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Pimento Cheese

We’re updating your midday snack with this incredibly flavorful southern classic… Pimento Cheese! Made with cheddar cheese, homemade mayonnaise, diced pimiento’s, and just a little bit of onion to give this dip something truly special. Oh, and if you’re looking for a little bit spice, add some jalapeño for a delicious kick! Serve alongside your favorite veggies, some crackers, or even a slice of your favorite white bread and you’ll have a mouth-watering snack that the whole family will enjoy. The best part? This delicious dip only takes a few minutes to prepare, is a total crowd pleaser, and oh so good!

pimento cheese in a jar on a white plate with crackers and flowers around

→ This post is also available as a Web Story: Pimento Cheese

About The Recipe

There’s something so comforting about southern classics, you know? This pimento cheese is another recipe from, not just my childhood, but my mom’s as well! I think it might be the only recipe from my grandmother that my mom hasn’t tweaked! Okay, well… She does occasionally add some jalapeños, which aren’t in the original recipe, but other than that…this is the same recipe that’s been handed down through generations!

Now, we’re sharing it all with you because it truly is the ultimate summer time dip.

cracker with pimento cheese on it being held above jar

I mean, what is there not to love about this? It’s cheesy, creamy, tangy, it pairs well with veggies so it can technically be healthy…but the real secret behind this pimento cheese is actually one ingredient.

Our special, super secret ingredient!

It’s actually just freshly grated onion! I know, it sounds simple, but it really gives this dip a layer and depth of flavor that it desperately needs. I mean, not to mess with the classics, but trust me. Don’t skip adding the onion! It makes all the difference and will have everyone always coming back for more!

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Zester
  • Rubber Spatula

Ingredients

  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Diced Pimento
  • Mayonnaise
  • Onion
grated cheddar cheese, mayo, chopped pimento cheese, and grated onion in glass bowls

Instructions

Add grated cheese, mayo, pimento, and onion in a bowl. Mix until combined.

Add salt and pepper to taste and serve!

cracker being dunked into pimento cheese

What Are Pimento Peppers?

Pimento (also known as pimiento!) peppers are basically like really small red bell peppers. They have no heat, but a great flavor! They can often be hard to find, so – we sometimes we use canned diced pimentos, but they still taste delicious!

If you’re a big olive eater, you’ll recognize pimento as the pepper stuffed inside olives!

Pimento vs Pimiento

I’ll be honest, there’s no difference. It’s just a variation of spelling! Generally, depending on where you’re from is how you’ll spell it. Kinda cool, right?

Variations

The great thing about this recipe is that you can kind of throw in whatever you like! One of the most requested things amongst our friends and family is jalapeños! It adds a nice crunch and spice to an already delicious dip.

overhead shot of pimento cheese

What To Serve With Pimento Cheese

Not only is this a delicious dip that works as an appetizer or a snack, but it can really be used for so many things! Here are a few of our favorites.

  • Pimento Cheese Sandwich
  • Spread on a burger
  • Alongside a savory breakfast (Like our sourdough waffles!)

How To Store

Once you’ve made this dip, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.

close up of pimento cheese on white plate with crackers

Expert Tips

  • If you want a smoother dip, run this through the food processor.
  • Be sure to use a sharp cheddar cheese for this recipe.
  • You can use store-bought mayo for this recipe, but homemade really makes this dip something truly special!

When you make this Pimento Cheese, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.

pimento cheese in a jar on a white plate with crackers and flowers around
5 from 3 votes

Pimento Cheese

A true southern classic! This Pimento Cheese is a staple in our kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, tangy, and truly SO. GOOD.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

  • 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese,, grated
  • 4 ounces diced pimiento,, drained
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons grated onion
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • *2 fresh jalapeños,, seeded and chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • Shred cheddar cheese into medium size mixing bowl or into the bowl of a food processor.
  • Add pimiento, mayonnaise, grated onion, and jalapeño, if using.
  • Stir, or pulse, until mixed.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 488mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 958IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 412mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

When you make this recipe, remember to tag @bakerstble or hashtag it #BakersTable!

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2 Comments

  1. Traci, You made me cry. All those memories came flooding back all at once. Our babies are grown now, but mine still talk about summers at your house. I’m so thankful that we were able to give them such warm memories that they will cherish forever.
    For those of you that have not tried this recipe…… Print it out NOW. It is the best I’ve ever had !