Craving a taste of the South? Let me introduce you to Homemade Pimento Cheese, a creamy, tangy, and irresistibly cheesy spread that’s a staple in Southern kitchens.

Whether you’re slathering it on a sandwich, dipping fresh veggies, or topping off a cracker, this quick and easy pimento cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

With just a handful of simple ingredients—sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, and creamy mayonnaise—you can whip up this classic comfort food in no time. And trust me, once you’ve tried it homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

Ingredients List

Making homemade pimento cheese requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, not drained
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated for best texture

1 cup mayonnaise, preferably full-fat for creaminess
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Required Kitchen Tools

While making pimento cheese doesn’t require any fancy equipment, having a few basic kitchen tools on hand will make the process even easier:

Large Mixing Bowl – For tossing everything together.
Medium Bowl – To mix the pimentos and mayo before combining.

Box Grater or Food Processor – For grating your cheese fresh (highly recommended over pre-shredded).
Spatula or Spoon – To mix everything evenly.
Airtight Container – For storing leftovers and keeping your cheese spread fresh.

Mixing and Combining the Ingredients

Making pimento cheese from scratch is all about building layers of flavor with the right technique. Here’s how I do it every time for that rich, creamy consistency with just the right pop of tang.

Step 1: Grate the Cheese

Start by grating 1 pound of sharp cheddar cheese into a large mixing bowl. Using freshly grated cheese makes a world of difference—it’s creamier, melts better, and has more flavor than the bagged variety.

Step 2: Mix the Mayo and Pimentos

In a separate small bowl, combine the entire contents of a 4-ounce jar of diced pimentos (juice included!) with 1 cup of mayonnaise. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the pimento-mayo mixture over the shredded cheese. Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, fold the ingredients together until everything is fully combined. The cheese should be coated in a creamy, flavorful dressing without being soupy.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Once mixed, taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with a pinch of each, mix again, and adjust as needed. Some folks like a bit of cayenne or hot sauce for a little kick—feel free to make it your own!

This spread is now ready to enjoy, but I always find that letting it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld even more.

Serving Suggestions

Pimento cheese is one of the most versatile recipes I keep in my kitchen. Once you’ve made a batch, the possibilities are endless! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

As a Dip

Serve it chilled or at room temperature with a colorful platter of fresh vegetables like celery sticks, carrot slices, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips. It also pairs beautifully with buttery crackers, pretzels, or even toasted baguette slices.

On Sandwiches

There’s nothing quite like a pimento cheese sandwich—especially when the spread is piled high between two slices of soft white bread. For something extra special, try it grilled! A warm, melty grilled pimento cheese sandwich is comfort food at its finest.

As a Topping

Spread it on top of burgers, baked potatoes, or even deviled eggs for a rich and tangy upgrade. I also love dolloping it on southern-style biscuits for brunch or weekend breakfasts.

Pro Tip: Add-Ins for a Twist

Feeling creative? Try mixing in a bit of crisp cooked bacon, finely chopped jalapeños, or green onions for added flavor and texture. These simple additions can take your pimento cheese from classic to unforgettable.

Storage Instructions

One of the best parts about making homemade pimento cheese is how well it keeps—if you can resist eating it all at once! Here’s how I store it to keep it fresh and delicious for days.

Refrigeration

After mixing, transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 7 days. In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to develop.

Serving from the Fridge

When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge about 15–20 minutes beforehand to let it soften slightly. This makes spreading much easier and brings out the full depth of flavor.

Can You Freeze It?

Technically, you can freeze pimento cheese, but I don’t usually recommend it. The texture of the mayonnaise and cheese can change once thawed, making it less creamy and smooth. For best results, enjoy it fresh and refrigerated.