Classic southern pimiento cheese is a three-ingredient spread with a serious cult following. Sharp cheddar, drained pimientos, and mayonnaise come together in ten minutes, then an hour in the fridge does the rest. Creamy, savoury, and only 1g carbs per serving.
Ready for the easiest, most crowd-pleasing dip you’ll ever make? Say hello to this classic Southern Pimiento Cheese! With just three simple ingredients and ten minutes of prep, you can create a creamy, savory spread that’s bursting with cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect last-minute appetizer for any gathering or a delicious treat for a quiet afternoon. Forget the store-bought tubs; homemade is where the flavor is at!
Ingredients
• 1 ½ cups / 170g (6 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 jar, 4 ounces / 113g (4 oz), diced pimientos, drained
• ⅓ cup / 75g (2.65 oz) mayonnaise
• Assorted crackers, for serving
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded cheddar cheese, drained pimientos, and mayonnaise until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Remove from the refrigerator, give it a final stir, and serve chilled with your favorite assorted crackers.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Facts (per serving)
• Calories: 116
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrate: 1g
Pro Tips
• Grate Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest texture, buy a block of sharp cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the dip grainy.
• Add a Kick: A dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can add a wonderful depth of flavor and a little heat.
• Make it Creamier: For an extra tangy and rich version, substitute 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) of the mayonnaise with softened cream cheese.
• Beyond Crackers: This spread is fantastic on more than just crackers! Use it as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for burgers, or a dip for fresh veggies like celery and bell pepper sticks.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe
A: For the best and creamiest texture, it’s recommended to grate a block of sharp cheddar yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy dip.
Q: How can I make pimiento cheese spicy
A: To add a kick, you can mix in a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for more depth of flavor.
Q: Do I have to chill the pimiento cheese before serving
A: Yes, chilling the dip for at least one hour is a crucial step. This allows the flavors of the cheese, pimientos, and mayonnaise to meld together for the best taste.
Q: What can I serve with pimiento cheese besides crackers
A: This versatile spread is also delicious as a sandwich filling, a topping for burgers, or as a dip for fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper sticks.
Pro Tips
- Grate the cheddar from a block rather than buying it pre-shredded. Anti-caking agents in pre-grated cheese make the dip grainy instead of creamy.
- Refrigerate the mixed spread for at least 1 hour before serving. That chill time is when the pimientos, cheddar, and mayo properly meld into one flavour.
- For an extra tangy, rich version, swap 2 tablespoons of the mayonnaise for softened cream cheese. It thickens the spread and deepens the tang.
- A dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce all add welcome heat and depth without disturbing the keto macros.
- Serve it beyond crackers: it's excellent as a sandwich filling, a burger topping, or a dip for celery and bell pepper sticks. Leftovers keep about a week refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pimiento cheese keep?
Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good stir before serving, since the mayo can separate slightly as it sits.
Can I use pre-shredded cheddar?
You can, but the texture suffers. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that make the spread grainy, so grating from a block is worth the extra minute.
Is this pimiento cheese keto-friendly?
Yes. Each serving has just 1g carbs with 11g fat and 9g protein. Skip the crackers and serve it with celery, bell pepper sticks, or pork rinds to keep it keto.
Can I make it spicier?
A dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce gives it a warm kick. Add any of them during the initial mix so the heat distributes evenly.
Recipe card below.
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Classic Southern Pimiento Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Directions
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded cheddar cheese, drained pimientos, and mayonnaise until everything is evenly mixed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Remove from the refrigerator, give it a final stir, and serve chilled with your favorite assorted crackers.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest texture, buy a block of sharp cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the dip grainy.
- Add a Kick: A dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can add a wonderful depth of flavor and a little heat.
