Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

Let’s be honest, pimento cheese is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, tangy, a little sharp, and oh-so-satisfying.

For me, it’s the kind of spread that instantly transports me back to family gatherings where someone always brought a tub of homemade pimento cheese with a stack of buttery crackers.

And while the store-bought versions have their place, there is nothing quite like making it from scratch in your own kitchen.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and totally customizable.

What is a Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe?

Pimento cheese spread, often nicknamed the “caviar of the South,” is a beloved classic in American kitchens, particularly in Southern states where it’s practically a staple.

At its core, it’s a creamy blend of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos (which are those sweet, mild red peppers that often come jarred).

It’s a recipe that balances richness with tanginess, resulting in a spread that’s both comforting and exciting.

Traditionally, it’s served chilled as a dip with crackers or as a spread on sandwiches.

If you’ve ever bitten into a pimento cheese sandwich at a summer potluck, you know exactly why this dish has such a cult following.

It’s humble, affordable, and endlessly satisfying. What I love most about it, though, is how it blurs the line between simple and special.

On one hand, it’s an easy weekday snack; on the other, it feels like something worth sharing at parties and holidays.

The recipe itself has roots that date back to the early 20th century, and over the years, it has taken on many regional twists.

Some people add cream cheese for extra richness, while others keep it old-school with just mayo and cheddar.

A few like it spicy, tossing in hot sauce or jalapeños, while others prefer a classic mild spread.

In short, pimento cheese is one of those dishes that every family makes a little differently, and that’s what makes it so fun to share.

When I started making it myself, I realized that homemade pimento cheese just hits differently.

The texture is fresher, the cheese tastes brighter, and you can tweak every bite to your liking.

Whether you’re new to pimento cheese or a lifelong fan, this recipe is going to give you that authentic, nostalgic taste with a personal touch.

Key Ingredients

The beauty of pimento cheese spread lies in its short and simple ingredient list.

But don’t let that fool you, each element plays a starring role in creating that crave-worthy flavor we all know and love.

Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is the backbone of the recipe. I always recommend grating it yourself from a block rather than buying pre-shredded.

Freshly grated cheese melts better into the mix and has a stronger, tangier flavor.

Sharp cheddar gives the spread its bold punch, while mild cheddar can be used if you prefer a gentler taste.

Cream Cheese: Not all pimento cheese recipes use cream cheese, but I find it gives the spread that luscious, velvety texture that makes it extra spreadable.

It also adds a subtle tang that balances the sharpness of the cheddar beautifully.

Mayonnaise: This ingredient ties everything together into a smooth, creamy base.

I’m a big fan of Duke’s mayonnaise (a Southern favorite), but any good-quality mayo will work. It adds richness without overpowering the cheese.

Pimentos: The star of the show! These little red peppers add sweetness and color to the spread.

They come jarred, usually already diced, but if you can only find whole ones, just chop them up finely before adding.

Seasonings: A touch of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper make the flavors pop. Some days I’ll sneak in a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.

The magic really happens when all of these ingredients come together.

The cheddar gives you sharpness, the mayo and cream cheese add creaminess, the pimentos bring sweetness, and the seasonings round it all out.

It’s simple, yes, but it’s the kind of simple that’s unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making homemade pimento cheese spread is one of those kitchen projects that feels almost too easy for how good the results are.

I like to think of it as a “stir, taste, adjust” type of recipe, because that’s truly all there is to it.

Step 1: Prep Your Cheese

Start by grating your cheddar. Trust me when I say this is worth the extra couple of minutes, pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can give your spread a slightly grainy texture.

Freshly grated cheddar melts into the mixture better and has a cleaner, sharper flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.

This is your silky foundation, and you want it well combined before you add the other ingredients.

I sometimes use a hand mixer if I’m doubling the recipe, but a sturdy spoon works just fine.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Stars

Stir in the grated cheddar, diced pimentos, and your seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper).

Fold everything together until it looks cohesive but still has that rustic, chunky texture that makes pimento cheese so charming.

