An easy pimento cheese recipe without cream cheese — just three simple ingredients, plus a blend of spices. This southern pimento cheese is the tastiest sandwich spread you’ll ever make!
I like to joke that I’m an expert on pimento cheese. Not only have I sampled a lot of pimento cheese recipes, but I’ve also written a lot about the creamy sandwich spread as a southern newspaper and magazine writer.
Back in my newspapering days, I was assigned to write three separate articles about this southern delicacy, for three different publications. I made sure to eat a lot of pimento cheese sandwiches, in the name of research. Wink, wink!
So you know that my homemade southern pimento cheese recipe is going to be good — creamy, cheesy and perfectly seasoned.
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You can whip up a batch of this homemade easy pimento cheese recipe in no time. It’s one of those simple recipes that everyone loves, like my easy chicken salad and JELL-O Mandarin Orange Salad.
You’ll find the full pimento cheese recipe and a how-to video at the end of this post. Keep reading for more tips or use the table of contents below to jump ahead.
Jump to:
- 🧀 What is Pimento Cheese?
- 📙 Pimento Cheese History & Popularity
- 📋 My Pimento Cheese Recipe
- 🧑🏻🍳 Ingredients
- 🥣 How to Make Pimento Cheese
- 💭 Top Tips
- 📖 Variations
- 🥪 How do you eat pimento cheese?
- How long does homemade pimento cheese last?
- Can you freeze pimento cheese?
- Can I use different types of cheeses to make pimento cheese?
This is the stuff you want to slather on soft, white bread or on a carrot stick or celery stick. It’s also good melted in baked pimento cheese jalepeño poppers.
You can also try this gourmet pimento cheese recipe, made with three different cheese, roasted peppers and a surprising sweet ingredient. I love serving it as an appetizer at parties.
🧀 What is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese, also known as the pate of the south, is a sandwich spread made from shredded cheese, mayonnaise, pimento peppers and spices.
The types of cheese varies, depending on the recipe, but American cheese is my preference.
Pimento cheese is generally served as a sandwich spread — no additional sandwich fixings necessary. It is also good on crackers, celery sticks or carrot sticks.
Want to see a brief overview of the recipe before diving history and cooking tips? Watch my web story on how to make pimento cheese.
📙 Pimento Cheese History & Popularity
While pimento cheese is generally considered a classic southern dish, it may have actually been invented in New York when farmers started blending a soft unripened cheese with Spanish pimientos.
The first recipe for pimento cheese was published by Good Housekeeping in 1908. It’s very different than the sandwich spread we enjoy today. It was made with cream cheese, mustard, chives, and minced pimentos, according to Southern Living.
The version of pimento cheese we all know and love was perfected in southern kitchens after World War II.
We southerners are passionate about our pimento cheese sandwich spread. We can wax poetic about cheese. pimentos and mayo sandwiched between two slices of white bread.
Did you know that the pimento cheese is one of the most popular sandwich offerings at the Masters Tournament? When I lived in Augusta, Ga., in the late 1990s, pimento cheese sandwiches sold for $1 at the golf course.
📋 My Pimento Cheese Recipe
My pimento cheese recipe is based on a number of different Southern brands, including Musten & Crutchfield from Kernersville, N.C., and Stan’s Pimento cheese from Burlington, N.C.
I had the chance to visit Stan’s manufacturing plant for a magazine story on the company a few years back. They didn’t share their recipe with me, but I did pick up some pointers that I’ve used in formulating my own easy pimento cheese recipe.
(And I might have looked around their kitchen and noticed which spices they had on their shelves! A good reporter is observant.)
No matter how you spell it — pimento cheese or pimiento cheese — there’s no disputing how good it tastes. It’s no surprise the spread is a southern staple.
🧑🏻🍳 Ingredients
You only need three ingredients for true southern pimento cheese — shredded cheese, pimento peppers and mayonnaise. Or more specifically:
- shredded American cheese
- Duke’s Mayonnaise
- pimentos
(You can tell Paula Deen I said cream cheese doesn’t belong in pimento cheese!)
