Ready in 10 minutes, this creamy and tangy pimento cheese recipe gets a zippy kick from prepared horseradish and smokiness from a touch of smoked paprika. Use your food processor, or fold by hand for a chunkier dip. Perfect for crackers, sandwiches, and game day spreads!
JUMP TO RECIPEA southern staple for a reason, Pimento Cheese is a truly delicious and easy cheese spread, perfect for a picnic or BBQ snack, and works on everything from crackers to grilled cheese. For my rendition of the classic, I've added a touch of zingy horseradish and smoked paprika to give it a spicy, slightly smoky edge.
While I am not from the south (although, some say I sound like I am), my appreciation for the southern staple runs deep. I have tested this recipe over the years to get just the right texture and taste, with the perfect balance of flavors.
Table of Contents
- A Southern Staple, with a Spicy Twist
- Ingredient Notes
- How to Make Pimento Cheese (Food Processor or By Hand)
- Storage & Make-Ahead
- Ways to Serve & Use Pimento Cheese
- Variations & Substitutions
- FAQ
- More great appetizers
A Southern Staple, with a Spicy Twist
In the south, pimento cheese is picnic staple! My version keeps the spirit of the southern classic, but adds a touch of prepared horseradish for gentle heat and zippy flavor.
Ingredient Notes
Cream cheese. Be sure to give it the time on the counter to soften (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). This not only makes it easier to work with, it also ensures everything comes out well blended in the end.
Shredded cheddar. Be sure to grate your own cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Jarred Pimentos. Whole or chopped is fine, just be sure to drain well. These are the star of the show, and give the pimento cheese a balanced tang and sweetness.
Prepared horseradish- for some kick and extra tang.
How to Make Pimento Cheese (Food Processor or By Hand)
Use a food processor for ultra-fast mixing, or stir by hand if you love extra texture and a chunkier dip. For both applications, start with softened cream cheese and freshly grated cheddar for the best flavor and texture.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Make ahead. Mix the dip up to 3 days in advance, and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storage. Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving. For best scoop-ability, let the dip sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to serving.
"Got RAVE reviews! Thanks for sharing this recipe. It's a keeper! -Ming ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pimento Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Food Processor (optional)
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup jarred pimentos, or jarred roasted red peppers
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- If making pimento cheese with a food processor: 1. Add cream cheese, pepper or pimentos, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish to the food processor and blend until smooth. 2. Add the spices and cheddar and pulse briefly until just combined. Remove to a serving bowl and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. If making horseradish pimento cheese by hand: 1. Add cream cheese, pepper or pimentos, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish to a medium mixing bowl, and stir with a wooden spoon or spatular until well combined. 2. Add the spices and cheddar and fold together until well incorporated. Remove to a serving bowl and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Ways to Serve & Use Pimento Cheese
This versatile Pimento Cheese works with just about everything! Here are some great ways to use it.
| As a dip | Serve with classic buttery crackers or celery sticks, or sliced baguette and your favorite sliced veggies! |
| Use as a spread | Spread it onto warm biscuits, fried chicken, or use as a burger topping! |
| Make a grilled cheese | Add to classic American cheese or cheddar for a southern twist on the classic! |
| Use as a topping | Spread onto fried green tomatoes or as a topping for crostini. |
| Add to a spread | Make it part of your game day charcuterie board! |
| Try my Pimento Cheese Recipes | Use it to make my Pimento Cheese, Tomato and Cheddar Galette, Jiffy Cornbread with Pimento Cheese and Jalapeno, or One Pan Pimento Cheese Chicken. |
Variations & Substitutions
Add Heat. Toss in some extra horseradish, a bit of minced jalapeno, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Cheese Swaps. Use sharp white cheddar in place of the yellow variety, or try smoked cheddar or gouda for extra smokiness.
Fun additions. Add cooked and finely diced bacon, thinly sliced scallions, or chopped fresh dill for added flavor and texture.
Peppers. Can't find pimentos? Use finely chopped roasted red peppers (drained of all liquid).
FAQ
What mayo is best for this recipe?
As a southern staple, Duke's mayo is the classic choice, but you can use any full fat mayo for this recipe. I love Kewpie or Hellmann's.
Do I need the cream cheese?
The addition of cream cheese is a style and texture preference. You can omit it for a looser dip with a more pronounced cheddar flavor.
How hot is the horseradish?
Depending on what brand of prepared horseradish you use, it can be from rather mild to pretty potent. You can always start with half, and add more as needed, tasting as you go.
More great appetizers
Try my Philly Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers for a spicy, meaty twist on a classic.
Whip up a batch of my Pickle Battered Cheese Curds!
Try my easy Italian Egg Roll Mozzarella Sticks with prosciutto!
Make a batch of my easy Garlic Herb White Bean Dip.
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Ming says
Jawn! I knew you were a Philly Girl! This was FABULOUS! I didn't have
Ming says
OOPS! I didn't have cayenne, but I did have some Hoagie spread. I added a good dollop, and it got RAVE reviews! Thanks for sharing this recipe. It's a keeper!
Sharon says
Thank you! So happy you enjoyed the recipe!