How to Make Classic Pimento Cheese Spread at Home

Creamy, Cheesy, and Just the Right Kind of Spicy

If you’ve ever been to a Southern potluck and didn’t see a tub of pimento cheese spread on the table… did you even go?

Pimento cheese spread is more than a dip—it's a lifestyle.

Pimento cheese spread is more than a dip—it's a lifestyle. It’s the reason Aunt Marlene insists on bringing it to every family reunion, and it’s basically what your dad really wants for Father’s Day (right next to that fancy grill tool he won’t stop hinting about). It’s creamy, tangy, sharp, and spiced just enough to keep you coming back with crackers, celery sticks, or straight-up spoons.

You control the texture, the spice level, and the quality of ingredients.

You can buy it pre-made in tubs, sure—but homemade pimento cheese spread? That’s where the magic is. You control the texture, the spice level, and the quality of ingredients. Plus, it takes only 10 minutes to make and disappears in five. Let’s dive into this Southern classic with step-by-step instructions, variations, and fun ways to serve it.

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🧀 What Is Pimento Cheese spread?

Pimento cheese spread is a classic Southern spread made with shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos—those sweet, red cherry peppers often found stuffed into green olives. Depending on where you're from (or who your grandmother is), it might also include cream cheese, spices, or hot sauce.

The result is a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and just-spicy-enough

The result is a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and just-spicy-enough dip or spread that can do it all. Serve it with crackers, slather it onto sandwiches, dollop it onto burgers, or sneak a spoonful straight from the fridge—we won’t tell.

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🛠️ Essential Utensils for This Recipe

Before you begin, gather the following:

• Mixing bowl (medium-sized)
• Spatula or spoon for folding
• Hand mixer or sturdy whisk (optional but helpful for blending the base)
• Measuring spoons
• Box grater or cheese grater (for shredding cheddar)
• Rubber scraper (for getting every last bit out of the bowl)
• Serving bowl or airtight container (for storing or presenting)

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🥣 Homemade Southern Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: About 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (preferably white or orange block cheddar)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred for Southern flavor, but Hellmann’s works too)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds depth)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained well
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (Crystal, Tabasco, or Frank’s)

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👩‍🍳 Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Remove the cream cheese from the fridge about 30–45 minutes before you start, allowing it to come to room temperature. This ensures it blends smoothly with the mayo and prevents lumps in your spread.

Tip: If you're short on time, microwave the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl for 10–15 seconds until slightly softened but not melted.

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Step 2: Mix the Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer on low speed or a whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and fluffy. This will take about 30–45 seconds with a mixer, or about 1–2 minutes by hand.

Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), cayenne (optional), and kosher salt. Mix until all spices are fully incorporated into the creamy base.

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Step 3: Shred the Cheese

Using a box grater, shred the block of sharp cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts into the mixture more smoothly and has better flavor and texture than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that affect consistency.

Pro tip: Use a mix of white and orange cheddar if you want that classic “pimento cheese look.”

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Step 4: Fold in the Cheese and Pimentos

Add the shredded cheese and drained pimentos to the bowl. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold everything together until combined. Make sure the pimentos are evenly distributed, and the cheese is fully coated in the creamy base.

Be careful not to overmix—you want it creamy but still textured.

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Step 5: Add Heat (Optional)

Taste the mixture and, if desired, add 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce, depending on your heat preference. Stir gently to combine.

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Step 6: Chill and Serve

For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly.

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🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using bagged pre-shredded cheese: These are coated in starches and additives that mess with texture and flavor.
• Overmixing: It should be cohesive but not pasty. Stop mixing once everything is evenly combined.
• Too much mayo: Makes the spread soupy. Start with ½ cup, and add 1–2 extra tablespoons only if needed.
• Skipping chill time: Resting in the fridge deepens the flavor and improves the spreadability.

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🌿 Ingredient Variations & Customizations

Vegan/Dairy-Free:

• Use vegan cheddar shreds (Violife or Daiya), vegan cream cheese, and vegan mayo.
• Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor depth.

Spicy Southwest:

• Add 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped pickled jalapeños.
• Swap paprika for chipotle powder.
• Add a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.

Fresh Herb Garden:

• Fold in 1–2 tablespoons chopped chives, dill, or parsley for brightness and color.

Greek-Inspired:

• Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
• Add crumbled feta and chopped roasted red peppers.

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🧺 Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas

Pimento cheese spread is ridiculously versatile. Here’s how to serve it:

Classic Party Snacks:

• With Ritz crackers, toasted baguette slices, celery sticks, or pretzel thins.
• Inside mini bell peppers, halved and filled for colorful appetizers.

Southern-Style Sandwiches:

• Spread thickly between two slices of white bread (bonus: add sliced tomato or crispy bacon).
• Grilled in a sandwich press with sourdough—grilled pimento cheese is game-changing.

Creative Pairings:

• On burgers as a melted cheese topping.
• With fried green tomatoes for brunch.
• Swirled into mac and cheese or used as a baked potato topping.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Pimento cheese is more than a spread—it's a Southern icon. Easy to make, wildly customizable, and always a crowd favorite, it's perfect for tailgates, holidays, Father’s Day, or just a snacky Sunday afternoon.

Give this recipe a try and tell me: how do YOU eat your pimento cheese? Sandwich, spoon, or straight-up cracker pile-up? Let me know in the comments!

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❓ FAQ & Troubleshooting

Can I freeze pimento cheese?

It’s not ideal. Freezing causes texture separation. For best results, enjoy fresh and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days.

Why is my pimento cheese too runny?

This often happens if too much mayo is added or if pre-shredded cheese is used. To fix it, stir in more shredded cheddar or chill until it thickens.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! In fact, it tastes better when made several hours ahead. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.

I hate mayo. Any alternatives?

Use more cream cheese or a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt. The flavor changes slightly, but it still works beautifully.

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