Everything else is just seasoning. My recipe uses:
- onion powder
- paprika
- salt
- black pepper
- hot sauce
When I’m making southern style pimento cheese, I use shredded American cheese. It’s what the experts (Stan’s, Musten & Crutchfield and generations of country home cooks) use.
And your mayonnaise has to be Duke’s. I’m pretty sure it says so in the Bible and the Constitution. You can look it up if you don’t believe me. (OK, you can use another brand of mayonnaise, but I don’t recommend it.)
🥣 How to Make Pimento Cheese
The combination of American cheese and the mayonnaise gives this southern pimento cheese recipe its creamy consistency. There is no need to add cream cheese.
- Mix the shredded American cheese cheese and mayonnaise together by hand until creamy.
- Next, add a little Texas Pete hot sauce (also made in North Carolina), some salt, pepper, onion powder and paprika.
- Stir to combine.
That’s all it takes to make pimento cheese.
Spread pimento cheese thickly onto white bread and enjoy!
It also makes a great dip, burger topping or toasted sandwich filling. It’s perfect atop a ripe homegrown tomato.
💭 Top Tips
When I’m making this pimento cheese, I always buy a block of unsliced American cheese from the grocery store deli. Sliced American cheese just doesn’t shred as well.
(I don’t recommend using Velveeta for this recipe. Save it for your chili cheese dip.)
The deli workers will look at you funny when you ask for for American cheese unsliced, but just tell them you’ve got a hanker for a hunk of cheese. (Only children of the 70s will get that reference.)
Orange or white American cheese will work for this recipe. Or you can do a combination of both, as I did when making the batch pictured above.
I use my food processor to shred the cheddar cheese, but you could also use a box grater. (Just don’t shred the cheese too finely.)
I mix the Duke’s mayonnaise into the cheese by hand rather than using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer.
We prefer less mayo in our pimento cheese, but some people like a lot. You can adapt my recipe to suit your mayo preferences.
The more mayo you add, the creamier the pimento cheese. But too much mayo can overwhelm the cheese flavor, in my opinion.
📖 Variations
- Add a diced jalapeno to make spicy pimento cheese.
- Crumble a few slices of crispy bacon and add them to the pimento cheese.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped country ham to the pimento cheese.
🥪 How do you eat pimento cheese?
My favorite way to eat pimento cheese is on soft white bread. Bonus points if that bread is homemade, but regular old Wonder Bread will do just fine, too.
If you think a grilled cheese sandwich is good, wait until you try a grilled pimento cheese sandwich on browned, buttery bread. Just thinking about it is making me hungry for lunch.
Other good ways to serve pimento cheese:
- on crackers
- on vegetable sticks
- as a dip — hot or cold
- as a filling for stuffed mushrooms or peppers
- on a BLT
- as a hamburger topping
I like pimento cheese spread on crackers. Saltines or Club crackers work just fine, but then so do Triscuits and Wheat Thins, too.
Pimento cheese slathered on a celery stick makes a good after-school snack.
You can also melt some pimento cheese on the stove and dip homemade tortilla chips in it. How’s that for fancy?
I also love making baked pimento cheese jalapeno poppers as a party appetizer.
Pimento cheese is a great topping for a hamburger. Be sure you pile it on while the burger and bun are still hot so it’s extra messy. Throw on a few slices of candied bacon for a true southern foodie experience.
Try it on a BLT or on a fried green tomato sandwich. Chef’s kiss!
You can use pimento cheese in place of cheese in lots of recipes. Pimento cheese grits and pimento cheese macaroni and cheese are next-level delicious.
How long does homemade pimento cheese last?
Not long enough.
Oh, you meant from a food safety perspective. Not, “How long before my family devours the deliciousness that is homemade southern pimento cheese?”
Homemade pimento cheese will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It does contain mayonnaise, so you don’t want to let it set out or it could spoil.
Can you freeze pimento cheese?
You can freeze pimento cheese in a sealed, airtight, freezer-safe container. But the mayonnaise may separate when thawed, so pimento cheese that has been frozen will not have the same texture or consistency.
For that reason, I don’t recommend using previously frozen pimento cheese on sandwiches or crackers. But it’s perfectly fine to us it in recipes where it will be heated, such as pimento cheese grits and pimento cheese mac and cheese. You can also heat it to use as a dip.
