Description
Homemade Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern appetizer featuring a creamy blend of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese with a touch of savory spices and tangy pimentos. Perfect for spreading on crackers, chips, or pretzels, this recipe comes together easily and bursts with bold flavors. Make it ahead for parties, gatherings, or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (not powdered)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (Duke's or Blue Plate preferred)
- 8 ounces jarred pimiento peppers, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- crackers
- mini pretzel twists
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Grate Cheeses. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese using a food processor or box grater for ease and freshness. Finely grate the parmesan cheese with a hand grater or zester to ensure a fine, even texture.
- Mix Ingredients. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine the grated cheddar, parmesan, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimiento peppers, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and well-blended.
- Chill. Transfer the cheese spread to a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours. This allows the flavors to meld and develop depth.
- Serve. Before serving, allow the pimento cheese to come to room temperature for ideal texture and flavor. Serve with your choice of crackers, mini pretzel twists, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze in small containers for convenient servings.
- It is easier to grate cheese while cold; use a food processor for quick grating.
- Make ahead: Prepare several hours before serving to let flavors meld, but serve at room temperature for best spreading consistency.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully at room temperature for easy mixing and creamy texture.
- Variation tips: Add diced jalapeño for spice, substitute or combine with pepper jack cheese, or stir in some diced green onions as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
