Homemade Pimento Cheese
If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy Southern classic, this homemade pimento cheese recipe for you! Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayo, and sweet pimentos, it’s a quick and easy spread that comes together in minutes—no cooking required. Whether you serve it with crackers, fresh veggies, or pile it high on a sandwich, this versatile dip is perfect for parties, lunches, or snacking anytime.
Originally posted March 2016, updated July 2025.
Homemade Pimento Cheese
One of my most favorite things growing up was eating Pimento Cheese Sandwiches. As far as I can remember, my Mama always got the store-bought variety and the truth is… I loved it.
I’d spoon it onto slices of white bread and my lunch was complete.
But then a few years ago I made it homemade. And ya’ll… it was all over. I’m now hopelessly addicted to Homemade Pimento Cheese.
I would probably still not hesitate to eat a big ole pile of pre-made kind, but if I have my choice, homemade it is because it is a super easy snack or lunch idea and you can customize it to suit your tastes!
I’ll happily eat pimento cheese on a sandwich, on a cracker… or goodness… straight off the spoon! Years ago, I even blogged about a Pimento Cheese Quesadilla and I love a Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich.
Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe
So before writing this, I decided to do a little search of pimento cheese recipes and here’s the conclusion I came to: my original recipe is really, really simple. Like, really simple.
And I’m not really sure what a classic Southern Pimento cheese recipe would look like. There are just so many great ways to make the “best” pimento cheese with all different types of cheeses and other ingredients.
In a pinch, I mix up some shredded cheddar cheese, diced pimentos (with juice), and mayonnaise – and I’m as happy as a clam. I don’t need a food processor or blender or anything extra for this simple recipe.
My original easy recipe:
- 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons diced pimentos, with juice
- 1/2 cup real mayonnaise (no whipped salad dressing please!!)
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl with a spoon and enjoy on crackers or bread! It’s even better if you let it chill for a couple of hours or overnight. You can also use other varieties of cheese (half cheddar, half Monterey Jack is a good combo).
With the right ingredients on hand, I can have this ready in less than 5 minutes and it’s easy and delicious.
Just this week we’ve made it twice for lunch and my kids even fight over who gets the last bite!
While I still eat it on bread for a sandwich occasionally, my favorite way to eat it these days is on crackers… butter crackers, saltine crackers… or pretty much any other cracker!
Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe
A few years ago, I discovered that our pastor makes the best Pimento Cheese. And so does my Aunt Susie. A couple of our local small town gas stations also carry homemade varieties and here’s what I learned…
I love almost every variety of this Southern staple sandwich spread.
What is Pimento Cheese?
If you didn’t know – Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread made (at the very least) with shredded cheddar, creamy mayo, and sweet red pimentos.
But these days, this classic Southern recipe can be amped up in different ways to give it even more flavor. When made homemade, this delicious dip is not even in the same ballpark as store-bought versions.
Rich, tangy, and versatile, it’s perfect as a dip for crackers and veggies or spread onto sandwiches. Often called the “pâté of the South,” this popular Southern spread is a must at picnics, parties, family gatherings, and potlucks. Serve it with some sweet tea and you’re all set!
Tools Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Box Grater (if you plan to shred your own cheese)
Ingredients
These simple ingredients are quite possibly already in your pantry or can easily be found at your local grocery store.
- Cream cheese – regular cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese or a blend – shred your own or use the pre-shredded stuff
- Mayonnaise – you can use more or less mayo, depending on how creamy you want your spread to be
- Diced pimento peppers
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crackers, veggies, or bread (to serve)
Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the full Pimento Cheese recipe card below.
Substitutions
Medium Cheddar Cheese is my go-to for this recipe but there’s really not a wrong cheese to use here 😉 Every cheese, from Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese to White Cheddar Cheese, would be delicious in this creamy cheese spread. Try the recipe with different cheeses or a combination of cheeses to see which you like best!
