This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a commission. Read my disclosure page here.
Perfect for your cheese board during the holidays, this homemade pimento cheese recipe is perfect to use as a dip or spread and is made for sharing. Tangy and creamy, it comes together in minutes and is always a crowd pleaser.
Save This Recipe
Enter your email and we'll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delicious Meets Healthy.
Add some pizzaz to your holiday cheese board this year with this delicious pimento cheese recipe.
Simple and easy to make, it’s great to serve as an appetizer dip with crackers, or use it as a spread for some extra tasty pimento cheese sandwiches.
Rich and creamy, and of course cheesy, it’s perfectly seasoned and is sure to please friends and family across Christmas. This is one tasty dip, so be sure to make extra!
Be sure to try my Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball and Blue Cheese Dressing too!
Why you will love this recipe!
- Quick and easy: It takes minutes to mix the ingredients together and it’s ready to use!
- Great for a crowd: If you are hosting friends and family, this southern classic is a great dip to serve up and it will easily serve eight.
- Make ahead: Enjoy this pimento cheese spread straight away, or make it several days ahead of time for easy entertaining.
Pimento Cheese Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese before mixing with the other ingredients. I like to take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before I’m ready to use it.
- Mayonnaise: Mayo adds a creamier texture and makes this cheese dippable. I used Duke mayonnaise.
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds a great tanginess to the cheese. You can use a vegan Worcestershire sauce to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Seasonings: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne red pepper and Old Bay seasoning.
- Cheddar cheese: Use a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a boost of flavor.
- Pimentos: Pimento peppers are mild and sweet in flavor. I also love the pop of color they add to this cheese dip.
- Optional: You can also add jalapenos or hot sauce if you want to add more spice.
How to make pimento cheese
- In the bowl of an electric hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Beat until smooth and evenly combined. Stir in grated Cheddar cheese along with the diced pimentos. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
- Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and serve with crackers and/or crudités.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients so that everything combines easily.
- Using an electric mixer is the quickest and easiest way to combine the ingredients. You can do it by hand but it will take a little while longer to incorporate everything. On the plus side you’ll give your arms a workout!
- Do not leave the pimento cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours or it can go off.
Can you make it ahead of time?
Yes! This cheese spread recipe is a great make-ahead option so it’s especially perfect for the holidays. Once you have made the recipe, cover it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, you can use it as a spread on sandwiches. It is not freezer-friendly.
Can you make it healthier?
For the creamiest and thickest dip, using full-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise is recommended. You can opt for reduced-fat versions if you prefer, but keep in mind the dip may be less rich.
Is it spicy?
This easy pimento cheese recipe has a slight kick to it from the cayenne pepper. If you are particularly sensitive to spicy foods, you can omit this. The pimento peppers themselves are very mild and quite sweet. If you prefer spicier, then you can mix in a little extra cayenne.
How To Use Pimento Cheese Spread
- Make Pimento Cheese Sausage balls
- On Sandwiches or burgers
- Serve on a crudites platter with fresh vegetables and slices of bread
- Serve as a dip with crackers, pretzels and other snacks.
More Appetizer Recipes
If you liked this pimento cheese dip, I am sure you will love my other appetizers:
- Ricotta and Prosciutto Crackers
- Caprese Skewers
- Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
If you enjoyed this Pimento Cheese recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
☝ Tap stars to rate
Pimento Cheese
Save This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delicious Meets Healthy.
Ingredients
- 8 oz package cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 8 oz block sharp Cheddar cheese, grated or 2 cups shredded
- 1 4-oz jar diced pimentos, drained
Instructions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Beat until smooth and evenly combined. Stir in grated Cheddar cheese along with the diced pimentos. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
- Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and serve with crackers and/or crudités. If serving later, cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Video
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients so that everything combines easily.
- Using an electric mixer is the quickest and easiest way to combine the ingredients. You can do it by hand but it will take a little while longer to incorporate everything. On the plus side you’ll give your arms a workout!
- Do not leave the pimento cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours or it can go off.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.
