Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make pimento and cheese recipe? This blog post has it all. Learn the basics of homemade pimento and cheese, the best ingredients and sharpest cheeses to use, how to make it with a twist, and much more. Try this super simple 3 ingredient recipe today!

**This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.

Jump to Recipe

What is Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is a spread made mostly of cheeses, mayonnaise and pimento. A pimento is a type of red pepper that tends to be more sweet in flavor instead of spicy. Pimento cheese can be served on bread as a sandwich or on crackers, veggie slices or rolls. Pimento cheese sandwiches were my favorite lunch growing up, but I hated the store bought pimento and cheese because it is almost always too sweet. So it was always a treat for me when my mom would make it at home. That tradition continued when I had my own child and he loves it just as much. I never made it myself because I had always assumed it was a difficult recipe. I still remember the day my mom walked me through the steps and I responded with “that’s it”? So today I am sharing this super simple recipe with you!

What All Do You Need?

Cheese
Mayonnaise
Diced pimentos (8 ounces)
Box grater (optional-this is optional but I promise freshly grated cheese is much better in this recipe)

How to Make the Perfect Pimento Cheese Spread

Pick a cheese or cheeses. If you are grating your own I suggest Colby-Jack or a mild white cheddar. If you prefer a spicier spread, pepper jack is a great option. Once you’ve chosen your cheese it is time to pull out the cheese grater. If you prefer not to do this by hand a food processor or kitchenaid attachment will save you some time and energy. For this recipe I used 2- 8oz blocks.
Gather your grated cheese in a large bowl and add an entire 8oz jar of pimento peppers.
Add mayonnaise to taste and mix all of the ingredients with a large wooden spoon. I usually use our homemade mayonnaise and it takes roughly half a cup to coat all of the cheese.
That’s it! I told you it was simple!

Give it a Twist: Try Different Variations

Creamy Pimento Cheese

For this recipe you just trade 8 of the 16oz of cheese for a block of softened cream cheese. This gives it a creamy texture and is just as delicious. Prep time is slightly longer but still a super simple recipe.

Spicy Pimento Cheese

Some days we prefer a little kick, so I will add diced jalapeno peppers to our spread. Or you can trade in your Colby-Jack or mild cheddar for pepper jack and have a spicy white pimento cheese sandwich spread.

Adding Additional Ingredients

Looking for just a little extra flavor? Try adding a little bit cayenne pepper, garlic powder or onion powder. I have even heard of people adding hot sauce to their basic recipe instead of jalapenos to create a hot dip. Sometimes just adding dill pickles or chopped green onions gives your cheesy spread that kick you are looking for.

Ways to Serve Your Homemade Pimento and Cheese

Obviously our favorite way to eat our homemade pimento cheese is between two slices of white sandwich bread and make it a sandwich. But, if you are having guests or a party it is a great dip for crackers or veggie slices such as celery sticks. I have even used this recipe to make a grilled cheese sandwich. Oddly, I also love adding it to biscuits for breakfast. Whether it is a chicken biscuit or sausage/bacon biscuit, a layer of pimento cheese gives it a lot of extra flavor. You can even replace the grated cheeses in your sausage balls recipe with the pimento and cheese for the best flavor! However I decide to serve it, this classic southern staple is a super simple recipe that is kid approved!

Storage

Depending on your family size, there will probably be leftovers. I throw some plastic wrap over the bowl I made it in or place the leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. Your homemade pimento cheese spread should keep for almost a week, but I can guarantee it will be gone before it expires!