Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

If there’s any Southern staple that deserves a permanent spot at your table, it’s Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese. This creamy, tangy classic is everything that’s good about comfort food—cheesy, rich, and with that signature pop of sweet red pimentos. Whether you’re prepping for a crowd or making a batch for everyday snacking, this old-fashioned recipe delivers big flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients and almost no effort. It’s the kind of nostalgic dish that never goes out of style and always disappears before you know it!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real magic of Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese comes from just a few fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each element builds on the next to create that unmistakable taste: sharp, creamy, a little spicy, and beautifully colorful. Gather these up and you’ll be ready for a scoop of pure Southern comfort.

• Sharp cheddar cheese: Bold and tangy, this shredded cheese lays down the rich, classic base of the spread.
• White cheddar cheese: A touch milder, it adds extra creaminess and a hint of sophistication to the flavor.
• Mayonnaise: The key to that irresistibly smooth and creamy texture—go for real mayo for the best results.
• Diced pimentos: These sweet, red beauties not only lend signature flavor, but also give the spread its nostalgic color.
• Garlic powder: Just a sprinkle brings a subtle savory note that balances all the cheesy richness.
• Onion powder: Adds a gentle kick and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): A dash brings just the right amount of heat, if you want your pimento cheese with a little attitude.
• Worcestershire sauce: A splash gives that secret umami undertone and rounds everything out.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—taste and adjust to your liking.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese

Step 1: Combine the Cheeses

Toss both the sharp cheddar and white cheddar into a large bowl. Using two types of cheddar gives your Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese more depth—sharp and bold mixed with mellow and creamy. Make sure your cheese is freshly shredded; it blends better and tastes extra special.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Elements

Spoon in the mayonnaise right on top of the cheese. The mayo is what gives pimento cheese its dreamy, spreadable texture. If you’re a mayo fan, feel free to add a dollop extra for extra richness!

Step 3: Mix in the Pimentos and Seasonings

Pour in the drained diced pimentos, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of cayenne. Add Worcestershire sauce for that secret depth. Don’t forget a generous pinch of salt and black pepper—this is where your Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese really comes together.

Step 4: Blend Until Creamy

Stir everything together with a sturdy spoon or spatula. You want every shred of cheese coated and every bite dotted with pimentos. For an ultra-smooth version, pulse everything in a food processor until you reach your desired texture—but a little rustic chunkiness is traditional and perfect with crackers!

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Once everything looks dreamy and cohesive, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. The chill time lets flavors meld and ensures Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese is perfectly spreadable—and, if you ask me, even more addictive.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika brings color and contrast. You might also try a garnish of finely chopped chives or even a little more diced pimento on top for a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

This old-fashioned classic is at home next to crisp celery sticks, butter crackers, pretzels, or toasted baguette slices. For a Southern picnic, it pairs perfectly with deviled eggs, pickles, or a pile of potato chips—anything with crunch to balance the creamy spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese into mini sweet peppers, using it as a grilled cheese sandwich filling, or even melting a dollop onto a hot burger. For entertaining, pipe it into phyllo cups or serve in a bread bowl for a true showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese tightly covered in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 5 days and actually gets even better as the flavors mingle. Just give it a stir before serving to freshen it up.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze pimento cheese, it can affect the texture, making it a bit grainy after thawing. For the best Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese experience, stick to refrigerating and enjoy within a few days if possible.

Reheating

This spread is usually served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you do want to use it in a hot dish—like a grilled cheese—just go straight from fridge to pan and let it melt inside your sandwich!

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is handy, freshly shredded cheese melts and blends better for classic Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese. The texture will be creamier and the flavor deeper if you grate it yourself.

Is there a lighter version of pimento cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap in light mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt, though the texture and taste will change a bit. Reduced-fat cheese also works, but go for a block and shred it yourself for the best results.

What do I do if my pimento cheese is too thick?

If your Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese feels too dense, just add an extra spoonful of mayonnaise, one at a time, until you get the texture you love. A splash of cream can also help loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is very mild unless you add the optional cayenne pepper, which brings a gentle warmth. Feel free to skip it or toss in a bit more if you like things on the fiery side.

Can I make this Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better if you let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving. You’ll find the flavors deepen and meld beautifully the longer it sits.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese from scratch before, give it a try—you won’t believe how easy and delicious it is. Share a bowl with friends or sneak a spoonful for yourself; it’s a recipe guaranteed to bring smiles and a sense of Southern comfort to any occasion!

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