Name: Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup shredded Diced Pimentos: 1 (4-ounce jar, drained) Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder: 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional): 1/4 teaspoon Salt and Black Pepper: to taste

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If you’re looking for a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible Southern staple, Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese absolutely fits the bill. This beloved spread is all about bold, bright flavors—sharp cheese, savory pimentos, a dash of garlic and onion, and a creamy swirl of mayonnaise. Whether you’re nestling it into sandwiches, scooping it up with crackers at a picnic, or making childhood memories with every bite, Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese brings a delightful, nostalgic warmth to every occasion. Let’s get ready to make this classic recipe shine in your kitchen!

Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese is how simple but essential the ingredients are: each one brings its own charm—tangy, creamy, savory, or spicy—to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Gather everything before you start, and you’ll be savoring this Southern treat in no time!

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): The robust backbone—sharp cheddar delivers that signature punch and tang, so use a block and shred it fresh for best melt and flavor.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup): Milder, meltier, and perfectly creamy, Monterey Jack beautifully balances the sharpness of the cheddar.
Diced Pimentos, Drained (1 4-ounce jar): These sweet, tender red peppers are the color and soul of the dish—don’t skip or substitute!
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The secret to that luscious, spreadable texture—Duke’s brand is traditional, but any good quality mayo works.
Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint; it adds depth and a savory base note that hugs all the flavors together.
Onion Powder (1/4 teaspoon): This helps round out the flavors and adds a subtle, comforting sweetness.
Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle spike of heat—totally optional, but wonderful for those who like a little kick.
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Taste as you go! Salt wakes up all the flavors, while black pepper adds that low-key, familiar warmth.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese

Step 1: Gather and Measure Ingredients

Start by measuring and prepping your ingredients so everything is ready to go. Grate your cheeses by hand if you can—the texture and melting quality are always so much better than anything pre-shredded. Drain your pimentos thoroughly, and line your ingredients up for an easy mixing process.

Step 2: Mix the Cheeses and Pimentos

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Add the drained pimentos and mix gently so every spoonful is dotted with that gorgeous red color. This step lays the foundation for the flavor and ensures every bite is balanced.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Elements

Spoon in the mayonnaise, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if you like it zippy), and begin folding the mix together. Stir until everything is beautifully creamy and well blended, making sure there are no dry patches—Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese should be perfectly luscious throughout.

Step 4: Season and Adjust

Taste your mixture before chilling. Add salt and cracked black pepper to suit your preferences, stirring again to incorporate. If you love a little more tang or richness, sneak in a tiny splash more mayo or a dash of your favorite hot sauce!

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This magic window gives the flavors a chance to meld into each other and intensify, making the final spread truly swoon-worthy. You’ll notice the taste improves even more after a few hours!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese

Garnishes

Top your finished Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese with a sprinkle of chopped chives, a few extra diced pimentos, or a crack of black pepper for a pop of color and freshness. For a Southern twist, dust with a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a burst of flavor and visual flair.

Side Dishes

This vibrant cheese spread shines alongside a spread of crackers, slices of crusty baguette, or crisp veggies like celery and bell pepper. It’s perfect with pickles, olives, and crunchy chips—or even dolloped atop a bowl of hot tomato soup for a nostalgic meal that feels like a hug!

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the cracker! Slather Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese between slices of toasted bread for the best-ever grilled cheese, or style it as the centerpiece of a retro-inspired snack board. You can also spoon it into celery sticks, stuff it into burgers, or serve it alongside fried green tomatoes for ultimate Southern comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 5 days, making it ideal for packing lunches, snacks, or impromptu gatherings. Just give it a quick stir before each use to keep it creamy.

Freezing

While it’s technically possible to freeze pimento cheese, you might lose a bit of that dreamy texture once it thaws, as the mayo and cheeses can separate a little. If you must freeze, place in a well-sealed container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge and stir vigorously before using.

Reheating

Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’d like to use it in a hot dish, such as a grilled cheese sandwich or melted atop burgers, simply spread and heat as you normally would—no need to reheat the whole batch.

FAQs

What’s the best cheese to use for Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for that iconic bite and tang. Monterey Jack adds a creamy melt. For extra depth, you could experiment with a little smoked cheddar or pepper jack for a modern spin.

Can I make Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance is a great way to let the flavors deepen and meld together, making your spread even more irresistible for your event or snack time.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a generous pinch of cayenne, a shot of your favorite hot sauce, or some finely diced jalapeños. Adjust to taste until you get just the right amount of kick for your crowd.

Can I use store-bought pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but for the best texture and flavor, shred your cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your spread less creamy and a little dry.

Is Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as long as your cheeses and mayonnaise don’t contain any animal-derived rennet or gelatin. Check your labels if you’re unsure!

Final Thoughts

Don’t let another picnic, party, or lazy weekend pass by without a bowl of Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese on your table. This easy, timeless Southern recipe is guaranteed to charm everyone who takes a bite, so scoop it, spread it, or stack it up high—just promise you’ll try it soon!

Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic, creamy goodness of Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese, a beloved Southern staple perfect for any gathering or snack time. This recipe combines sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with diced pimentos and a blend of spices, resulting in a flavorful spread that pairs beautifully with crackers or as a sandwich filling.

Ingredients

Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

2 cups shredded

Monterey Jack Cheese:

1 cup shredded

Diced Pimentos:

1 (4-ounce jar, drained)

Mayonnaise:

1/2 cup

Garlic Powder:

1/4 teaspoon

Onion Powder:

1/4 teaspoon

Cayenne Pepper (optional):

1/4 teaspoon

Salt and Black Pepper:

to taste

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Instructions

Combine Cheeses: In a large bowl, mix sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Add Pimentos: Stir in drained diced pimentos.
Blend Ingredients: Mix in mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve: Enjoy cold with crackers or as a spread.