Homemade Southern Pimento Cheese is simple to make and full of flavor. This version blends a recipe from my grandmother’s box with a few modern tweaks — it’s one of our favorite pimento cheese recipes.
Pimento cheese is a southern staple — you’ll find it at showers, potlucks, and family gatherings alongside other finger-food favorites. If you’re planning a menu for a party and wondering what small bites to serve, pimento cheese sandwiches and crackers should be high on your list.
“Pimento Cheese is a southern party staple!”
Ingredients for Homemade Pimento Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 ounces diced pimentos, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
How to make Homemade Pimento Cheese:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and blend for 2–3 minutes until well combined and slightly fluffy.
2. Add the mayonnaise and mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried mustard. Mix thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Fold in the drained diced pimentos until evenly incorporated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.
This pimento cheese is versatile — serve it as a dip with crackers or vegetables, spread it on sandwiches or sliders, or use it as a topping for fried green tomatoes. It also makes a flavorful grilled cheese filling and is delicious on sweet rolls for a contrasting sweet-savory bite.
I discovered this recipe in my grandmother’s recipe box and adjusted a few amounts — a touch less mayo and a bit more garlic — to suit modern tastes. The result is creamy, tangy, and balanced: the sort of pimento cheese that becomes a go-to in the fridge.
“An old Pimento Cheese recipe from my grandmother’s box got a small update…”
Full disclosure: I wasn’t always a fan. As a child the bright orange spread seemed odd to me, and I avoided it at gatherings. Over time I learned what pimentos were and, after trying a version at a local bistro, I finally appreciated how good pimento cheese can be — especially paired with fried green tomatoes.
“After trying it at a downtown bistro, I was hooked.”
Once I knew my partner enjoyed it too, I revisited my grandmother’s card and made a batch at home. I brought tubs to work for taste tests and now this recipe is my permanent, easy pimento cheese.
Serving suggestions: spread on crackers, build mini sandwiches, stuff into fried mashed potato bites, or use as a melty layer in a grilled cheese. It’s also excellent on whole wheat crackers or sweet Hawaiian rolls.
HOMEMADE PIMENTO CHEESE
Notes: You don’t need specific brands — use cheeses and mayo you prefer. This recipe yields about 2.5 cups and takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare.
Homemade Pimento Cheese
ABOUT 2.5 CUPS
10 minutes
10 minutes
Every good southern woman should have a homemade Pimento Cheese recipe in her back pocket! With the recipe from my grandmother’s recipe box and a few tests in the kitchen, I made some of the best we’ve ever had!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 ounces diced pimentos, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
Instructions
- With an electric mixer, blend the cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the mayonnaise and mix until smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried mustard.
- Fold in the diced pimentos.
- Refrigerate 10–15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
Source: Ma’s Recipe Box
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 40
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 62Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 2g
If you make this recipe, snap a picture and share it on social media with the hashtag #bigbearswife — I love to see what you cook from the blog!
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Whole Wheat Crackers
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Fried Mashed Potato Bites
