If you’re craving a classic Southern comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe. This beloved spread combines sharp cheddar, tangy mayonnaise, and the subtle sweetness of pimentos, all seasoned perfectly to create a nostalgic taste that’s both simple and unforgettable. Whether you’re slathering it on a sandwich, dolloping it onto crackers, or serving it as a dip, this recipe brings a warm, inviting charm to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe plays a crucial role, so don’t skip out on the classics. From the sharp cheddar that gives it that bold cheesy punch to the creamy mayonnaise that ties everything together, each component balances texture, flavor, and that unmistakable Southern vibe perfectly.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded): The star of the show, offering sharpness and great meltability for the perfect bite.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Keeps the spread creamy and smooth without overpowering the natural cheese flavor.
- 4 ounces diced pimentos (drained): Adds a touch of sweetness and beautiful color contrast to the mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a gentle savory warmth that enhances depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Compliments the garlic and cheese with mild, aromatic notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives just the right amount of subtle heat to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A little kick for those who love a smidge of spice in their cheese spread.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional): Adds a rich, tangy complexity that elevates the overall flavor.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and adding the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and the diced pimentos that have been drained. Mixing these three ingredients forms the creamy, cheesy foundation that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the cayenne pepper. These spices are the secret to that irresistible balance of flavor that makes every bite exciting.
Step 3: Enhance with Worcestershire Sauce (Optional)
If you love depth in your spreads, stir in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. This little addition amps up the umami and layers the taste, turning a simple spread into something truly special.
Step 4: Chill to Meld the Flavors
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is key as it allows the flavors to marry beautifully, transforming the ingredients into a harmonious, lip-smacking delight.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra diced pimentos or a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A small drizzle of olive oil can also give a lovely glossy finish and richness that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This cheese spread pairs like a dream with crunchy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetable sticks such as celery and carrots. It’s also fantastic as a filling for sandwiches with thick slices of tomato, or alongside a bowl of southern-style pickles for that perfect savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling this Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe into deviled eggs for a festive party treat, or dollop it generously atop baked potatoes for an indulgent twist. You could even stuff it into hollowed-out mini bell peppers for bite-sized appetizer charms that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pimento cheese tightly covered in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy again whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it may slightly alter the texture of the cheese spread. If you choose to freeze it, place it in a sealed freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Reheating
This recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do warm it up, do so gently in short bursts to prevent the cheese from breaking down and losing its creamy consistency.
FAQs
What type of cheddar is best for this recipe?
Extra-sharp cheddar works beautifully if you want a bolder, more intense cheese flavor, but sharp cheddar strikes a great balance with rich creaminess and bite.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Traditional Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe relies on real cheddar and mayonnaise, but you can experiment with dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan mayo to create a similar spread with plant-based ingredients.
How long does pimento cheese last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, pimento cheese will stay fresh and tasty for about 4 to 5 days.
Is it okay to add cream cheese for a richer texture?
Absolutely! Mixing in a bit of cream cheese creates a smoother, richer spread that is just as delicious and adds a lovely silkiness.
What are some fun ways to use leftover pimento cheese?
Aside from the classic sandwich, spread it on crackers, stuff into peppers, swirl into mashed potatoes, or even use it as a topping for burgers and grilled chicken for a flavorful twist.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe is a timeless Southern classic that’s easy to make yet impossible to forget. Its perfect balance of creamy, sharp, and subtly spiced notes makes every bite a celebration of comfort food at its finest. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones—it’s one of those dishes that truly brings people together around the table.
Print
Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Southern-style Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese made with sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and tangy pimentos. This creamy, flavorful cheese spread is perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or as a vegetable dip and requires no cooking—just mix and chill.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and drained diced pimentos until evenly blended.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using to add depth and a bit of heat.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Add Worcestershire sauce if desired for extra complexity and flavor richness.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve: Serve the pimento cheese chilled as a spread on crackers, a filling for sandwiches, or a dip for fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend half of the cheese mixture in a food processor and then fold it back into the rest.
- Use extra-sharp cheddar to enhance the boldness of the spread.
- Mix in a bit of cream cheese for a richer, creamier consistency if desired.
