Homemade Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe

Homemade Southern Pimento Cheese is one of those recipes that takes me right back to my mom’s kitchen in the 1960s. Growing up, this was her go-to for home parties and church functions. She would spread it on soft bread, cut the sandwiches into little triangles, and they were always the first thing to vanish from the spread.

I can still picture those little tea sandwiches at our church’s Easter coffee hour. The ladies would set out the most beautiful spread, and the old fashioned pimento cheese finger sandwiches were always the very first to disappear.
Fast forward to today, and Chick-fil-A brought back a pimento cheese burger that my whole family absolutely loved. Now that grilling season is on its way, I knew it was finally time to share my mom’s version so we can enjoy it right at home on our burgers this summer.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe

• Only 6 simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Ready in 10 minutes with zero cooking required
• The whole family will love it on crackers, sandwiches, burgers, or celery sticks
• Perfect for any family gathering, Easter brunch, or summer cookout
• Make it ahead, and it keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

A Family Recipe Straight From the 1960s

My mom made this homemade pimento cheese recipe all through my childhood, and it never got old.

It was simple, creamy, and had just enough kick from the cayenne pepper to make it completely addictive. We spread it on celery sticks for after-school snacks, filled little finger sandwiches for special church occasions, and honestly ate it straight from the bowl with a spoon more times than I can count.

This old fashioned pimento cheese recipe has never needed updating. It was perfect in the 60s, and it is still perfect today. It is still served at the Master’s Golf Tournament even today. It is a Georgia tradition that has lasted the test of time.

What Makes Southern Pimento Cheese So Good

Southern pimento cheese is often called “the pate of the South,” and once you taste a homemade version, you will understand exactly why.

The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy cream cheese, tangy pimentos, and just a touch of cayenne heat creates a spread that is so much better than anything you can buy at the store. It is simple to prepare and comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for everything from a casual snack to a fancy Easter brunch appetizer.

I have always believed the best recipes are the ones passed down through generations, and this one is proof of that.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimientos, drained and chopped small
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Cheddar Cheese: I always recommend shredding your own block cheese rather than buying pre-shredded. Block cheese blends so much more smoothly because it does not have the anti-caking powder that bagged shredded cheese does. It really makes a difference in the final texture. This is my favorite cheese shredder, no skinned knuckles at all.
• Cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before you start. Cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your spread instead of giving you that perfectly creamy texture.
• Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo gives the best flavor here. Duke’s is the classic Southern choice, but Hellmann’s works beautifully, too. Our family likes the one Helmann’s made with Olive Oil for additional health benefits. You also have the option to use a light mayo if that is your preference.
• Pimientos: You can find diced pimientos right in the pickle and olive aisle at the grocery store. Make sure to drain them well so your spread does not turn out watery.
• Cayenne pepper: This adds just a gentle warmth, not a spicy kick. If your family is sensitive to heat, start with just a small pinch or leave it out entirely.

Equipment Needed

• Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer
• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or sturdy spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Glass storage container

How to Make Homemade Southern Pimento Cheese

1. Grate the cheddar cheese. Use a cheese grater to shred your cheddar cheese and measure out 2 cups. Pro tip: Cold cheese is actually easier to grate, so pull it straight from the fridge and grate it first before anything else.
2. Combine the base ingredients. In a large bowl, add the shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined and creamy. Pro tip: A hand mixer on low speed makes this step incredibly easy and gives you a smoother, more even texture.
3. Fold in the pimentos. Stir in the drained diced and chopped pimentos and mix gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the spread. You want to see those little red pieces in every bite.
4. Season and chill. Add salt to taste, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time is important because it lets all the flavors come together beautifully. Pro tip: I know it is tempting to eat it right away, but trust me on this one. The chill time makes a real difference.
5. Serve and enjoy. Serve your homemade pimento cheese with crackers, celery sticks, or spread it onto soft sandwich bread for little finger sandwiches. And do not forget to try it on your burgers this grilling season!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Pimento Cheese

Shred your own cheese. I know it takes an extra 2 minutes, but the texture difference is worth every second. Pre-shredded cheese has coatings on it that prevent it from blending as smoothly.

Try it on burgers. This grilling season, spread this homemade pimento cheese on top of your burgers in the last minute on the grill and let it melt just slightly. This is inspired by the Chick-fil-A pimento cheese burger, and it is absolutely worth trying. My family goes crazy for it every single time.

Melt: Melt on the stove in a small frying pan and serve over veggies.

Make a big batch. This spread keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container, so I always make a double batch. It is perfect for party prep, easy snacking, or pulling out whenever guests stop by.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Homemade pimento cheese is one of the most versatile spreads you will ever make.

Spread it on butter crackers for a quick and easy party appetizer. Stuff it into celery sticks for a crunchy after-school snack the kids will love. Use it as a filling for little finger sandwiches when you are hosting Easter brunch or a spring shower.

And this summer, do not skip using it as a burger topping. It is truly a family favorite moment waiting to happen at your next cookout.

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