keep it well refrigerated.
It may last longer, but honestly, you will eat it all before a week passes.
HOW LONG CAN PIMENTO CHEESE SIT OUT BEFORE IT GOES BAD?
According to the US Department of Agriculture, mayonnaise can sit out at room temp for 8 hours but then you must throw it out. Don’t allow your pimento cheese to sit out for more than 2 hours!
IS PIMENTO CHEESE HEALTHY?
People ask, is Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese healthy?
- The answer is “that depends”. What kind of diet are you on?
- If you are on a low carb diet, then this recipe is FOR YOU!
- Are you diabetic? This recipe isn’t going to win an award, but at least it doesn’t have any frank sugar!
- If you are on a low fat and low calorie diet, then this recipe would be for special treats only.
CAN YOU EAT ULTIMATE SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT?
Again, the answer to eating this pimento cheese when pregnant is going to depend on what kind of pregnancy diet you are on. The response is going to be the same as the section just above this one.
Tips and Tricks for PERFECT Pimento Cheese.
- Use the best cheese you can find, I give best brands to use in the recipe.
- The cheese will taste BEST if you blend two types of cheese (see recipe).
- Hand grate the cheese for best flavor, prepackaged grated cheese has something added to keep it from sticking to itself and that is not the best type for pimento cheese.
- Use the Mayonnaise brand is IMPORTANT! That is where you get creamy tang from. Preferred brands are listed.
- You will be tempted to use the pimentos that are jarred up and chopped small already. Don’t do it. Chop your own – it makes the flavor just right.
- When mixing the cheese together, just fold and be SO GENTLE! Only mix until everything is just mixed together.
- IF you do not want any spicy flavor in your pimento cheese then leave the cayenne out, but it does give a lot of flavor.
- This recipe makes a little more than what you would buy at the store. Remember, this is a southern staple and it is MEANT to be shared!
- Do not try to freeze Pimento Cheese because it won’t work and will make a gloopy mess. Ewwww.
PRO TIP: Let the pimento cheese sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours and overnight is best (12 hours). This allows time for the flavors to marry and meld. It’s worth the wait.
If You Enjoyed This Delicious Cheesy Spread, You Might Also Enjoy…
Interested In Making the PERFECT Southern Meal?
IMAGINE YOU, COOKING THESE! YOU CAN DO IT TOO!
Served with (choose one)
Chicken Pie or
And…
Add A little Yum Yum Sauce
Deviled Eggs made with this Easy Peel Hard Boiled Egg
And finish it all off with…
I LOVE GETTING TO CHAT WITH YOU!
Please leave me a comment below and a 5 STAR 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟review!
That gives us a chance to chat and let’s other people know that this is the home of Southern Comfort Food on the internet.
YA’LL HELP ME OUT…
Please leave me a 5 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 comment below in the comment section, all right? I would LOVE to know if you made this recipe or even if you are planning to! Of course, head on over to Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram and tag me with some photos of your creation!
I can’t wait!
Ya’ll know I love your comments!! ❤
Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 oz 1/2 block white VERY SHARP cheddar cheese (I used Cabots Extra Sharp) (DO NOT USE PRESHREDDED CHEESE)
- 4 oz 1/2 block orange creamy sharp cheese (I used Hellavagood Sharp) (DO NOT USE PRESHREDDED CHEESE)
- ½ CUP Mayonnaise Use Dukes for this recipe, if not available then Hellmans, Blue Plate or Aldi store brand.
- ½ cup pimento slices Drain well
- 3 stalks of green onion – chopped use the white and green parts
- ½ tsp kosher salt NOT table salt – kosher salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp hot sauce Franks or Cholulas work best
- ¼ tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Grate the cheeses with a hand grater on the largest holes available. Place the cheese in a large bowl.
- Add all of the ingredients to the bowl. Use a rubber spatula and gently mix all ingredients together. Do not over mix – you don’t want all of your cheese breaking.
- Put plastic wrap over the top and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is better as this allows the flavors to marry and get to know each other better.
- Serve on sandwiches, as a grilled cheese, in your grits, on crackers, on a baked potato, on celery or other veggies – you name it!
Notes
- Use the best cheese you can find, I give best brands to use in the recipe.
- The cheese will taste BEST if you blend two types of cheese (see recipe).
- Hand grate the cheese for best flavor, prepackaged grated cheese has something added to keep it from sticking to itself and that is not the best type for pimento cheese.
- Use the Mayonnaise brand is IMPORTANT! That is where you get creamy tang from. Preferred brands are listed.
- You will be tempted to use the pimentos that are jarred up and chopped small already. Don't do it. Chop your own - it makes the flavor just right.
