How to make homemade pimento cheese — the Southern "caviar" spread. The classic ingredients, the best cheddar, and ways to use it.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern American spread — sharp cheddar, tangy pimentos, and creamy mayo blended into a rich, savory dip that's affectionately called "the caviar of the South." Easy to make and endlessly useful, it's far better homemade. Here's how.
What Pimento Cheese Is
Pimento cheese is a spread made from grated cheese (classically sharp cheddar), mayonnaise, and diced pimento peppers, with seasonings. It hails from the American South, where it's a cherished staple — spread on sandwiches, served as a dip, dolloped on burgers, and famously sold at the Masters golf tournament. Creamy, tangy, sharp, and a little sweet from the pimentos, it's simple comfort food.
The Classic Ingredients
The core of pimento cheese is just a few things: sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos (sweet red peppers, usually jarred and diced). To these, most recipes add seasonings — black pepper, a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce, garlic powder or onion powder, and sometimes a touch of Worcestershire or Dijon. The balance of sharp cheese, creamy mayo, sweet-tangy pimento, and a little heat is what defines it.
Choosing the Cheese
Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar is the classic and gives the spread its bold flavor — orange cheddar for the traditional color, or white for a paler version. Many recipes blend in some Monterey Jack, cream cheese, or a little smoked cheese for extra creaminess or depth. Crucially, grate the cheese yourself from a block: pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that make the spread less creamy and more grainy.
Making It
Pimento cheese couldn't be simpler. Grate the cheddar (and any other cheese) and combine it in a bowl with mayonnaise, drained diced pimentos, and your seasonings. Mix until it reaches your preferred consistency — some like it smooth and creamy, others chunky with distinct shreds of cheese. Adjust the mayo for spreadability and the seasonings to taste. For a smoother spread, some cooks include softened cream cheese. Chill it for an hour or more to let the flavors meld.
Texture: Chunky vs. Smooth
Pimento cheese is a matter of personal preference. A chunky version, made by hand with grated cheese, has distinct shreds and a rustic texture. A smoother version, beaten more thoroughly or made with cream cheese, spreads silkily. Both are authentic — Southern families have their own styles. Make it as chunky or smooth as you like.
How to Use Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is wonderfully versatile. Spread it on white bread for the classic pimento cheese sandwich, serve it as a dip with crackers, crudités, or celery, dollop it on burgers and hot dogs, stuff it into jalapeños or deviled eggs, melt it into grits or grilled cheese, or spread it on a cracker as a quick snack. Keep a tub in the fridge and you'll find endless uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pimento cheese made of?
Grated sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and diced pimento peppers, plus seasonings like black pepper, cayenne, and garlic or onion powder.
Why grate the cheese yourself?
Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make the spread grainy; freshly grated cheese gives a creamier result.
How do you use pimento cheese?
As a sandwich filling, a dip, a burger topping, a stuffing for peppers or deviled eggs, or melted into grilled cheese and grits.