Can I use different types of cheeses to make pimento cheese?
Southern cooks have always been inventive in the kitchen. So you can certainly use different types of cheese, other than American, to make homemade pimento cheese.
Popular options include:
- cheddar cheese
- sharp cheddar cheese
- New York style cheddar cheese
Substituting a different type of cheese may affect the texture of your pimento cheese. American cheese makes a very creamy pimento cheese.
Softer cheese are better for making pimento cheese than hard cheeses, like Parmesan. If you do use a harder cheese, make sure to mix it with a different softer cheese.
For parties, I often make a “fancy” version of pimento cheese using cheddar, parmesan and gouda cheese. It’s delicious, but it’s definitely different from this classic southern pimento cheese recipe.
🎥 Printable Recipe Card & Video
- 2 cups shredded American cheese
- ½ cups Duke’s Mayonnaise (you can add more for a creamier texture)
- 2 Tablespoons diced pimento peppers, drained
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 dash Texas Pete hot sauce, or more, to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
-
In a large bowl, combine shredded American cheese and mayonnaise until well blended and creamy.
-
Mix in the diced pimentos.
-
Add spices and mix well.
-
Mix in Texas Pete hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve on white bread or with saltine crackers.
Recipe Video
- For best results, use a block of American cheese for this recipe and shred it yourself using a box grater or a food processor
- Best made with Duke’s mayonnaise, but you can substitute your favorite brand
- You can omit the hot sauce, if you like
- You can use another type of cheese, such as cheddar or sharp cheddar cheese
- You can add more mayonnaise for a creamier pimento cheese
Storing
Pimento cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
Variations
- Add a diced jalapeno to make spicy pimento cheese
- Crumble a few slices of crispy bacon and add them to the pimento cheese
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped country ham to the pimento cheese
Pin This! Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe
Dolphin
Don’t live in the South anymore. Craving my childhood favorite sandwich.
Had to substitute a Colby cheese for American. Real Best Foods Mayo for Duke’s. My pimento cheese is Salty, Salty, Salty with no added salt. 🙁
Kelley
Thank you for the article about pimento cheese. Have introduced friends to homemade pimento cheese & they are pleasantly surprised! However, I prefer “Blue Plate” Mayo. Dukes is a little too vinegary for my taste. Thanks again!
Wendy
Excited to try this recipe! I am making some biscuits with bacon and Stan’s right now–that’s what inspired me to search for this recipe. (And I agree with the cream cheese comment. PD should have her southern girl card suspended for that.)
Gina
Thank you posting this. I can’t wait to try. They stopped carrying Stan’s here in SC. My dad was from the Burlington area and understand the original owners sold a few years ago. If they have stopped making it, maybe you can find them and ask for the recipe. I sure miss it, as well as Huey’s barbecue sandwiches and hush puppies. In fact, I would occasionally add it to my barbecue sandwich.
Atta Girl Amy
Hope this recipe lives up to your memories of Stan’s. It’s my best guess at their secret formula! As far as I know, Stan’s is still in operation in Burlington. Just found this story from earlier in the year: http://www.ncfolk.org/stans-pimento-cheese/ (It references a partnership between Stan’s and Biscuitvill.) A bacon pimento cheese biscuit! I might have to try that.
And I love Huey’s barbecue and hush puppies. I grew up in Alamance County, and my parents still live there. I have had debates with my husband about who makes the better hushpuppies — Huey’s and other Eastern-style restaurants or Bridges Barbecue in Shelby, where he’s from. I’m right, of course. Their hushpuppies do not hold a candle to Huey’s.
My brother lives in Arkansas, and when my parents go to visit him, they take him some frozen NC barbecue because he can’t get anything like it there.
Debbie
Probably a dumb question, BUT the only American cheese I have ever seen is in slices. Does it also come in a block? (I obviously live in the north)
Atta Girl Amy
Not a dumb question at all. I usually find it in the deli. Instead of having them slice it, i get a block and shred it myself.
Diane
How do you shred American cheese? It is usually soft. I always buy Land of lakes
Atta Girl Amy
I usually buy a block in the deli. I always make sure it’s really cold from thr dridge when shredding. I run mine through the food processor. Ir will clump some, but that’s OK. Hope this helps. (And sorry for taking so long to reply.)
