Pimento Cheese

5 from 1 vote

This southern-style pimento cheese recipe uses whipped cream cheese instead of a block, making it super soft and spreadable even cold right out of the fridge. Pickled jalapeños are added for a tangy, spicy zing. Use pimento cheese as a dip or on a sandwich, burger, in mac and cheese, and more!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Appetizers and snacks

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 107kcal

Author: Elizabeth Lindemann

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

2 cups grated cheddar cheese preferably grated from a block by hand
8 oz. whipped cream cheese or a block of cream cheese, see notes
4 oz. pimento peppers drained, see notes
¼ cup mayonnaise preferably Duke's, if available
2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños optional, see notes
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, more or less depending on spice level preferences
kosher salt and black pepper to taste
minced fresh chives or parsley, plus more paprika for garnish, optional

Instructions

Add all ingredients (2 cups grated cheddar cheese , 8 oz. whipped cream cheese, 4 oz. pimento peppers drained, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and kosher salt and black pepper to taste) to a large mixing bowl. Stir together.
If serving as a dip, transfer to serving bowl and garnish with minced fresh chives or parsley, plus more paprika if desired. Or use as a spread on a sandwich, or for other things (see notes for ideas for use!).

Notes

You can find pimentos in 4-oz. jars in your grocery store with the olives. You can also find them in the Goya section, but they may be in strips that need to be diced. In a pinch, diced roasted red bell peppers may be used.
If using a block of cream cheese, make sure it's softened before mixing the pimento cheese (leave it out at room temperature for about an hour, or pop in the microwave briefly after removing the foil wrap). The pimento cheese will harden in the fridge; leave it out at room temperature to re-soften if needed for dipping or spreading.
Any kind of pickled jalapeño may be used, keeping in mind their flavor will affect the flavor of the pimento cheese (a sweeter one will yield a sweeter result, same with spicier). I love Trader Joe's Hot & Sweet Jalapeños. You can also use a chopped fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper - remove the seeds for a mild flavor.
Pimento cheese has many uses besides as a dip. Spread between two pieces of white bread for a sandwich, or make a grilled cheese using it as a filling. Use in place of sliced cheese on a cheeseburger, or as a spread on a grilled or fried chicken sandwich. Add to an omelette, a breakfast sandwich, or the cheese sauce for mac and cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Nutrition