If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines bold flavor with Southern comfort, this homemade pimento cheese spread is it. Creamy, sharp, tangy, and just a little spicy, this versatile spread comes together in minutes and is always the first thing to disappear at gatherings.
I like to serve it for game day, potlucks, or a casual weekend lunch with friends. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature with crackers, celery, or pretzels, or slather it onto a sandwich.
Pimento Cheese Spread With A Kick
This spread is a go-to in my kitchen because it’s full of bold, tangy flavor and comes together in no time. You don’t need any fancy tools or techniques, just a bowl, a spoon, and about 15 minutes. It’s ideal when you’re hosting last-minute or need a quick dish to bring to a gathering. Even better, it won’t stretch your grocery budget since it calls for everyday ingredients you probably already have. Want to prep ahead? You can easily make it the night before and let the flavors blend in the fridge. If you’re building a full snack table, pair it with Savory Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread or the crowd-pleasing Party Pickle Roll Ups. And if you like to play with spice, feel free to dial it up or down depending on your guests’ heat tolerance.
1st time to make homemade pimento cheese and this recipe was spot on! Doubled the recipe and so glad I did. I am making it again and can’t wait to share with friends.
—Melissa
Gina’s Quick Tips Before You Get Started
Important Prep Tips Before Starting the Recipe:
- Let your cream cheese come to room temperature so it blends easily.
- Shred your cheese from a block for the best texture and flavor.
- Chop your pickled jalapenos to distribute the heat evenly.
Common Mistakes When Making This Recipe
- Not chilling the spread: The flavors need at least 30 minutes to meld in the fridge.
- Mixing too vigorously: Overmixing can break down the texture and make it too soft. Stir gently to keep it spreadable but thick.
- Adding too many jalapenos at once: Start with less and taste as you go.
Ingredient Tips
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cheeses (sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and cream cheese): Use a mix of freshly shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack for bold flavor and a touch of heat. Blend in softened cream cheese for that ultra-creamy texture that holds everything together beautifully. If you’re out of cream cheese, full-fat Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute can work in a pinch. Cream cheese also stars in other crowd-pleasing appetizers like Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese and Cranberry Salsa, both perfect if you’re craving more rich and creamy flavors.
- Mayonnaise: Duke’s is the Southern favorite, but Hellmann’s, your favorite brand, or even avocado mayo can work just fine.
- Smoked Paprika: You can swap in chipotle powder if you want more heat and a smoky edge.
- Pimentos: Go for jars labeled “diced” to save time, but if only whole pimentos are available, a quick chop will do. Drain them thoroughly using a mesh strainer. If you want to try another pimento cheese recipe, check this Famous Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe.
- Pickled jalapenos: Sweet pickled jalapenos (cowboy candy) give great flavor without overwhelming heat. For a homemade twist, try my easy Cowboy Candy: Pickled Jalapenos Recipe.
How To Make Pimento Cheese Spread
Combine and Season
In a large bowl, stir together the shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and mayo until creamy.
Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. Mix well until the spices are evenly incorporated.
Add the Kick
Fold in the diced pimentos and chopped jalapenos. Taste and add salt as needed. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes so the flavors can blend.
Use fewer jalapenos or omit the cayenne entirely. Swap pepper jack for Monterey jack.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheeses to make it dairy-free. The consistency will not be as creamy, however.
Flavor Enhancements: Try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of minced onions for an extra punch of flavor that adds depth without overwhelming heat.
Add-In Options: Diced pickles, crispy bacon, or chopped olives.
Simple Substitutions: Swap pepper jack with Colby jack for a milder flavor.
Tips for Recipe Success: Let the spread sit at room temperature 10 minutes before serving for best consistency. For easy entertaining, make this spread up to two days in advance. You could even use it to make these 4 Ingredient Homemade Cheese Crackers as an appetizer or savory snack.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight, then stir in a spoonful of mayo to revive texture.
- Do not microwave; serve chilled or room temp.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Spread
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or planning a snack board for a party, this pimento cheese spread is incredibly versatile. Here are some creative and practical ways to serve it:
- Crackers: Try buttery Ritz, multigrain, or crisp water crackers.
- Fresh Veggies: Celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, and even cherry tomatoes work great.
- Pretzels & Chips: Pretzel twists, tortilla chips, or even kettle-style potato chips add crunch.
- Sandwiches: Use it as a filling for grilled cheese or spread on sliders and mini croissants. For other sandwich-worthy fillings, try these classic Egg Salad Sandwich and Chicken Salad Sandwich, or browse the Make Ahead Tea Sandwiches collection for more inspiration.
- Stuffed Appetizers: Spoon into mini bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a finger-food option.
- Low-Carb Options: Pork rinds or sliced radishes make great scoops if you’re avoiding bread.
Set the spread out at room temperature for easier dipping, and pair it with Southern sweet tea or lemonade to balance the spice!
Biblical Hospitality Tips
“Hospitality is a way to experience the abundant life of Jesus by sharing what we have and who we are.”
—Intentional Hospitality
Few dishes say “welcome” like a Southern pimento cheese spread: bold, creamy, familiar. It’s the kind of food that invites people to lean in, linger, and share stories between bites. With every spoonful, you offer more than flavor, you extend a warm invitation to rest and be known. Hospitality isn’t about impressing; it’s about opening space for God to move through simple gestures. For more on this mindset, explore Creating Community: Bible Verses On Hospitality.
Hostessing Tips for Casual Gatherings
- Hospitality as Ministry: Slip a short Scripture card under the dish or beside the napkins, an unexpected word of encouragement.
- Fellowship Over Perfection: Offer guests a job, like arranging crackers or pouring drinks. It helps them feel at home and eases your prep.
- Prep-Ahead Tip: Store your spread in a wide-mouth mason jar for easy grab-and-go sharing or gifting to a neighbor.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
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
- Let your cream cheese come to room temperature so it blends easily.
- Shred your cheese from a block for the best texture and flavor.
- Use a screen colander to drain your pimentos well.
Best pimento cheese ever!!! I omitted jalapeño and doubled all else. I, too, only use Dukes (is there any other??) Tks!!
Dukes lovers unite! I’m happy you liked the recipe, it’s a family favorite for us too!
1st time to make homemade pimento cheese and this recipe was spot on! Doubled the recipe and so glad I did. I am making it again and can’t wait to share with friends.
Melissa, I’m so happy to hear this! I put your star review in the top of my post. Thank you!
Great recipe! As a Southerner, we all know Pimento Cheese is also known as the “caviar of the South.” I’ve made it for more years than I can remember. Most recipes are almost the same and/or personal additions of yummy bits of this and that. While I like Duke’s mayo and do buy it from time to time, my personal favorite still remains Hellmann’s. Can’t go wrong either way.
Linda, It is southern caviar! Pure, southern comfort food!