Can you handle the heat? If so, you need to make this delicious Spicy Pimento Cheese Recipe. Learn how to whip up a spicy version of this classic Southern comfort food in just 15 minutes. This homemade spread has a sweet, spicy heat and a unique creamy texture that will keep you coming back for more.
I will walk you through making this homemade pimento cheese recipe with step-by-step instructions, from what ingredients you’ll need to tips and tricks for making the perfect southern classic pimento cheese spread.
Why This Will Be A Favorite Recipe
- The spicy pimento cheese recipe perfectly combines sharp, creamy, and subtly spicy flavors, making it a tasty treat that appeals to all palates.
- This southern staple is known as the pâté of the south. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in everything from sandwiches to dip, spread over crackers, or melted into a quesadilla.
- The best part is that with only a few simple ingredients, you can create a unique spicy pimento cheese recipe that will impress your guests with its bold flavors.
- Making an extra-spicy pimento cheese is an easy way to make your next gathering a hit and will give everyone something to talk about after the party! Be sure to pin it for later right now.
Ingredients You Will Need For Spicy Pimento Cheese
Cheese: For this spicy recipe, there are three types of cheese. Sharp cheddar is the traditional cheese used when making pimento chees. We will kick up the heat a bit by adding some pepper jack cheese too. Then cream cheese makes the spread creamy and smooth. Remember, cheese is the key ingredient, so be sure to buy good quality cheese.
Paprika: I suggest you use smoked paprika. Adding a hint of smoky flavor is perfect with the sweet heat from the pickled jalapenos.
Pimento Peppers: Choose a 4-ounce jar of small diced pimentos. You want to avoid big chunks of pimento peppers in our spread. If your grocery store doesn’t carry the small diced peppers, you can get whole pimentos and dice them yourself.
Best Mayo For Pimento Cheese
Mayonnaise: southerners are passionate about their mayonnaise. Southern home’s traditional pimento cheese is made with Duke’s Real Mayonnaise. Dukes is a southern favorite.
🏆 If you think there is a better southern mayo, share your favorites with me in the comments below.
What are the best sweet pickled jalapenos to make spicy pimento cheese?
If you like a little spice, your taste buds will crave this canned cowboy candy! It is the perfect way to preserve a bunch of jalapenos in a sweet and spicy sauce. These sweet and spicy peppers are great on burgers, diced into Mexican foods, added to dips, and mixed into my favorite, Masters golf pimento cheese spread.
If you do not want to make your own pickled jalapenos, pick up a jar of Trader Joes Hot & Sweet Jalapenos or your favorite brand. Just be sure they are sweet pickled, not just pickled jalapeño peppers.
How To Make Spicy Pimento Cheese
1 Combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
💭Tip: Please note I suggest not using a food processor or hand mixer to shred your cheese. Having freshly grated cheese strips gives the spread a better consistency. You do not want one big glob of cheese emulsified together. Shred your own cheese on the large size of a cheese grater.
2. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the mixing bowl.
3. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
4. Add the diced pimentos and small diced pieces of jalapeno pepper into the mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
5. Taste the pimento cheese and add salt as needed to achieve the desired saltiness.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips For Making the Best Pimento Cheese
- Do not use pre-shredded cheese: I know it’s much easier to buy an already shredded bag of cheese; however, I suggest shredding your cheese from a block for the best flavor. Already shredded cheese is coated with an anticaking agent to inhibit the tendency of the shreds to stick to each other. The commonly used anticaking agent is usually a combination of microcrystalline cellulose, starch, or powdered starches.
- Drain your pimentos: Draining your small jar of pimentos helps keep your pimento cheese spread from becoming watery. A classic southern spread is thick and creamy, not watery. The best way is to use a screen colander.
- Check your heat: This recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of sweet pickled jalapenos. However, some brands are hotter than others.
