If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to spark instant nostalgia and bring smiles to every gathering, it’s the Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe. This Southern classic is creamy, savory, and just the right amount of tangy, making it a must-have for parties, picnics, or even a simple afternoon snack. Imagine velvety shreds of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, speckled with vibrant pimentos and blended into a luscious, flavorful spread. Whether you’re brand-new to pimento cheese or it’s already a family favorite, this recipe is about to become your go-to for effortless entertaining and everyday snacking alike.

Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe is all about simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for bold flavor and perfect creaminess. Each component plays a starring role in creating the irresistible taste and color that make this spread so beloved.

Sharp cheddar cheese: The backbone of the spread, providing robust flavor and a satisfying bite.
Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a mellow creaminess that balances the tang of the cheddar.
Diced pimentos: These little red gems bring sweetness, color, and that signature pimento flavor.
Mayonnaise: The key to a creamy, spreadable texture—choose a good-quality mayo for best results.
Garlic powder: Just a pinch adds savory depth without overpowering the cheese.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle aromatic boost.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a hint of heat, this is your secret weapon.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and a bit of bite.
Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami magic that deepens the overall taste.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

Step 1: Shred the Cheeses

Start with freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so grab a box grater and take a minute to shred it yourself. Trust me, it’s worth the tiny extra effort for a melt-in-your-mouth result.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, add your shredded cheeses, drained diced pimentos, and mayonnaise. The mayo is what binds everything together, so be generous but not overwhelming—a half cup is just right for creaminess without masking the cheeses.

Step 3: Season and Spice

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Add the Worcestershire sauce now, too. These seasonings layer in complexity, making every bite interesting and delicious. If you like things spicy, don’t be shy with the cayenne!

Step 4: Mix to Perfection

Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, mix everything together until the spread is evenly blended. If you prefer a finer, more homogenous texture, pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor. If you love a little texture, stir by hand and leave some cheese shreds intact.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This rest time lets the flavors meld and develop, transforming a simple mix into a crave-worthy spread. Serve chilled with crackers, fresh bread, or your favorite dippers.

How to Serve Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle extra diced pimentos or a little chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. A dusting of paprika or a few sliced green onions also add vibrant color and a pop of flavor that really makes the Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe stand out on any table.

Side Dishes

This spread shines alongside an array of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp celery and carrot sticks. For a true Southern touch, try serving it with buttery Ritz crackers or as a filling in soft white bread sandwiches alongside a bowl of tomato soup. It’s also fabulous as part of a larger cheese or charcuterie board for parties.

Creative Ways to Present

While it’s fantastic as a classic dip or spread, don’t be afraid to get creative! Use it as a gooey filling for grilled cheese sandwiches, dollop it on top of burgers, or even stuff it into mini bell peppers for an appetizer that wows. The Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe is as versatile as your imagination allows.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to one week. Always use a clean utensil to prevent introducing any unwanted flavors or bacteria.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze pimento cheese, the texture may change once thawed—sometimes becoming a bit grainy or separated. For best quality, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated. If you do freeze it, thaw slowly in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

Reheating

This spread is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you do want to use it in a hot dish, such as a grilled cheese sandwich or baked dip, simply spread it and heat as desired—it will melt beautifully!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pepper Jack for extra heat or Colby for a milder flavor. Just keep the total cheese amount the same for best results.

Is the Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe gluten-free?

The spread itself is gluten-free, but always double-check your mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce labels to be sure. Serve with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks for a completely gluten-free snack.

How long can I leave pimento cheese out at room temperature?

For food safety, don’t leave the spread out for more than two hours at room temperature. If you’re serving it at a party, nestle the bowl in a larger bowl of ice to keep it cool for longer.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you’re not a fan of mayo, try substituting with Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and sour cream. The texture will be a bit lighter and tangier, but still creamy and delicious.

Can I make the Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe spicier?

Definitely! Add more cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, or stir in some finely diced jalapeños for a fiery kick. Make it your own based on your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the creamy, tangy, and ever-so-slightly spicy bite of a great Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe. Whether you’re sharing it with friends at a gathering or sneaking a spoonful straight from the fridge, this classic spread is always a hit. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation—happy snacking!

Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pimento Cheese Spread is a classic Southern appetizer that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Made with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, diced pimentos, and a blend of spices, it’s perfect served chilled as a dip, on crackers, or as a sandwich filling. Easy to prepare with no cooking required, it’s a delicious party favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Other Ingredients

1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

Combine cheeses: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses thoroughly to form the base of the spread.
Add remaining ingredients: To the bowl, add the drained diced pimentos, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until evenly blended into a creamy mixture.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the spread into an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Serve: Once chilled, serve the pimento cheese spread with crackers, bread, or use it as a flavorful sandwich filling. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.