Southern Snack

Southern Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Southern pimento cheese spread is perfect on crackers, sandwiches, or fresh veggies.

There is something so comforting about a bowl of Southern pimento cheese spread, the bright orange shreds mingling with creamy cheddar and a little kick of spice. Every bite is soft, savory, and just a little bit addictive, with the sweet pop of roasted pimentos cutting through the richness.

This is the kind of recipe you want on hand for game day, last minute guests, or a simple weeknight snack. It comes together in minutes, keeps well in the fridge, and only gets better as the flavors meld, making it a smart and delicious staple for your spread.

I first made this in a tiny kitchen with a block of cheap cheddar and a jar of pimentos, and it instantly became my go to recipe for bringing people together. Whether you love it mild or spicy, you will find yourself reaching for this spread again and again.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time10 mins

🔥Cook Time0 mins

🕐Total Time15 mins plus chilling

🍰Servingsabout 2 cups, 12 to 16 servings

🇺🇸CuisineSouthern

🔢Calories~90 per tablespoon

Ingredients

Main Spread

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup mayonnaise

2 to 4 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

1 small onion, finely diced

1 to 2 teaspoons yellow mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 cups drained pimentos, chopped

Serving and optional add ins

toast points, crackers, or sliced baguette

fresh celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices

1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Substitutions & Variations

★Use a block of cheddar and grate it yourself for the best texture, or swap in a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder bite.

★Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, slightly lighter version.

★Swap sweet pickle relish with minced dill pickle or capers for a different kind of tang.

★Omit the cayenne and use 1 teaspoon smoked paprika if you prefer more smoky flavor than heat.

★Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon or whiskey during mixing for a deeper Southern kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Grate the cheese

Grate the cheddar cheese yourself for the best melting and texture. Measure out two cups of freshly grated cheddar and place it in a large mixing bowl.

2

Add the base ingredients

Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, finely diced onion, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the cheese.

3

Stir in the pimentos

Drain the pimentos well, chop them into small pieces if needed, and stir them into the cheese mixture along with any accumulated juices.

4

Mix until smooth and creamy

Use a sturdy spatula or a whisk to blend everything together until you get a thick, creamy spread with no streaks of dry seasoning.

5

Taste and adjust seasoning

Dip a cracker into the spread and taste it. Add more salt, pepper, cayenne, or mustard until the flavor feels balanced for you.

6

Chill to let flavors meld

Cover the bowl or transfer the spread to a lidded container and refrigerate it for at least thirty minutes, preferably an hour, so the flavors can develop.

7

Give it a final stir

Right before serving, give the spread a quick stir, since chilling can firm it up. Add a splash of milk or a little more mayonnaise if you want it extra creamy.

8

Garnish and serve

Turn the spread out onto a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and surround it with toast points, crackers, and fresh vegetables for dipping.

9

Store leftovers properly

Keep any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator and use them within three to four days for best quality.

10

Reheat gently if needed

If the spread thickens too much in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a bit or stir in a little extra mayonnaise or milk before serving again.

Pro Baker Tips

✓For a silkier texture, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese along with the mayonnaise.

✓If you like your vegetables crisp, serve the spread chilled and use sturdy options like celery and carrots.

✓Letting the spread rest in the fridge makes the flavor sharper and more cohesive.

✓Keep a small bowl of ice water nearby when prepping onions to reduce tearing.

✓Label your container with the date so you know when it is time to make a fresh batch.

Storage & Serving Notes

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Southern pimento cheese spread the classic way with crunchy crackers and toast, or get creative with fresh produce.

›Toast points or sliced baguette

›Saltine crackers or sturdy wheat crackers

›Fresh celery sticks, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead for a party or picnic?

Yes, assemble the spread a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature for about fifteen to twenty minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What if I want a smoother, more dip like texture?

Blend the shredded cheddar with the mayonnaise in a food processor for a few seconds, then mix in the remaining ingredients by hand for a silky dip.

How do I reduce the heat without losing flavor?

Use less cayenne and increase the sweet pickle relish or a little extra sugar to balance the flavors while keeping the spread rich and creamy.

Can I freeze this spread?

Freezing is not recommended because the dairy can separate once thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days in the refrigerator.

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Go Make It!

This Southern pimento cheese spread is endlessly versatile and so satisfying that it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whip it up, share it with the people you care about, and enjoy every creamy, tangy bite.