How to Make Homemade Pimento Cheese
While I still stand by my very basic recipe above, I’ve decided that I also love this fancier version. And you can make it even more delicious by checking out some of the variations I have listed below. #
- Start by adding your cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayo, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne if desired, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix on high until very well combined, be sure to scrap the edges periodically.
- Transfer to a serving dish or storage container.
- I serve mine with bread for sandwiches or crackers for dipping. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For ease, I love using pre-shredded cheese, but if you really want to make this recipe special, grab a box grater and grate your own cheese.
- Using a hand mixer to cream the ingredients together gives this spread a texture more similar to the store-bought versions, but it’s not absolutely necessary! I tend to use an electric mixer more often when cream cheese is included, but if I skip that ingredient, I hand-mix and I love the texture!
Variations
- Add in some diced pickled jalapenos and a teaspoon (or two) of the juice for a slightly spicy pimento cheese that is amazing! A dash of hot sauce would also add a little kick.
- Crumbled bacon is another amazing addition to this recipe – you cannot go wrong with bacon and cheese, right?
Serving Suggestions
This pimento cheese is incredible the day its made but even better the next day after it chills and the flavors meld together. Make it for an easy lunch, a potluck, a holiday gathering, a bridal shower or any other occasion (or no occasion at all). Use it as a delicious spread for a sandwich or a homemade pimento cheese dip.
Here are some of the ways I recommend serving pimento cheese:
Spread it on slices of bread for the best sandwich you’ll ever eat. Dill pickles and green olives are great sides for a Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Or use it as a Pimento Pepper Dip! Here are so many ideas for dippers:
- Corn Chips
- Tortilla Chips
- Ritz Crackers
- Butter Crackers
- Saltines
- Carrot Sticks
- Celery Sticks
Storage Directions
How long does homemade pimento cheese last?
Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Give it a stir before serving.
This is the easiest Homemade Pimento Cheese you’ll ever come across. It can be ready in 10 minutes, and it can be made with the most basic ingredients or fancied up with some extra flavors and spices!
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Homemade Pimento Cheese
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
Description
If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy Southern classic, this homemade pimento cheese recipe for you! Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayo, and sweet pimentos, it’s a quick and easy spread that comes together in minutes—no cooking required. Whether you serve it with crackers, fresh veggies, or pile it high on a sandwich, this versatile dip is perfect for parties, lunches, or snacking anytime.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. of Cream Cheese
- 2 cups of Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese
- 3/4 cup of Mayo
- 1/2 cup or Diced Pimentos (drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon of Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt and Pepper to TasteCrackers or Bread (to serve)
Instructions
- Add cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayo, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne if desired, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix on high until very well combined, be sure to scrape the edges periodically. Chill, if desired.
- Transfer to a serving dish or storage container.
- I serve mine with bread for sandwiches or crackers for dipping. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main
My husband was raised on Pimento cheese sandwich. It was their Sunday night supper, so he will love this! Thank you for posting it. BTW here in Ga., we have an eating place called the Varsity thtya has the best hot dogs, fried onion ring and frosted oranges you’ve ever eaten, but my very fav. in their chili cheese hot dog made with pimento cheese! So if you love the stuff, you need to try one if you’re ever in Ga.
That sounds AMAZING!! Thanks for the suggestion!! xx
Rose, what brand of shortening do you use in your buttercream
Crisco ONLY!!
Looks so tasty! Thanks for linking up at Merry Monday!
That’s a unique recipe…never hear of pimento cheese! Thanks for sharing your link at the #HomeMattersParty !
Really?! Wow! Well, it’s delish – I hope you’ll try it!
You make your pimento cheese almost exactly the way I make mine, except that I use a bit more pimentos. Yes, so easy, soooo lish. Thanks for reminding me to make this recipe soon.
You know – I measured it out for this post, but I usually just spoon them in until it looks good 😉
I love how simple your recipe is, and I grew up on pimento cheese, too.
Thanks so much!
the flavor of this homemade version makes me never want to go back to store bought!