- Serve this homemade pimento cheese at room temperature. This makes it easy to spread, and if you dip crackers in the cheese spread, they will not be as apt to break off in the dip bowl.
Mix-ins To Make Your Own Spin
This easy pimento cheese recipe is a versatile spread that can be customized with various mix-ins to suit your taste preferences. Create your own version of this spicy southern pimento cheese recipe. Here are some fun twists to inspire you:
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch to pimento cheese. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and mix it into the cheese.
- Roasted red peppers: Use roasted red peppers instead of jarred pimentos for a smoky flavor and slightly different texture.
- Green onions: Add a fresh burst of flavor with finely chopped green onions.
- Garlic: Finely chop or grate fresh garlic and mix it into the pimento cheese for a savory kick.
- Hot sauce: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the pimento cheese mixture for a spicy twist.
- Nuts: Add some crunch to the pimento cheese with chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
- French Fied Onions: Stir french fried onions just before serving or sprinkle them on top of pimento cheese when serving.
How To Store Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
Storage: You can make your spicy pimento cheese the day before a party or relaxed gathering.
- Make the pimento cheese according to the recipe.
- Place the pimento cheese in an airtight container. Write the date you put it into the refrigerator on a piece of washi tape.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Note: After a few days, the cheese spread may become a bit dry or stiff on top. You can freshen it up by mixing in a small amount of mayonnaise to restore the creamy texture.
How To Freeze Pimento Cheese
Freezing: If you have leftover unused pimento cheese, it can be frozen for longer-term storage.
- Pimento cheese freezes best in an airtight plastic container or freezer bag.
- Be sure to label frozen pimento cheese on the container. I use a piece of washi tape to write the name of what is in your container and the date it is going in the freezer.
- For best results, only freeze the cheese spread for up to three months.
- When you’re ready to eat the pimento cheese, thaw the container in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Be aware the freezing process does change the texture of cheese slightly when thawed. Just give it a stir after it thaws. It will be delicious.
Tips and Questions To Help You Make Great Spicy Pimento Cheese
This pimento cheese recipe is easy to make if you follow a few basic tips for making and serving this recipe.
Is pimento cheese served hot or cold?
Pimento cheese can be served both hot and cold, depending on the recipe and how you want to use it.
Cold pimento cheese is the most common way to serve it, especially as a dip or spread. The cheese mixture is usually made beforehand, chilled in the refrigerator, and then served cold. Cold pimento cheese is great for snacking with crackers, veggies, or as a sandwich filling.
On the other hand, hot pimento cheese is typically used as a dip or topping for baked goods such as biscuits or bread. To make hot pimento cheese, heat in a small casserole dish at 300 degrees in your oven until it is gooey. Then, you can serve it immediately while it’s still warm.
In general, pimento cheese is a versatile spread that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What is Masters Pimento Cheese Recipe?
The famous Masters Pimento Cheese Recipe is a traditional southern sandwich spread that has been served at the Augusta National golf tournament concession stands for over 50 years.
Learn the history behind the recipe and how to make these classic pimento cheese sandwiches that are always served on white bread. It’s the perfect appetizer to eat while hosting a Masters Watch Party.
How can I serve spicy pimento cheese?
Spicy pimento cheese dip can be served with various dippers, depending on your preference. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Topping Ideas With Pimento Cheese
This easy recipe merits being doubled, so you can use leftover pimento cheese as a topping or filling in other delicious recipes.
- Baked potatoes: Top an air fryer baked potato with a dollop of pimento cheese for a creamy and flavorful twist on a classic dish.
- Burger topping: One of my favorite ways is to add a scoop of pimento cheese on top of a burger patty for a cheesy, tangy kick.
- Grilled cheese: Use pimento cheese as a grilled cheese sandwich filling for a delicious twist on classic comfort food.
- Crostini: Spread pimento cheese on top of toasted crostini slices and garnish with fresh herbs or diced tomatoes for an elegant appetizer.