Jeanna jackson
Stans Rocks! We moved from NC to PA a year ago. We go home 4 times a year and bring home 5 bricks of livermush and 7 containers of Stans.
dlynnb
Duke’s is better than ANY Mayonnaise on the market! I kept seeing recipes using cream cheese, ummm, what? Finally came across your recipe and it is delicious. Thanks! dlynnb on Instagram.
Lisa
Pimento cheese sandwiches are now $1.50 at the Masters.
Atta Girl Amy
Darn inflation! But still a great deal compared to other professional sporting events. That’s one of the things I liked about the Masters; you didn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for food. Sounds like you must have been at the tournament last week. Hope you enjoyed it.
Kathleen
I LOVED what you said about Duke’s mayonnaise and the Bible and Constitution! I laughed out loud. I have been using it since I discovered it while a student at Clemson (it’s made nearby) and will not use any other kind!
AdenaF
OMG!!! I am sooo excited to find this. I was getting ready to try to make my own and figured that I would do a Google search first – why reinvent the wheel and all. I grew up in Kernersville!! My sister is friends is the current Crutchfield family. Of course, growing up in Kville, M&C Pimento Cheese is the ONLY way to go. I moved to FL 9 yrs ago and when I go back home (all of my family still lives there) I am content to eat BBQ (Lexington style is the only way to go as well!!) and Pimento cheese sandwiches. Since it is summer, my parent’s garden is bursting with tomatoes so of course I have to add a big slice to the sandwich. And you are right – on their ingredient list, it’s only American cheese, Mayo, Pimentos and seasonings. Can’t wait to try this, you just might be a lifesaver.
Pam
What brand of American Cheese did you use?
Thanks!
Atta Girl Amy
Pam, if memory serves, I bought a block of American cheese from my grocery store’s deli. So, it was likely Boar’s Head or Land O Lakes. I think those are the brands my local stores carry. Or it could have been the store’s private label. I probably bought what was on sale! Normally, I prefer white American cheese, but for my pimento cheese, I did buy the yellow American cheese.
Recreateanddecorate
I love Pimento and Cheese! My grandmother made the best, and i remember remember eating it all the time when I was a little girl. Us southerners know what good food is! I’m from South Georgia.
Scribbler
I so enjoyed this! I wouldn’t touch anything but Duke’s — my poor inlaws who live in Texas can’t get it there. They stock up when they are here.
I am not familiar with some of the brands, but we like the Palmetto brand with Jalepenos which tastes like the way I make it. I do grate a bit of fresh onion instead of onion powder, but I am sure your version is equally good.
Denise
I live in Minnesota and I can’t get it either!!!!!!!:(
Erinne Kennedy Dock
for me it has to be Blue Plate. I have never seen Dukes in my neck of mississippi woods…….. we have Blue plate and thats what im using
Barbara F.
First time I tasted pimento cheese was at the Southern Bloggers’ conference in Raleigh in October! Loved it. Will be making this recipe for sure. And I agree about not using cream cheese.
Marty Walden
Looks great, Amy! Might have to actually make it soon! Fried pimento cheese is da bomb!
Atta Girl Amy
You and Shirley are making me hungry talking about fried pimento cheese. Yummy.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs
I am hooked on those fried pimento cheese balls at Relish in Raleigh!….Thanks for the recipe Amy…
Atta Girl Amy
I’d forgotten about those. They were delicious. Might have to make some with all this pimento cheese I have!
Martha
Palmetto cheese from Pawley’s Island is pretty much the bomb diggity!
Atta Girl Amy
Not sure I’ve tried that. But I’ll have to give it a try next time I’m in S.C.
Bob Jackson
It’s call Palmetto they are in Pawleys. It is really good. I don’t care for the jalapeño flavor. I am from Catawba County, born and raised in Charlotte. and my mother & grandmother made the best. They used cheddar cheese though. I live in Myrtle Beach area now.
Carole G Moore
Oh – so now I know why the consistency of Stan’s changed a couple years ago! New owners. I had to stop buying it because it became like soup….very, very runny. In fact, it’s so runny that you really can’t grill or toast a sandwich.