Step 4: Taste and Tweak

This is where you get to personalize your spread. Need more tang? Add a little extra mayo. Want it spicier?

Toss in cayenne or a splash of hot sauce. Craving more creaminess? Soften things up with another spoonful of cream cheese.

Step 5: Chill

Technically, you can dive in right away (and I usually sneak a crackerful), but I highly recommend chilling the spread for at least an hour before serving.

It lets the flavors mingle and develop into something truly special.

And that’s it! A handful of ingredients, five easy steps, and you’ve got yourself a bowl of Southern sunshine.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of pimento cheese spread is how forgiving and adaptable it is.

Everyone seems to have their own “best version,” and half the fun is making it yours. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix things up:

Cheese Swaps: While sharp cheddar is the classic, you can blend in other cheeses for a different twist. Smoked gouda gives it a deeper, smoky flavor. M

Monterey Jack adds creaminess without the sharp bite. Pepper Jack, of course, brings in some welcome spice.

Spice it Up: If you like heat, this spread can handle it. A pinch of cayenne pepper, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a few diced pickled jalapeños can transform it into a spicy snack.

Creamy Tweaks: Not a fan of cream cheese? You can skip it and just stick with mayo for a looser, more old-fashioned style.

On the flip side, if you want it extra rich, add sour cream or Greek yogurt for tangy creaminess.

Vegan Version: Yes, it’s possible! Use a plant-based mayo, vegan cream cheese, and a good-quality vegan cheddar.

The flavor will be slightly different, but the spirit of pimento cheese is all about comfort and customization.

Add-ins: I’ve seen people stir in crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or even diced pickles for extra flair.

My personal guilty pleasure? A sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top, it adds depth and makes the whole thing look extra inviting.

The truth is, pimento cheese isn’t meant to be fussy.

Play around until you find your perfect blend, you might just create a version that becomes your family’s signature recipe.

Meal Ideas to Try

Sure, pimento cheese spread is delicious scooped up with crackers, but it’s way too versatile to stop there.

Once you have a bowl in the fridge, you’ll start finding excuses to add it to just about everything. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:

Classic Sandwiches: Nothing beats a simple pimento cheese sandwich.

Spread it generously between two slices of soft white bread (or toasted sourdough if you want an upgrade).

Add tomato slices or crisp lettuce for a little freshness.

Burger Topper: Imagine a juicy grilled burger slathered with pimento cheese. It melts into the meat, giving you a creamy, tangy layer that elevates every bite.

Grilled Cheese Glow-up: Replace your usual cheese with pimento spread, and you’ll never look back.

The way it oozes and crisps at the edges is pure comfort food heaven.

Stuffed Veggies: Spoon it into celery sticks, hollowed-out mini peppers, or even halved cherry tomatoes for a colorful party appetizer.

Baked Potato Magic: Load up a baked potato with a dollop of pimento cheese and watch it melt into the fluffy center, it’s rich, indulgent, and totally satisfying.

Breakfast Boost: Believe it or not, pimento cheese pairs beautifully with scrambled eggs or as a spread on a breakfast biscuit.

That’s the beauty of this recipe, it moves seamlessly from snack to meal to party platter without skipping a beat.

Once you start experimenting, you’ll see just how many dishes this humble little spread can enhance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Pimento Cheese Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after it’s had a few hours to chill. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Can You Freeze Pimento Cheese?

I wouldn’t recommend it. The texture gets a bit grainy and separated after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

What’s the Best Way to Serve it at a Party?

I love putting it in a pretty bowl surrounded by an assortment of dippers, crackers, pita chips, sliced cucumbers, celery, and even pretzels.

It also works great as a sandwich spread for tea sandwiches or sliders.

What if I Don’t Have Jarred Pimentos?

You can substitute with finely chopped roasted red peppers. They have a similar flavor and work beautifully in the recipe.

Can I Make it Healthier?

Sure! Swap some or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and serve it with fresh veggies instead of crackers.

It won’t taste exactly the same, but it will still be creamy and satisfying.