- When mixing the cheese together, just fold and be SO GENTLE! Only mix until everything is just mixed together.
- IF you do not want any spicy flavor in your pimento cheese then leave the cayenne out, but it does give a lot of flavor.
- This recipe makes a little more than what you would buy at the store. Remember, this is a southern staple and it is MEANT to be shared!
- Do not try to freeze Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese because it won't work and will make a gloopy mess. Ewwww.
Nutrition
***this post was originally posted on Loaves and Dishes on October 26, 2015 and was republished June 20, 2018 with NEW information. This recipe has been republised again with “why this recipe works”, FAQ’s, Step by Step instructions with the photos, nutrition information, updated recipe card, video and related recipes.***
VERSE TO SHARE
Recently, the news reported that world leaders were doing something akin to “Johnny is breaking crayons and he said I should do it too, so I did “, said Donny. Regardless if you like Donny or not, if you believe that we all have to be responsible for our own actions then you MUST believe that Donny (and Johnny) have to stop breaking the crayons. It is in everyone’s best interest, after all. Right?
I’m going to suggest that you apply this standard to things in your community, county, state, country and world.
When something is wrong, it is wrong. It doesn’t matter who started doing wrong first. What matters is that you and me and our leaders do what is right. It makes a difference if we take up the cause of the oppressed, the fatherless and the widows because that is what we are called to do.
Isaiah 1: 17
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Patsy Smith
Monday 14th of March 2022
I’m looking forward making your pimento cheese recipe! Will this recipe be creamy after removing from fridge or at least spreadable? I have a good tasting recipe but very hard to spread after refrigeration. Will be making this one next. Thank you!
Wendi Spraker
Tuesday 15th of March 2022
So, if you let it sit out for just a bit, it is more spreadable. This is more of a chunky type recipe. If you are wanting a smoother, like a spread, then you might want to give it a go with the stick blender and then allow it to be at room temp for 20ish minutes before serving
Angela
Thursday 12th of August 2021
I found this recipe a few years ago and will not bother with any other pimento cheese now. My daughter, who never liked store bought pimento cheese, eats this up happily. I served it last night at book club and had all the ladies raving...most said that they had never had it homemade before. I am sharing the recipe and raving about the website to all of them this morning! Thank you Wendi for your recipes and your spirit that shines through in your emails and website. It feels like calling Mama for a family recipe when I look for one on your site!
Wendi Spraker
Thursday 12th of August 2021
Angela, that is the sweetest thing ever. If you are ever looking for a recipe, all you have to do is email me and I'll happily reply! I'm so glad you enjoy the pimento cheese and I hope all your ladies do as well!
Kim
Friday 10th of April 2020
The only kind of pimentos I am Familiar with is the small Ones in the jar that aren’t recommended. Can you tell me about the ones you are referring to in the recipe? Thanks
Wendi Spraker
Friday 10th of April 2020
Hi Kim, look in the same section of the grocery where you find your small diced pimentos and you should see the pimento strips like I show in the photos in the strainer. Also, whole roasted red peppers work too! They should be in that same section of the grocery as well (in my grocery it's near the pickle section). Pimentos ARE preserved red peppers, so that should help. Thanks for asking, I bet other people had the same questions.
Scott Kjeer
Thursday 8th of August 2019
This is the best looking home-made Pimento Cheese recipe I have ever seen. I can't wait to try it. Wendi, when I was a kid growing up in Tampa Bay, I experienced a pimento cheese recipe that was tangy-sweet, kind of like a Hellman's Sandwich Spread but with cheese and pimento. Would you know what could possibly be used to get that taste (as an alternative to your amazing recipe). Thank you, Wendi!
Wendi Spraker
Friday 9th of August 2019
Hi Scott! Thanks for leaving a comment and for asking. I think you would find that tanginess in the quality of the mayo and cheese that you use. You can always play around with different types of cheeses and different mayos. The sweet will come from a dab of sugar (or substitutes for sugar - honey, agave, etc.). Give this recipe a shot and see what you think. Then go from there. :) . Also, the quality of the pimentos matters too. You'll find if you buy the best ones you can find in larger pieces and then cut them up yourself, they tend to have a better flavor. That's what I've found.
Leslie
Wednesday 5th of September 2018
I’ve never been a huge pimento cheese fan, but I’m back in the South going to a party....what’s a girl to do? Tried this and, seriously, PEOPLE COULD NOT STOP EATING IT. It almost ruined the Low Country Boil, since nobody could do it justice.
Wendi Spraker
Wednesday 5th of September 2018
Leslie! You are both making me laugh and making my day! You are a doll. Thanks for letting me know. Now you’ll be known as “the pimento cheese lady”. Lol. Have a great week!