Pimento Cheese - knedir Recipes

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The South knows how to do comfort food, and few dishes embody that better than classic Pimento Cheese. This creamy spread, combining sharp Cheddar, smooth mayo, and sweet pimentos, brings back childhood memories and community cookout vibes in every bite.

It’s not just a spread—it’s a staple. Whether piled high between slices of white bread at the Masters or scooped generously onto buttery crackers, Pimento Cheese delivers savory nostalgia with minimum effort. It’s easy to prepare and impossible not to love, making it a must-have for potlucks, lunchboxes, and late-night cravings.

Full Recipe:

1 1/2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 (4-ounce) jar of diced pimentos, drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated Cheddar cheese and drained pimentos.
Add mayonnaise and mix thoroughly until a creamy, spreadable consistency is achieved.
Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve cold with crackers, celery sticks, or use as a sandwich filling on soft white bread.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Kcal: ~210 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Recipe Overview

Creamy, tangy, and unapologetically Southern, Pimento Cheese is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from your grandmother’s kitchen. Whether it’s spread between slices of soft white bread, dolloped on top of a burger, or served with crackers at a backyard barbecue, pimento cheese delivers on comfort, flavor, and nostalgia. Made with sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and sweet red pimentos, it’s a deceptively simple combination that packs an unexpectedly rich and vibrant punch.

Sometimes referred to as the “pâté of the South,” this versatile spread is beloved across generations and regions, yet often misunderstood outside of its homeland. It’s not just a party dip; it’s a way of life. And once you taste it, it’s easy to see why it holds such a special place in Southern cuisine.

History and Origin

The roots of Pimento Cheese go deeper than most might guess. While today it’s seen as a Southern staple, its origin actually began much farther north. In the early 1900s, pimento cheese was born out of industrial food innovation. Cream cheese had just been invented in New York, and pimento peppers—imported from Spain—were gaining popularity in American grocery stores.

The first versions of pimento cheese used cream cheese and canned red pimentos, mixed together for a light, savory spread. Around the 1920s, as processed cheese became more available, especially in the South, sharp Cheddar started replacing cream cheese. At the same time, mayonnaise—particularly the now-famous Duke’s brand—became the Southern binder of choice. Thus, the Southern version of pimento cheese was born.

From there, it spread like wildfire through church cookbooks, lunch counters, and picnic tables. It became especially beloved in the Carolinas and Georgia, often served in white bread sandwiches at family gatherings, or scooped onto celery sticks at parties. Today, you’ll still find it on sandwiches at The Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia—a tradition as cherished as the sport itself.

Variations and Adaptations

While the classic Southern version sticks to Cheddar, mayo, and pimentos, there are endless ways to jazz up pimento cheese—and many cooks do just that. One popular twist includes a bit of cream cheese, which gives the spread a richer, thicker texture. Others add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap Cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or even smoked cheeses.

In Texas, it’s not unusual to see pimento cheese used as a topping for grilled burgers, blending smoky beef with creamy tanginess. In Kentucky, you might find it spiked with bourbon or served alongside fried green tomatoes. Meanwhile, modern chefs across the country are reimagining it as a base for deviled eggs, quesadillas, or even stirred into mac and cheese for an indulgent twist.

Vegan adaptations are also gaining popularity. Nutritional yeast, cashew-based cheese, or vegan mayo can replicate the cheesy, umami-rich flavor while keeping things plant-based.

Nutritional Information

While Pimento Cheese isn’t necessarily a “health food,” it does offer some surprising nutritional value when enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a typical breakdown per 2-tablespoon serving:

Calories: ~210
Protein: ~6g
Fat: ~19g (mostly from mayo and cheese)
Carbohydrates: ~1g
Calcium: ~15% of your daily recommended intake
Vitamin A: Present in moderate amounts due to the pimentos
Sodium: Approximately 300mg (depending on your cheese and mayo choice)

The high-fat content is largely from saturated fats, but it’s also what gives pimento cheese its luscious mouthfeel. Choosing a lighter mayo or reducing the overall quantity can help bring the fat down without compromising too much on taste.

If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium cheese or use less added salt in the mix. And keep in mind—because pimento cheese is so flavorful, a little goes a long way.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

One of the best things about pimento cheese is how wildly versatile it is. You can serve it as a dip, spread, sandwich filling, or topping—and it shines in each role.

Here are some irresistible ways to serve it:

As a dip with buttery crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks (celery and cucumber are classic).
Spread on sandwiches, especially soft white bread or sourdough. It also pairs beautifully with crisp bacon, fresh tomato, or pickles.
Melted into grilled cheese or paninis—yes, it oozes magnificently.
Topped on burgers or hot dogs for a Southern-style twist.
Stirred into mashed potatoes or grits for a cheesy flavor boost.
Added to deviled eggs instead of plain yolk filling.
Served warm as a baked dip with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and herbs on top.

Pair pimento cheese with refreshing drinks like sweet tea, lemonade, or light beers like a pilsner or lager. If you’re feeling fancy, try a dry rosé or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Pimento cheese may be simple, but a few smart tricks can take it from good to legendary:

Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can impact texture and flavor.
Let it chill after mixing. Just 30 minutes in the fridge allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Adjust consistency to your liking. For a thicker spread (ideal for sandwiches), use less mayo or add cream cheese. For a dip, loosen with a bit more mayo or a splash of buttermilk.
Add spice gradually. Cayenne, hot sauce, or jalapeños can punch up the flavor, but it’s easy to overdo. Taste as you go.
Balance sweetness of the pimentos with acidity. A dash of pickle juice, vinegar, or lemon can cut through the richness.
Make ahead—pimento cheese keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and tastes even better the next day.

Potential Health Benefits

Despite its indulgent reputation, Pimento Cheese has a few redeeming health qualities when eaten responsibly:

Protein and calcium from the cheese support bone health and muscle repair.
Pimentos, while small, are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost immunity.
Using quality ingredients—such as olive oil-based mayo or organic cheeses—can elevate both the flavor and nutritional profile.
Served with whole-grain crackers or raw vegetables, pimento cheese can be a satisfying snack that curbs cravings and delivers real energy.

While it’s not a “superfood,” it’s definitely a satisfying, mood-lifting treat that can be part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Pimento cheese is more than a nostalgic dish—it’s a cultural emblem, a blank canvas, and a deliciously addictive spread that has stood the test of time. Its simple ingredients belie the bold flavor, and its humble roots only add to its enduring charm.

Whether you’re a Southern food lover, a curious foodie, or someone in need of a quick crowd-pleasing appetizer, pimento cheese checks all the boxes. Try it once, and it might just become your new comfort food staple.

So grab some good Cheddar, a jar of pimentos, and your favorite mayo, and whip up a batch of this Southern classic. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you.