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I’ll show you how to make homemade pimento cheese in 5 minutes and store it to enjoy during the week for lunch or snacking.
What Is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern dip made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimento peppers. It's commonly used to fill sandwiches or spread over crackers and vegetables.
Known also as “pâté of the South”, it’s a tangy, creamy spread you can enjoy both as a party dip and an affordable snack for everyday meals.
Don’t worry about the heat: this dip is family-friendly since pimento pepper is mild, similar to bell pepper.
Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe
Making this Pimento Cheese recipe at home takes just a few minutes, and it turns out into a mouthwatering dip way better than the store-bought version.
Cheddar cheese is the MVP of this recipe, so I recommend not using pre-grated cheese since it contains anti-caking agents that prevent the cheese from combining well with the other ingredients. Trust me, grating a block of cheddar cheese is totally worth it!
Then, it’s just about mixing ingredients! The spread is soft, cheesy, slightly tangy, and perfect for making a sandwich or eating with crackers and veggies. Yum!
Ingredients
This irresistible dip for cheese lovers is made with cheddar, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and a few extra ingredients that add an amazing texture and flavor. Here’s what you need for this homemade pimento cheese recipe:
- Sharp cheddar cheese: I recommend grating it at home instead of pre-grated cheese for the best texture.
- Cream cheese: adds a smooth and spreadable texture, making pimento cheese easier to spread.
- Mayonnaise: a classic ingredient we can't omit!
- Pimento peppers: or homemade roasted red peppers.
- Aromatics: onion powder and garlic powder add extra flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: a pinch of heat that pairs great with cheddar and pimento.
- Salt and pepper: for seasoning.
You’ll find the measurements in the recipe card below.
Can you use shredded cheese to make pimento cheese?
While you can use it, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that are not optimal for mixing with other room-temperature ingredients to make pimento cheese. For the best texture, I recommend using a block of cheese and grating it.
How to Make Pimento Cheese
You can make this pimento cheese recipe at home by hand in the bowl, like in the directions below, or in a food processor. It takes only 5 minutes, and the result is epic! Check out the step-by-step:
- Grate cheddar cheese
Grate the block of cheddar cheese and place it in a large bowl. For optimal texture, I recommend not using pre-grated cheese since it contains anti-caking agents and you want the cheese to combine with the other ingredients best. - Add creaminess
Add the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise to the bowl and with a spatula, press it down onto the cheddar cheese. - Make the mixture
Drain the pimento liquid and add the pimentos or roasted red peppers to the bowl. Add the seasonings and continue to mix and combine with a spatula, folding the mixture over until the peppers break down into the cheesy mixture and some tidbits are left. Alternatively, for a smooth texture, place everything inside a food processor and pulse a few times to combine the ingredients and then process for about 30 seconds. - Store
Transfer the pimento cheese mixture into a lidded container or bowl. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Do I need a food processor to make pimento cheese?
You can make pimento cheese in a large bowl by combining all the ingredients, at room temperature, with a spatula without having to use a food processor.
How Long Does Homemade Pimento Cheese Last?
This homemade pimento cheese recipe lasts up to 1 week in the refrigerator, stored in a lidded container or bowl.
Can You Freeze Pimento Cheese?
You can freeze pimento cheese for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that the texture won't be the same after thawing it.
In case you still want to freeze this dip, place it in plastic food wrap and make a tight package to preserve the cheese texture as much as possible. Then, put it inside a freezer bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge, never at room temperature, and do not refreeze it again.
How to Use Pimento Cheese
With this 5-minute Pimento Cheese recipe, you’ll get an epic dip to enjoy in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas:
- Spread on crackers
- Make a BLT Pimento Cheese Sandwich
- To fill deviled eggs
- To dip veggies (celery sticks, bell pepper strips, baby carrots)
- To top loaded sweet potatoes
Pimento Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated*
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ cup jarred pimento peppers or roasted red peppers*
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Grate the block of cheddar cheese and place it in a large bowl. For optimal texture, I recommend not using pre-grated cheese since it contains anti-caking agents and you want the cheese to combine with the other ingredients best.
- Add the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise to the bowl and with a spatula, press it down onto the cheddar cheese.
- Drain the pimento liquid and add the pimentos or roasted red peppers to the bowl. Add the seasonings and continue to mix and combine with a spatula, folding the mixture over until the peppers break down into the cheesy mixture and some tidbits are left. Alternatively, for a smooth texture, place everything inside a food processor and pulse a few times to combine the ingredients and then process for about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the pimento cheese mixture into a lidded container or bowl. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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