Southern Pimento Cheese🥗 Side
This classic South-inspired cheese spread shines when paired with crunchy vegetables or your favorite crackers, and makes incredibly delicious sandwich fillings or melted panini creations.
By Marcus Rivera, Kitchen Tips Editor
Shared by the Home Cook Assistant community ยท Reviewed for clarity
There is a quiet confidence to a dish like southern pimento cheese that comes from knowing every element has a purpose. This is not just another variation on a familiar idea. It is a well balanced plate where 1 (4-ounce) jar sliced pimento peppers, drained (about 1/2 cup), 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar, grated on the large holes of a box grater come together in a way that feels both comforting and intentional, the kind of meal that makes a regular weeknight feel a little more cared for. Whether you are cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to something made with attention, this recipe rewards you with layers of flavor that belie how approachable it really is.
You will want to pay attention to two small details that make a big difference here. First, Read through the steps once before you start and have everything measured and within reach. A calm setup prevents the rushed mistakes that happen when you are chopping while something is already in the pan. Second, Season in layers rather than all at once. A pinch when you add the aromatics, another when the main ingredients go in, and a final adjustment at the end builds depth that one big addition at the start cannot match. These are not fussy chef tricks. They are the practical habits that separate a good version of this dish from a great one, and once you do them a few times they become second nature.
Leftovers keep beautifully for three days refrigerated and reheat well with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well for up to a month, so consider making a double batch when you have the time. If this is your first time with southern pimento cheese, this classic south-inspired cheese spread shines when paired with crunchy vegetables or your favorite crackers, and make that the process is forgiving and the results are consistently satisfying. It is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation, not because it is complicated, but because it is reliably delicious and adaptable to what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 (4-ounce) jar sliced pimento peppers, drained (about 1/2 cup)
- 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar, grated on the large holes of a box grater
- 1/4 cup (2 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For Serving
- Crackers, veggies, pickles, or sliced crusty bread
Nutrition (Per 24 servings)*
* AI-estimated values only โ not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.
Instructions
- Thoroughly drain the jar of pimento peppers, then spread them on a cutting board and finely chop them into tiny pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pimentos, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Use a spoon or a flexible rubber spatula to smoosh and stir the ingredients until the cream cheese and mayonnaise are well blended. Do your best to keep some of the shredded cheddar's texture.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to make it easier to spread.
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