I crafted my Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe using a generous mix of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a touch of mayonnaise. The bright flavor of diced pimentos, complemented by garlic and onion powders plus a hint of optional cayenne, creates a compelling spread that turns every bite into a memorable, savory moment.

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I recently came across a twist on Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese that quickly became one of my go-to recipes. I mix 4 cups of finely shredded sharp cheddar with 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/3 cup mayonnaise to create a wonderfully smooth base.

Then I toss in 4 oz of diced pimentos for that unique, tangy burst of flavor. I always add a dash of garlic powder and onion powder and salt to taste, and if you’re up for it, just a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a little extra kick.

This homemade pimento cheese spread is perfect on sandwiches or even as a surprise twist on a cheeseburger recipe and pairs amazingly with the best macaroni and cheese ideas I’ve seen around. Once you try this pimento cheese recipe, I bet you’ll agree it’s a game changer for any event.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple to put together even when I don’t have a lot of time, and it always turns out creamy and delicious. I love how the sharp cheddar and cream cheese mix with the pimentos to create a perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors that remind me of home and family gatherings. I also enjoy how versatile it is – I can spread it on crackers, bread, or even dip veggies in it, which makes it an awesome treat any time of the day.

Ingredients

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Sharp cheddar cheese adds protein and healthy fats, plus a bold flavor crowning our dip.
Cream cheese offers a smooth texture and rich taste, balancing tangy notes good.
Pimentos bring a slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color that elevate the dish.
Mayonnaise gives creaminess and a bit of tang while bindin flavors through the mixture.
Garlic and onion powders pack punchy aroma, boostin savory flavor with natural goodness.
A pinch of salt and dash of cayenne pepper lend balance and little kick.
Our blend combines each ingredient into a tasty spread that hits every taste bud.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup mayonnaise

4 oz diced pimentos, drained

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salt to taste

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little extra kick)

How to Make this

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1. In a large bowl, mix the 4 cups of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese with the 8 oz of softened cream cheese until they kinda blend together.

2. Stir in the 1/3 cup mayonnaise, making sure everything looks smooth and creamy.

3. Add the 4 oz of diced pimentos, then sprinkle in the 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder along with salt to taste.

4. If you’re feeling adventurous, add the 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.

5. Mix all the ingredients well so each bite has a bit of every flavor.

6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.

7. After chilling, give it a good stir, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

8. Serve your old fashioned pimento cheese on crackers, bread, or veggies, it goes with anything you like.

9. Enjoy this classic southern treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or fancy get-togethers!

10. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and use within a couple of days.

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl
2. A set of measuring cups for the cheese and mayo
3. Measuring spoons for the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper
4. A spatula or big spoon for stirring all the ingredients together
5. Plastic wrap to cover the bowl during refrigeration
6. A refrigerator to chill the mixture well
7. A sealed container if you save any leftovers later

FAQ

Q: What exactly is Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese?

A: It's a creamy, tangy spread made with shredded sharp cheddar, softened cream cheese, a bit of mayo, and chopped pimentos. It's perfect on crackers or even straight out of the bowl.

Q: Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

A: Sure thing, you can add more cayenne pepper if you like it hotter, or just leave it out if you're not into spicy foods.

Q: Do I have to use cream cheese?

A: Cream cheese helps give the mix a smooth texture, but if you don't have any, you might try substituting it with a little more mayo or even a bit of sour cream. The flavor might vary a bit though.

Q: How long does it keep in the fridge?

A: Stored in an airtight container, it's good for about a week in the fridge. If you're like me, it might go away sooner cause it's so tasty!

Q: What are some good ways to serve this pimento cheese?

A: You can spread it on crackers, sandwiches or even use it as a dip for veggies. Some people even use it as a topping on burgers for an extra twist.

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have sharp cheddar, you can mix aged white cheddar with a bit of pepper jack for a slightly different kick
You can use Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese if you want a lighter version while still keepin it creamy
If you ran out of mayonnaise try Greek yogurt, it adds a tangy taste and works pretty well
When you can’t get diced pimentos, you could substitute well‐chopped roasted red bell peppers as a tasty alternative

Pro Tips

1. Try leaving the cheese spread in the fridge several hours (or even overnight) if you can. It really brings all the flavors together, instead of just the hour the recipe asks for.

2. Make sure your cream cheese is all softened and at room temp before you mix everything. That way, it blends much more easily without leaving lumps that ruin the texture.

3. When you stir in that mayo, do it slowly to keep things smooth and to avoid overmixing the cheddar which can sometimes get a bit clumpy.

4. If you decide to add extra seasoning like more cayenne or salt, add a little at a time and taste along the way. It’s better to adjust gradually than to get it too spicy or too salty right off the bat.

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

388

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large mixing bowl
2. A set of measuring cups for the cheese and mayo
3. Measuring spoons for the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper
4. A spatula or big spoon for stirring all the ingredients together
5. Plastic wrap to cover the bowl during refrigeration
6. A refrigerator to chill the mixture well
7. A sealed container if you save any leftovers later

Ingredients

4 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup mayonnaise
4 oz diced pimentos, drained
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little extra kick)

Directions

In a large bowl, mix the 4 cups of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese with the 8 oz of softened cream cheese until they kinda blend together.
Stir in the 1/3 cup mayonnaise, making sure everything looks smooth and creamy.
Add the 4 oz of diced pimentos, then sprinkle in the 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder along with salt to taste.
If you're feeling adventurous, add the 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.
Mix all the ingredients well so each bite has a bit of every flavor.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
After chilling, give it a good stir, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve your old fashioned pimento cheese on crackers, bread, or veggies, it goes with anything you like.
Enjoy this classic southern treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or fancy get-togethers!
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and use within a couple of days.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.