What Is Southern Pimento Cheese Made Of?

Southern Pimento Cheese is typically made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and seasonings. Some recipes, including this version, also use cream cheese for a richer, smoother texture, along with white cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Is Pimento Cheese Spicy?

Traditional pimento cheese is generally mild, with a tangy, savory flavor and a little sweetness from the peppers. This recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds gentle heat. Reduce or omit it for a milder spread, or increase it if you enjoy spicy appetizers.

Can I Make Southern Pimento Cheese Without a Mixer?

Yes. A sturdy spoon or spatula works well, especially if the cream cheese has softened properly. Mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth before adding the shredded cheddar and remaining ingredients.

Easy Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe

Name: Southern Pimento Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-498137H21M58S
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup mayonnaise, preferably Duke’s; 1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon mirin (optional); 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

This easy Southern Pimento Cheese is a creamy, tangy cheese spread made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and diced pimentos. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, this classic Southern appetizer comes together in just 10 minutes without cooking. Serve it with crackers, fresh vegetables, toasted bread, or use it to make delicious pimento cheese sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise, preferably Duke’s
1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon mirin (optional)
1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add the shredded extra-sharp cheddar, shredded white cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and optional mirin. Mix just until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Stir in the drained diced pimentos. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pimento cheese until about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Stir gently before serving and enjoy with crackers, vegetables, crostini, or bread.

Notes

Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature for a smooth, creamy mixture.
Use freshly grated cheddar for the best texture and flavor.
Mix with an electric mixer or sturdy spoon. Avoid using a food processor because it can make the spread too smooth.
Drain the pimentos thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
Roasted red peppers can be substituted for pimentos; drain and finely dice them before adding.
Mirin is optional. For a substitute, combine 2 tablespoons of sherry with 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, or use a little maple syrup.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
Serve with crackers, celery, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, crostini, or toasted bread.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The source recipe states that leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks; for a conservative food-safety approach, use within 3–5 days.
Nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Mixing; No-Cook
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/16 of the recipe
Calories: 226 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 383 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fiber: 0.4 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 17 mg