I love making my homemade pimento cheese spread because it brings back memories of classic Southern recipes. Cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and diced pimentos blend effortlessly with a pinch of cayenne pepper and garlic powder. This simple creation offers a delightful taste reminiscent of Grandma’s timeless recipe. Try it.

Jump to Recipe

I first discovered my love for pimento cheese when I was a kid watching my grandma mix her secret ingredients. Recently I decided to give her famous recipe a go and I gotta say it turned out amazing!

I started off with 8 oz of softened cream cheese, blending it with 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a half cup of mayonnaise. Then I tossed in a half cup of diced pimentos and just a hint of cayenne pepper and garlic powder to kick things up a notch.

The balance of creamy and spicy made it a hit that reminded me of a perfect pimento sauce or even a killer pimento spread. Its a versatile recipe that can easily become the best pimento cheese sandwich filling or a dip for any snack.

I love how simple it is yet full of flavors that make it truly unforgettable.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, I love how simple it is to put together even if I’m not super fancy in the kitchen. Mixing the cream cheese, mayo, and spices always reminds me of those fun afternoons cooking with my family. Second, the flavor is just amazing. Every time I taste it, I get hit with this creamy, cheesy vibe that’s not too overpowering making it just perfect for any snack. Next, I really dig the versatility of it. Whether i’m spreading it on crackers, veggies, or even tossing it into a sandwich, I always feel like i’m getting my money’s worth. Finally, it’s nice that you can tweak the seasoning. I sometimes like to add a little extra salt or pepper to suit my mood and that makes the recipe feel just right for me every time.

Ingredients

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Cream cheese gives rich creaminess and smooth texture with subtle tang.
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, protein, and calcium, making the dish hearty.
Mayonnaise contributes creaminess, unhealthy fats, and extra moisture to blend ingredients.
Diced pimentos supply mild sweetness, vitamin C, and a refreshing color.
Cayenne pepper offers a spicy kick and metabolism boosting properties.
Garlic powder brings warm, aromatic flavor, adding subtle depth and health benefits.
Salt and pepper elevate the dish with balanced seasoning and enhanced flavor.
Natural seasonings marry all flavors for a homely, comforting finish.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup diced pimentos, drained

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

How to Make this

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1. First, put the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a big bowl and mix them together till it’s smooth and easy to stir.

2. Next, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir in gently so you don’t lose the creamy texture.

3. Now toss in the diced pimentos and stir it into the mix really well.

4. Then sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix everything good.

5. Give it a taste and if you think it needs a bit more salt or pepper, go ahead and add more.

6. Once you’re happy with the flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour so that all the flavors can meld together.

7. After it’s been chilled, give it one last stir and then serve it with crackers, veggies, or even a sandwich.

8. Enjoy your classic, easy home-style pimento cheese, just like Grandma used to make it!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
3. Sturdy spatula or mixing spoon
4. Colander for draining the diced pimentos
5. Refrigerator for chilling the mix
6. Serving bowl for plating

These are the basic items you’ll need to put the recipe together.

FAQ

What exactly is pimento cheese?
It's a creamy spread made from sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayo, and diced pimentos. It's a beloved classic in southern homes.

Can i swap out some ingredients?
Sure thing, you can experiment a bit. For example, using a different cheddar or even a lower-fat mayo might change the taste just a tad.

How long does this recipe last in the fridge?
It usually keeps well for about a week if you store it in an airtight container. Just trust your nose and eyes for freshness.

Should i serve it cold?
Absolutely, it tastes best cold and is perfect for spreading on crackers, sandwiches or stirring into other dishes.

Any tips for making it even better?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened and mix it really well with the mayo and seasonings to get a smooth spread with no lumps.

Best Pimento Cheese, Easy Classic Grandma’s Pimento Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you’re out of cream cheese, try using Neufchâtel cheese or even thick Greek yogurt for a lighter twist
If you cant find sharp cheddar, Colby or Monterey Jack works pretty well, they give a different but cool flavor
You can swap mayonnaise with sour cream or plain yogurt if you want a bit less richness
If you dont have diced pimentos on hand, finely chopped roasted red peppers can give you that sweet, smoky kick
Instead of cayenne pepper, you can use a few red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to get some heat in the mix

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your cream cheese and mayo are at room temperature before mixing so they blend easier and you dont end up with lumps.
2. Be careful when folding in the shredded cheddar so the creamy texture stays intact, try to stir gently rather than over-mixing.
3. Let the cheese mix chill in the fridge for at least an hour if you can, this gives the flavours enough time to meld together really well.
4. Taste it before serving and dont be afraid to add a little more salt or pepper if you think it needs it, sometimes a small tweak can really make it pop.