- Mac and cheese: Mix a scoop of pimento cheese into homemade or boxed mac and cheese for a creamy, tangy upgrade.
- Tacos: Use pimento cheese as a topping for tacos and a Nacho Casserole as a topping with a cheesy, tangy kick.
Filling and Stuffing Ideas With Sipicy Pimento Cheese
Another good way to use this cheesy spread is as a stuffing or filling for other recipes.
- Fill fresh jalapenos and bake to make extra spicy jalapeno poppers.
- Stuff mushrooms and bake.
- Fill a celery stick for a fun way to serve the spread.
- Mix in a few scoops with your deviled egg-filling recipe.
Scoops For Dipping Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
- Crackers: Classic saltine crackers, buttery Ritz crackers, or whole grain crackers all pair well with pimento cheese.
- Vegetables: Crisp raw vegetables such as carrot sticks, red peppers, yellow pepper strips, or cucumber slices are a great healthy option to pair with pimento cheese. My favorite way to serve the spread is to stuff celery sticks.
- Pretzels: Salty pretzels are a tasty and crunchy choice to pair with pimento cheese.
- Chips: Tortilla chips, potato chips, or even pita chips are all great options to dip in pimento cheese.
- Pork rinds: For a gluten-free option, pork rinds make perfect hearty scoops for this spicy pimento cheese spread!
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to get creative and try different dipper combinations to find your favorite pairing.
Recipe Idea Using Spicy Pimento Cheese
This spicy pimento cheese is perfect for making Pimento Cheese Crackers. The homemade crackers are great for serving as an appetizer or savory snack.
Build A Charcuterie Board With Pimento Spread
For a special occasion, build a beautiful charcuterie board with this Spicy Pimento Cheese as the star.
Fill your charcuterie board with all your favorite scoops, veggies, fruits, and veggies.
Need to make a big batch? I can help. In the recipe card below, all you have to do is tap 2X to double or 3x to triple this recipe. The amounts for each ingredient will change, then hit the print button. Here is another tip: slide over the sleep mode tab in the recipe card to prevent your phone screen from going dark while you are making the recipe. It’s that easy!
Be sure to pin📌 this spicy pimento cheese recipe today, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to share pictures of your pimento cheese creations with me on social media. Tag me @intentionalhospitality.
Did you enjoy making this recipe?
Could you be a gem and leave a comment and rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below? This helps others find yummy recipes to make for their family and friends. Calling all food paparazzi 📸 share your creation on IG, and tag me @intentionalhospitality.
Best Spicy Pimento Cheese Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise, I like to use Dukes
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounce pimentos, diced in a jar, drained
- 3 tablespoons pickled jalapenos , Chopped into small piece. Depending on how spicy you want it, you can add more or less.
- Salt , to taste
Instructions
- Combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, 4 ounces cream cheese
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the mixing bowl.1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Add the diced pimentos and small diced pieces of jalapeno pepper into the mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.4 ounce pimentos, 3 tablespoons pickled jalapenos
- Taste the pimento cheese and add salt as needed to achieve the desired saltiness.Salt
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Do not use pre-shredded cheese: I know it’s much easier to buy an already shredded bag of cheese; however, I suggest shredding your cheese from a block for the best flavor. Already shredded cheese is coated with an anticaking agent to inhibit the tendency of the shreds to stick to each other. The commonly used anticaking agent is usually a combination of microcrystalline cellulose, starch, or powdered starches.
- Drain your pimentos: Draining your small jar of pimentos helps keep your pimento cheese spread from becoming watery. A classic southern spread is thick and creamy, not watery. The best way is to use a screen colander.Â
- Check your heat: This recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of sweet pickled jalapenos. However, some brands are hotter than others.Â
- Serve this homemade pimento cheese at room temperature. This makes it easy to spread, and if you dip crackers in the cheese spread, they will not be as apt to break off in the dip bowl.Â