Elevate Your Snacking with This Simple and Delicious Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

Homemade pimento cheese is the epitome of comfort food. Whether spread on a cracker, slathered on a sandwich, or simply eaten with a spoon, this southern classic is a favorite for good reason. Its blend of sharp cheddar, tangy pimentos, and creamy mayonnaise creates a delightful combination that’s hard to resist. This recipe for homemade pimento cheese is easy to make, and it's a fresh, preservative-free alternative to store-bought versions. Plus, it tastes even better with every bite!

A Southern Staple with a Twist

Pimento cheese has a long history, especially in southern kitchens where it’s a staple at parties, picnics, and snack times. While there are many variations, the best ones keep it simple, focusing on high-quality cheese, a creamy base, and just the right amount of pimentos to provide that signature tangy taste. In this recipe, the blend of extra sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and a touch of cream cheese creates a velvety texture that's hard to beat. And don’t forget to hand-grate the cheddar for the best results – the store-bought shredded cheese won’t mix as well due to the anti-caking agents it contains.

Recipe: Homemade Pimento Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz block of extra sharp cheddar cheese (grated, about 2 cups)
• 1/2 to 1 cup mayonnaise (to taste)
• 8 oz cream cheese (cut into blocks)
• A dash of garlic salt
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Blend the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. You can use a mixer or hand mix for a chunkier texture.
3. Once the base is smooth and creamy, stir in the drained pimentos by hand, making sure they are evenly distributed.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate the pimento cheese for up to 10 days. For the best texture and flavor, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if stored in the fridge.

A Dish for All Occasions

Homemade pimento cheese is versatile and works in many settings. Serve it as an appetizer with crackers, use it as a sandwich filling, or even add it to burgers for a southern twist on your next cookout. The creamy consistency paired with the sharpness of cheddar and the sweetness of pimentos makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a tasty snack, this pimento cheese recipe is sure to deliver on flavor. And because it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, you can make a batch in advance and enjoy it whenever the craving strikes.

Here are some reliable sources for homemade pimento cheese recipes that can help you explore different variations and approaches:

1. Simply Recipes provides a classic pimento cheese recipe, emphasizing the importance of freshly grated sharp cheddar and using Duke's mayonnaise for an authentic flavor. Their recipe focuses on keeping the ingredients simple while allowing for some creative additions like pepper jack cheese or smoked paprika​Simply Recipes.
2. Southern Living offers a traditional Southern pimento cheese recipe, with a twist—adding dill pickle juice for an extra tangy flavor. They stress the importance of hand-shredded cheese for the right texture and balance​Southern Living​Southern Living.
3. Once Upon a Chef also highlights a southern-style pimento cheese made with sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. This version also suggests using cream cheese for added richness, making it a perfect spread for sandwiches, burgers, or crackers​Simply Recipes.

These sources will provide detailed instructions and tips to make your homemade pimento cheese perfect every time.