Make a big batch of this Southern staple to keep on hand for those days you don't want to cook! Perfect summer snack! Serve as a dip, sandwich or on your burger!
This classic recipe is from Southern Living and has been around forever! Why? It's Absolutely The Best. The cayenne pepper gives this Southern favorite just a smidgen of heat!
You'll love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy - takes 5-minutes to make; make a batch and just store it in the fridge
- Versatile - serve as a dip with a veggie plate, on a sandwich or burger or as a chip and dip!
- Flavorful-make it as tangy or spicy as you like!
What you'll need:
Southern Pimento Cheese consists of simple ingredients: cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced and drained pimentos, a pinch of cayenne, a little onion and a dash of Worcestershire.
How to make it:
Shred the cheese, then combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir it up!
Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip?
Southern cooks are divided on the issue of which works best in an authentic Southern pimento cheese. This is definitely one conversation you do not want to bring up in Southern Cooking groups... the result can get ugly... think Civil War. Seriously.
Some swear by Duke's Mayonnaise while others prefer Miracle Whip brand mayonnaise "dressing," and a whole other group swears by Hellman's. It's a never ending battle and in the end, it's really up to you. I've had pimento cheese made with Miracle Whip and mayonnaise and I prefer mayonnaise.
Miracle Whip was first introduced in 1933 by the Kraft company. It is considered a mayonnaise "dressing" and has high-fructose corn syrup and a little less fat than mayonnaise. The traditional Pimento Cheese recipe recommends using a high quality mayonnaise rather than a mayonnaise "dressing."
What type of cheese is best?
Since cheese is the star of this Southern recipe, you'll want to use a high-quality, block cheddar, which is the traditional cheese for really good Southern pimento cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses do not have the moisture that block cheeses have, and the result looks and tastes a bit different.
How long can I store it in the refrigerator?
Homemade pimento cheese holds up well for about a week, provided it's in an airtight container.
Can I freeze it?
Unfortunately, this does not freeze well due to the eggs in the mayonnaise. If you use a mayonnaise "dressing" it might hold up better in the freezer, but I've never had enough leftover to worry about freezing it....folks eat it up pretty quickly.
Pimento Cheese Variations
There are many variations of Southern Pimento Cheese that are equally delicious! Try using Gouda, or Smoked Gouda in place of cheddar. Another version I've seen is with White Cheddar.
Of course, you can always add garlic or onion powder to pimento cheese for additional spice or chop black or green olives, onion or bell pepper for added texture!
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♥ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating! I love to hear from you!
Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar grated
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 8 ounces chopped pimento drained
- 1 teaspoon grated sweet onion
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine grated cheese and drained pimentos
- In a separate, smaller bowl, combine remaining ingredients; mix well
- Pour mayonnaise mixture into the cheese and pimentos; combine well and serve
Notes
- This recipe tastes best if you use a block of sharp cheddar and grate it versus pre-shredded cheddar
- If you want it creamier, add more mayonnaise
Kim Guzman says
Yum! I love pimento cheese. Low carb and keto friendly. It's awesome. I'm on Team Mayonnaise. Just say no to Miracle Whip. hahahaha
Anecia says
I’m with you, Kim!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!
Debi says
I just finished off a pimento cheese sandwich. Sooooo good! I make mine exactly like yours except I don't add the cayenne pepper. I'll have to try that next time!
Anecia says
The cayenne actually gives it a little kick! You can use black pepper, too!
Anecia says
This is delicious every time!