Need a crowd pleasing appetizer? Pimento cheese is a simple Southern classic! It combines sharp cheddar, pepper Jack cheese, pimentos, and a little mayo for a creamy, tangy spread. It’s perfect for more than sandwiches—keep reading, and I’ll share 15 creative ways to enjoy this delicious spread!
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What is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a Southern classic that’s been around since the early 1900s. Made with cheddar, pimentos (those sweet red peppers), and a little mayo, it’s a creamy, tangy spread that’s earned the nickname “the caviar of the South.” Whether you’re spreading it on crackers or using it in a sandwich, it’s a must-try comfort food that never goes out of style!
Even though I’m not from the South, my love for Southern foods is as real as it gets, and this pimento cheese spread is at the top of my favorites list. There’s something so irresistible about that creamy, tangy blend of sharp Cheddar and sweet red bell peppers, aka pimentos (or sometimes called pimientos).
My version is inspired by the oh-so-delicious Chicken Salad Chick pimento cheese, and let me tell you, whether you’re from the North, South, East, or West, this “Southern Caviar” will win you over.
We love serving it with buttery crackers, pretzel rods or going classic with the famous Masters’ Pimento Cheese sandwich—just spread it between two slices of soft white bread, and you’re good to go. My favorite way? Add a couple of slices of crisp bacon and a thick slab of juicy tomato with a sprinkle of salt. It’s seriously mouthwatering—are you drooling yet?
Whenever I serve this “Southern pâté” at parties, it’s always the first dip to disappear, and everyone asks for the recipe. So, give it a try, and I promise, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
Plus, I’ll show you 15 ways to use Pimento cheese that isn’t a sandwich!
Recommended Tools
- Cheese grater, box grater or try this easy rotary grater!
- Large mixing bowl
- Large spoon or spatula
What You Will Need For Pimento Cheese Spread
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is almost always used for its bold flavor.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: The pepper Jack adds a bit of spiciness and creaminess! I recommend grating your own cheese for the best results.
- Full-fat Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo adds the creaminess and richness that you need here. Use real mayonnaise not Ready Whip.
- Pimentos: These small, sweet peppers give that signature flavor. You will typically find them jarred near the olives in the store. Make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Tabasco Sauce: For an extra kick of heat!
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a depth of savory, umami flavor.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, salt and pepper are all you need to season the spread to perfection!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese
In a large bowl, add shredded cheeses, mayonnaise, diced pimento, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir until well combined.
Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors marry. For best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Choose your favorite mayo! Chicken Salad Chick uses Duke’s mayonnaise; however, any will do for this copycat recipe. I recommend full-fat for flavor and texture. I love Chosen Avocado Mayo—please don’t use Miracle Whip; it’s too sweet!
- You can use a different hot sauce if you prefer. I like Tabasco, and that is typically used in Southern foods.
- If you want it extra spicy, add more hot sauce and some cayenne red pepper!
- If you don’t want any spice in your cheese spread, omit the pepper jack cheese and tabasco sauce. Replace that cheese with Montery Jack instead!
15 Ways to Use Pimento Cheese Beyond a Sandwich
Known as the “caviar of the south,” it is a versatile and flavorful spread that can be used beyond the classic sandwich. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Pimento Cheese Sandwich: The classic way to enjoy this cheesy spread is between two slices of bread, typically white.
- Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich: A warm, melty twist on the classic, grilled with optional bacon or tomatoes.
- Pimento Cheese Dip: Serve it as a dip with crackers, veggies, or pretzels for an easy appetizer.
- Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Celery: Fill celery sticks for a crunchy, satisfying snack.
- Pimento Cheese Pinwheels: Spread on a tortilla, roll with deli meat and greens, then slice into pinwheels.
- Stuffed Burgers: Add cheese to the center of a burger patty before grilling for a creamy surprise.
- Topping for Baked Potatoes: Replace sour cream with pimento cheese on baked potatoes for extra flavor, topped with bacon or chives.
- Pimento Mac and Cheese: Stir into mac and cheese for an extra cheesy, flavorful dish.
- Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs: Mix into deviled egg yolks for a Southern twist.
- Pimento Cheese Pizza: Use as a base sauce on pizza, topped with grilled chicken, peppers, or onions.
- Pimento Cheese Quesadillas: Fill quesadillas with cheese spread and add grilled chicken or veggies.
- Pimento Cheese Jalapeño Poppers: Fill halved jalapeños with cheese and bake or grill until bubbly.
- Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: Spoon into mushroom caps, top with breadcrumbs, and bake.
- Pimento Cheese Cornbread: Stir into cornbread batter for a cheesy twist on a classic.
- Pimento Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: Stuff chicken breasts with cheese and bake until melty.
Success Tips for Pimento Cheese Spread
- Grate your own cheese! For the best texture and flavor, I recommend grating the sharp cheddar cheese and pepper Jack cheese from a block. Pre-grated cheese has a preservative that typically has gluten and can alter the texture.
- Don’t skip the chill time. Letting the pimento cheese chill in the fridge for at least an hour is crucial. This allows the flavors to meld and develop for a tastier spread.
- Make it ahead of time! This pimento cheese keeps well in the fridge for about a week, so I always make it ahead of time to let it get extra flavorful in the fridge before serving. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it will change the flavor. Traditional pimento cheese recipes use sharp cheddar, but you can experiment with your favorite cheese blend. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains an anti-caking agent that may affect the texture.
Serve as a spread on sandwiches or burgers or as a dip with your favorite crackers, corn chips, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.
Customize your spread by adding jalapeno, cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce for heat. For added texture or color, try bacon bits, black olives or chopped green onion.
Yes, as long as you grate your own cheese. Preshredded storebought cheeses typically contain an anti-caking ingredient; which many times contains gluten. Otherwise, it is completely gluten-free.
Storage Tips for Pimento Cheese Spread
For the best flavor, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it within 7 days. Remove from the fridge 15-30 minutes before serving.
While freezing is possible, it’s not recommended as it can alter the texture; if needed, freeze for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated
- 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese grated
- ½ cup mayonnaise full-fat is best
- 2 tablespoon diced pimento drained
- 1 dash Tabasco sauce more if you like heat
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add shredded cheeses, mayonnaise, diced pimento, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir until well combined.1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoon diced pimento, 1 dash Tabasco sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors marry. For best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Chellie
I had this at Chicken Salad Chick once while traveling, but there are none of those around me. So glad I can make this at home now.
Thanks Chellie!