Golden, creamy, and impossibly addictive, pimento cheese has taken over social media feeds and home kitchens everywhere.
From viral Masters sandwiches to celebrity chef recreations, everyone seeks the perfect pimento cheese spread recipe.
This Southern classic is easy to make at home with no cooking skills and a few pantry staples.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to impress party guests, elevate everyday sandwiches, and understand what makes this “caviar of the South” so irresistible.
I’ll show you what makes pimento cheese special, how to whip up a batch in minutes, creative ways to customize the flavor, and unexpected serving ideas that go far beyond crackers.
What is Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern comfort food that combines sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sweet red pimento peppers into a smooth, tangy spread.
While this classic dish originated in the northern United States during the early 1900s, the South quickly adopted and perfected it, turning pimento cheese into a regional staple found in nearly every refrigerator below the Mason-Dixon line.
Often called “the caviar of the South,” this versatile cheese mixture works equally well as a party dip, sandwich filling, or cracker topping.
The iconic pimento cheese sandwich served at Augusta’s Masters tournament for just $1.50 has made this spread famous nationwide.
Home cooks love making pimento cheese spread recipes because they require no cooking, use simple pantry ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe
This easy pimento cheese spread uses simple ingredients and basic steps, making it perfect for beginners and quick homemade meals. This is a Yishi approved method.
Servings: 8-10 servings (about 2 cups)
Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep + 20 minutes chilling)
Materials
- Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (about 2 cups)
- Pimentos, drained and chopped (one 4 oz jar)
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)
- Cream cheese, softened (4 oz)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
Steps to Make
Step 1
Grate the cheese and prepare the bowl. Take a block of sharp cheddar cheese and run it across the large holes of a box grater to create shreds.
Transfer all the freshly grated cheese into a medium or large mixing bowl. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that can make the texture grainy.
Step 2
Add all ingredients to the bowl. Scoop the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise into the bowl with the grated cheddar.
The cream cheese should be soft enough to mix easily; if it’s too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes first.
Open the jar of pimentos, drain the liquid completely, and chop them into small pieces if needed. Add them to the bowl along with the salt and black pepper.
Step 3
Mix everything using a sturdy spoon or spatula, fold and stir all ingredients until the mixture becomes evenly combined and creamy.
The cheese should be well-coated with the mayo and cream cheese mixture, with red pimento pieces distributed throughout. This should take about 2-3 minutes of gentle mixing.
Step 4
Taste and adjust the seasoning by testing a small amount with a clean spoon. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne for a bolder flavor; stir to distribute.
Cover and chill for 20-30 minutes to blend flavors and firm the texture for serving.
Simple Taste Modifications for Pimento Cheese Spread
One of the best things about this pimento cheese spread recipe is how easily it adapts to personal preferences with just a few simple ingredient additions.
| Want to make it… | Add this |
|---|---|
| Creamier | An extra tablespoon of mayonnaise |
| Spicier | A pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or chopped jalapeño |
| Smokier | A dash of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke |
| Tangier | A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice |
| Garlicky | 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or one minced garlic clove |
| More savory | A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of soy sauce |
| Bacon-y | 2-3 tablespoons of crumbled crispy bacon bits |
| Pickle-forward | 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles or a splash of pickle juice |
The key is making small adjustments and tasting as changes are made to avoid overpowering the natural sharpness of cheddar and the sweetness of pimentos.
What to Pair Pimento Cheese With
This versatile Southern spread works beautifully in countless serving scenarios, from casual snacking to elegant entertaining. Here are the most popular pairing options to try.
- Sandwich bread or toast: Spread between soft white bread slices for authentic Masters tournament-style sandwiches, or toast for extra crunch
- Crackers and chips: Serve with buttery crackers, crispy flatbreads, or tortilla chips for easy party appetizers
- Fresh vegetables: Pair with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or cherry tomatoes for lighter, healthier snacking
- Burgers and grilled sandwiches: Dollop onto juicy burgers or melt into grilled cheese for elevated comfort food
- Breakfast items: Spread on toasted bagels, English muffins, or stir into scrambled eggs for a savory morning twist
These serving suggestions are just the starting point. Feel free to experiment with different breads, crackers, or vegetables to discover new favorite combinations at home.
The Bottom Line
Making homemade pimento cheese proves that impressive flavors don’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
This pimento cheese spread recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with just five simple steps and basic pantry staples most kitchens already have on hand.
The real beauty is in its versatility; adjust spices, switch cheeses, or add mix-ins to make it personal. From game days to weeknight snacks, this Southern staple suits any occasion.
Stop settling for store-bought versions when homemade tastes infinitely better and costs less. The hardest part is waiting those twenty minutes for it to chill before diving in with crackers in hand.
I’d love to hear your favorite ways to enjoy this spread or any creative modifications worth trying. Drop a comment below and share what works in your kitchen!
