Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese

Ah, good ol’ pimento cheese! This Southern classic is a staple in so many homes, bringing warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s the kind of spread that brings people together—whether it’s piled high on crackers, stuffed inside a sandwich, or even served as a dip for veggies. This homemade version is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sharp with a burst of sweetness from the pimentos. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to slather it on everything. It’s simple, comforting, and oh so delicious—get ready to fall in love!

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese

This pimento cheese recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the memories and good times you’ll create with it. Here’s why it’s the ultimate spread:

Rich & Creamy: The combination of mayo and cream cheese makes this spread perfectly creamy without being too heavy.

Tangy & Sweet: The tanginess from the cheddar cheese and the sweetness of the pimentos balance out perfectly. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.

Super Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy techniques or ingredients to make this pimento cheese. Just mix a few simple ingredients, and you’re good to go.

Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, veggies, or as a dip for chips. It’s the kind of spread you can serve at any gathering and everyone will ask for the recipe.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family picnic or a backyard BBQ, this dish is always a hit. It’s creamy, comforting, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese:

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The heart of this pimento cheese. Sharp cheddar adds the perfect boldness and tang to balance the sweetness of the pimentos.

Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to the spread. It makes the pimento cheese spreadable and gives it that luxurious mouthfeel.

Mayonnaise: The base for binding everything together. You’ll want to use full-fat mayo to get that smooth, rich consistency.

Pimentos: These sweet, tangy peppers add color and flavor that are simply irresistible.

Garlic Powder: Just a pinch of garlic powder to add a little depth and savory flavor.

Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some pimento cheese magic? Here’s how to do it:

Grate the Cheese:

Start by grating the sharp cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese gives the best texture and flavor, so try to avoid pre-shredded cheese if you can.

Mix the Cream Cheese and Mayo:

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir them together until smooth and creamy.

Add the Cheddar Cheese:

Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese. The more cheese, the better!

Add the Pimentos:

Drain the pimentos and add them to the bowl. Give everything a good mix, breaking up the pimentos slightly as you go.

Season the Spread:

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want the spread to be flavorful, but not too salty.

Chill the Pimento Cheese:

Once everything is combined, cover the bowl and chill the pimento cheese in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once it’s chilled and ready to go, serve your pimento cheese on crackers, bread, or with veggies. Or, for a Southern classic, spread it on some toast and make a good ol’ grilled cheese sandwich!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 210

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese

Here are some tasty ways to serve your pimento cheese:

On Crackers: This is the simplest and most classic way to enjoy pimento cheese. Serve it with your favorite crackers for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Spread some of this pimento cheese between two slices of bread, then grill it to golden perfection for a twist on a traditional grilled cheese.

As a Dip: Serve it as a dip with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. It’s perfect for a light, crunchy pairing.

Stuffed into Sandwiches: Spread it between slices of bread, roll it up in a tortilla, or even serve it on toasted buns for a savory, satisfying lunch.

With Chips: Pimento cheese makes a great dip for potato chips or tortilla chips. The crunchiness pairs perfectly with the creamy spread.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your pimento cheese even better:

Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts better into the mayo and cream cheese mixture, giving you the best texture and flavor.

Customize the Flavor: Want to add a little spice? Stir in some finely chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. For a different flavor, try adding some smoked paprika.

Add More Veggies: For a crunchier pimento cheese, mix in some finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or even some pickles.

Make it Ahead: Pimento cheese tastes even better after it’s had time to chill and the flavors have a chance to meld. You can make it a day or two ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a stir before serving if it gets a little thick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use mild cheddar instead of sharp cheddar?
A1: Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can definitely use mild cheddar. But for the best taste, sharp cheddar is the classic choice.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! In fact, the pimento cheese tastes better if it’s chilled for a while, so feel free to make it the day before and store it in the fridge.

Q3: Can I add some heat to this pimento cheese?
A3: Yes! If you like things spicy, add some diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.

Q4: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
A4: Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayo for a slightly tangier and lighter version of pimento cheese.

Q5: Can I freeze pimento cheese?
A5: While pimento cheese can technically be frozen, the texture may change after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container and try to use it within a couple of months.

Q6: Can I add other cheese types to this recipe?
A6: Yes! You can mix in some Monterey Jack, Colby, or even cream cheese for a different twist, but sharp cheddar is definitely the classic and most flavorful choice.

Q7: Is there a way to make pimento cheese less salty?
A7: If you find it too salty, try reducing the amount of salt you add, and make sure to rinse the pimentos well to remove any excess salt before mixing them in.

Q8: What can I serve with pimento cheese?
A8: Pimento cheese is great with crackers, chips, veggie sticks, or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. It’s also delicious with toasted bread or even as a dip for French fries!

Q9: Can I make pimento cheese without cream cheese?
A9: Yes, you can make pimento cheese using only mayo and cheddar cheese, but cream cheese gives it a nice creamy texture that’s hard to beat.

Q10: How long can I store pimento cheese in the fridge?
A10: Pimento cheese will stay fresh in the fridge for about 5-7 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese recipe is everything you want in a Southern classic—creamy, tangy, and totally addictive. Whether you serve it as a dip, on sandwiches, or just slathered on crackers, it’s the kind of spread that brings people together and makes everything better. So next time you’re craving something comfort-filled and delicious, whip up this pimento cheese, and watch it disappear in no time!

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