I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
Here to make healthy living feel thoughtful and approachable - one recipe, ritual, or gathering at a time.
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There’s nothing quite like a creamy, tangy bowl of pimento cheese on the table. This classic Southern spread is made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and of course, sweet pimentos. Perfect as a dip, sandwich filling, or topping for burgers, this homemade pimento cheese recipe is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and takes just minutes to prepare.
This recipe is creamy, savory, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s made with simple, fresh ingredients, and includes easy substitution options depending on what you have in your pantry.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, looking for a game-day snack, or simply want something delicious to spread on crackers, this pimento cheese spread is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (freshly shredded from a block)
1 1/2 cups Monterey jack cheese, shredded (freshly shredded from a block)
6 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained
1/2 cup avocado mayonnaise (I prefer to use homemade)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (sub with chipotle oil)
salt and pepper, to taste
EQUIPMENT
Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or sturdy spoon for combining
Airtight container for storage
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Prep the ingredients : shred cheeses and drain pimentos well.
Mix the base : in a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
Add seasoning : stir in onion powder (or onion salt), garlic powder (or garlic pepper), and cayenne pepper (or chipotle oil). Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Fold in cheeses and pimentos : add cheddar, Monterey jack, and diced pimentos. Stir until evenly combined.
Chill and serve : transfer to a container, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve with crackers, bread, or as a sandwich spread.
STORAGE TIPS
Refrigerator : store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
Freezer : not recommended, as the texture may separate
Make-Ahead : this is a great recipe to prepare a day before entertaining, as the flavors only improve with time
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I substitute if I don’t have all the spices?
You can use onion salt in place of onion powder, garlic pepper in place of garlic powder, and chipotle oil instead of cayenne for a smoky kick.
How do I make this spicier?
Add extra cayenne or chipotle oil to increase the heat level.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but shredding your own cheese creates the creamiest texture since bagged cheese often contains anti-caking agents (and I prefer to avoid those).
How do I serve pimento cheese?
Spread it on crackers, celery, or crostini. Use it as a sandwich filling, burger topping, alongside barbecue, or even stirred into warm pasta for a creamy twist.
Homemade pimento cheese is one of those recipes that feels indulgent and nostalgic all at once. With its creamy base and flavorful mix-ins, it’s a recipe that always brings people together.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see how you enjoyed it! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below.
A creamy, tangy, and flavorful Southern classic made with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and pimentos. Easy substitutions included with flexibility.
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (freshly shredded from a block)
1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (freshly shredded from a block)
6 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained
1/2 cup avocado mayonnaise (I prefer to use homemade)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (sub with a drizzle of chipotle oil)
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prep the ingredients : shred cheeses and drain pimentos well.
Mix the base : in a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
Add seasoning : stir in onion powder (or onion salt), garlic powder (or garlic pepper), and cayenne pepper (or chipotle oil). Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Fold in cheeses and pimentos : add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and diced pimentos. Stir until evenly combined.
Chill and serve : transfer to a container, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve with crackers, bread, or as a sandwich spread.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor
Shred your own cheese for a creamier texture
Prep Time:15 min
Chill Time:60 minutes
Category:Appetizer / Spread
Method:No-Cook / Mixing
Cuisine:Southern American
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
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