Southern pimento cheese spread is a thick, creamy blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and diced pimentos that tastes like summer on the porch. It is the kind of spread people scrape from the bowl when they think nobody is watching.
It takes about ten minutes of work and a little time in the refrigerator, and it turns crackers, celery, and plain sandwiches into something people fight over. The trick is to grate the cheddar yourself and let the spread rest before serving.
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Why This Southern Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe Works
Freshly grated cheddar from a block blends into a creamy, cohesive spread, while pre shredded cheese is coated with starch that leaves the mixture drier and slightly gritty.
Cream cheese gives the spread body so it stays thick and spoonable, and mayonnaise adds tang and silkiness. The ratio keeps the texture rich without turning greasy.
Chilling for an hour lets the pepper, garlic, and pimento flavors spread through the cheese. The spread tastes noticeably rounder after resting, so plan ahead when you can.
Ingredients for Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
- For the spread: eight ounces sharp cheddar cheese, eight ounces softened cream cheese, one half cup mayonnaise, and four ounces drained diced pimentos.
- For the seasoning: one teaspoon black pepper, plus optional garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
Sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar supplies the tang that defines the spread, and it is easiest to grate when well chilled.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly and keeps the spread thick, so let it sit out for only about twenty minutes.
Mayonnaise: Real mayonnaise adds creaminess and a gentle tang, and a full fat version gives the smoothest result.
Pimentos: Sweet roasted red peppers packed in a jar add color and a mild flavor, so drain them and pat them dry.
Seasonings: Black pepper is the only required seasoning, while garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce add depth.
How to Make Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
1. Prepare the cheese. Grate the cheddar on the large holes of a box grater and set the cream cheese out for a few minutes until soft.
2. Cream the base. Beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth and no lumps remain.
3. Fold in the cheddar. Add the grated cheddar and drained pimentos and stir until evenly distributed.
4. Season. Stir in the black pepper and any garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce, then taste and adjust.
5. Chill the spread. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour so the flavors blend and the texture firms up.
6. Serve. Stir once before serving, since a little liquid can separate, then scoop into a serving bowl.
How to Serve Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
Serve the spread with crackers, celery sticks, and toasted baguette slices, or spread it on soft white bread for sandwiches. It makes a rich topping for juicy cheeseburgers and pairs well with creamy buttermilk coleslaw on a picnic plate. A jar of refrigerator garlic pickles and a glass of fresh peach lemonade round out a Southern spread.
How to Store and Reheat Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
Keep the spread in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days, and stir it before serving because a little liquid can separate. Do not leave it out for more than two hours, or one hour in hot weather. Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise and cream cheese can separate and turn grainy once thawed.
Tips and Variations for Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
Grate the cheese yourself. A block of cheddar gives a creamier spread than bagged shreds that contain anti caking starch.
Pat the pimentos dry. Extra liquid thins the spread, so blot the pimentos on paper towels first.
Soften the cream cheese properly. Let it stand about twenty minutes, but do not leave it out longer than two hours.
Control the heat. Add a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce, starting small and tasting as you go.
Mix by hand for texture. A sturdy spatula keeps some small cheese shreds visible, while a mixer makes the spread smoother.
Try a swap. Replace half of the cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different character.
Flag the allergens. This spread contains milk and eggs from the mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce contains fish, so label it for guests.
Check trusted guidance. Read the University of Illinois Extension picnic salad safety tips for keeping mayonnaise based dishes safe at gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
What is southern pimento cheese spread?
It is a classic Southern spread made from shredded cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, often called the pate of the South.
How long does southern pimento cheese spread last?
It keeps for about four days in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and it should not sit out for more than two hours.
Can I make southern pimento cheese spread ahead of time?
Yes. In fact it tastes better after resting overnight, which gives the flavors time to blend into the cheese.
Why is my pimento cheese watery?
Wet pimentos or pre shredded cheese are the usual causes, so drain and blot the peppers and grate your own cheddar.
What can I serve it with?
Crackers, celery, sandwiches, burgers, and baked potatoes all pair nicely with it.
Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
Equipment
- Box grater
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Sealed storage container
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated from a block
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 oz diced pimentos one jar, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder optional
- ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce optional
- ¼ tsp hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne, optional
Instructions
Cooking
- Cream. Beat the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth.
- Fold. Stir in the grated cheddar, pimentos, pepper, and any garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce.
- Taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning, keeping the spread thick but spreadable.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors blend before serving.
