You won’t believe how easy it is to throw together this homemade pimento cheese recipe! This flavor-packed dip is the perfect appetizer for your next grill-out. And Bonus: It takes less than 10 minutes to make this easy homemade pimento cheese.
Growing up with a very Southern grandmother, I have vivid memories of arriving at her house to be informed that she had prepared her favorite Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe, and it was waiting for us in the fridge.
As a child, I was not impressed.
I don’t ever recall eating it beyond taking a bite and curling up my nose. (I so sympathize for my Grandmother now. My kids do this to me all the time.)
I am sure that it was good, despite my childhood reluctance.
In my defense, I was scarred by my Dad who had previously tried to force a Pimento Cheese Sandwich on me. Said sandwich was made with store-bought Pimento Cheese and untoasted white bread.
Guys, this was the early 80’s. The Pimento Cheese wasn’t some gourmet fair from Whole Foods or the Fresh Market. It was something that resembled orange mayonnaise and from what I can remember had little flavor beyond this.
It was the texture that ruined it for me.
I might have never tried to make homemade pimento cheese myself had it not been for a burger I had a few years back at Seagrove Village Market.
Anyone who knows me well knows that I don’t get too excited about burgers. Skye was around three at the time, so somewhere fancy was out. And my boys LOVE burgers. (Plus, this was at the beach.)
One of the optional add-ons was Jalapeno Pimento Cheese, and on a whim, I decided to try it. 
Giving pimento cheese a try again was a gamble, but it was one that worked out spectacularly.
I had that burger almost every week that fall, and when we left the beach vowed to recreate the Jalapeno Pimento Cheese recipe at home.
If try this, I think you will agree with me that this is nothing like my Dad’s grocery store pimento cheese from the 80’s.
With high-quality cheeses and a hint of kick, this Pimento Cheese Recipe is one that has become a staple around our house. I most often serve it with vegetables as an appetizer, but it is fabulous on a burger as well.
If jalapenos aren’t your thing, feel free to omit them. The recipe stands up well on its own.
On the other hand, if you want more kick, you can always add in a bit more cayenne or an extra jalapeno. (Though in that case, you might need to rename it Firecracker Pimento Cheese.)
Frequently Asked Questions For Making This Easy Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe:
What is Pimento Cheese Made Of?
- There are a lot of different variations of pimento cheese, but a constant is most always mayonnaise, pimentos, and cheddar cheese. Other cheeses, including American, Swiss and cheddar are also common. Roasted red peppers are sometimes substituted when pimentos are not on hand.
How Long Can You Keep Homemade Pimento Cheese in the Refrigerator?
- Most pimento cheese will last in the refrigerator for a week. However, if you use homemade mayonnaise, it is best eaten within four days as homemade mayonnaise does not have any preservatives.
What do You Serve with Pimento Cheese?
- Pimento cheese is often served with crackers, carrot sticks, celery sticks and sliced peppers. It is also common to serve it on burgers or in a sandwich.
Tools Need to Make Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe:
- Food Processor or Box Grater (to grate cheese)
- Mixer (you may also used a Food Processor.)
How To Make Homemade Pimento Cheese
- 10 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- 6 ounces smoked gouda or gruyere shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise preferably homemade
- 2 jalapenos seeded and diced
- 4 ounces jarred pimentos drained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Combine cheddar cheese, gouda, cream cheese, mayonnaise, jalapenos, pimentos, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Beat with a mixer until combined. (You may also make this in a food processor.)
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Variations for Homemade Pimento Cheese:
- Use one jarred roasted red pepper in place of pimentos and Monterey Jack in place of the smoked gouda.
- Roast the jalapeños for 5 to 10 minutes over a gas flame until the skin is blistered. Transfer to a bowl and cover. Let steam for 10 minutes and then peel, seed and chop.
- Add two teaspoons Worcestershire sauce.
- Add two tablespoons finely chopped onion, and two tablespoons jarred banana peppers.
- Use goat cheese in place of cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Pimento Cheese:
- Make Pimento Cheese Sandwiches or Pimento Cheese BLTs
- Serve with crackers and vegetables as an appetizer.
- Use as a topping for burgers.
I love pimento cheese. I get it all the time at the store. I’d love to make my own. I have to try this recipe.
This looks pretty easy. I am going to need to try to make some soon!
I am not sure if I’ve ever had pimento cheese or not, but it looks and sounds delicious, especially with the jalapeno.
That looks interesting. I’m always up for trying different kinds of cheese and I do like things with spice. I’m sure I’d really like this.
It looks so good and delicious. I love pimiento cheese and its one of my favorites spreads. I will definitely try to make this recipe and I will let my children try to eat it.
I love a good pimento cheese recipe! I am from the south and that is a staple around here, LOL!!
Yum! We love pimento cheese spread! I didn’t it was this easy to make, looks so delicious!
I love pimento cheese!! But I’ve never thought to make my own. Thanks for this recipe… seems easy enough!!
So this lady I used to work with used to eat pimento cheese sandwiches for lunch all the time. We would laugh about it as many of us had never eaten pimento cheese other than the orange concoctions in the grocery store. Then one day she brought us some homemade pimento cheese and OMG I’ve been a fan ever since. Your recipe is pretty similar to hers so I know it tastes good.
I wish I had some of this right here right now! I want to try this so badly.
I love pimento cheese! Thanks for sharing this recipe. Now I no longer have to but it at the store.
PIMENTO CHEESE looks very attractive. I will proceed to do it now. thank for sharing with us
I’ve heard of this but never saw it. My son in law is from the south and he talked about this. It’s not a northern thing but I may have to try this and surprise my SIL!