There’s something absolutely timeless about Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with bold flavors, this classic Southern spread is both comfort food and a crowd-pleaser, packing nostalgia into every bite. Whether you’re slathering it on crackers for an afternoon snack or tucking it between slices of pillowy bread, Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese offers a simple, soulful taste you’ll want to share at every occasion.

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese recipe has its own special role, bringing color, flavor, and just the right texture. With a humble handful of real, down-to-earth ingredients, you’ll build the kind of incredible cheese dip that you can’t help but crave again and again.

Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded for a classic, tangy bite and brilliantly rich color.
Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a mellow creaminess and extra melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Mayonnaise: The secret to luscious, creamy consistency; feel free to adjust for your perfect spreadability.
Jarred diced pimentos: The star ingredient with subtle sweetness and gorgeous red flecks throughout the cheese.
Garlic powder: Adds just a hint of savory warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion powder: Contributes an irresistible depth and just a little Southern zing.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For a feisty touch of heat; add more or less depending on your spice comfort zone.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Gives the spread a balanced, gentle kick with earthy notes.
Dijon mustard (optional): A little goes a long way to punch up tanginess and complexity.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese

Step 1: Shred the Cheese

Start by shredding your own cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This small step really makes a difference in how creamy and authentic the final spread turns out, since fresh shreds avoid the additives often found in pre-shredded cheese (those can make the mixture a bit grainy). Pile your beautiful golden cheese into a large mixing bowl—this is the flavorful foundation for your Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese.

Step 2: Mix in the Flavor Makers

Add the mayonnaise, diced pimentos (make sure they’re well-drained), garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you like heat), salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard if you want an extra flicker of tang. These savory and spicy extras infuse the cheese with layers of taste in every spoonful, transforming this dip into something totally craveable.

Step 3: Stir Until Creamy

Using a sturdy spatula or large spoon, gently stir everything together until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fully blended. It’s fine if there are small streaks of red pimento and flecks of seasoning—they’re a signature of the homemade style. If you like, taste and tweak the seasoning or mayo for your favorite texture.

Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Patience pays off here! Cover your bowl and refrigerate the Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese for at least one hour. This resting time lets all the flavors meld, so your spread is extra delicious by the time you serve it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, give it one last gentle stir and your Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese is ready to shine. Spoon it into a serving bowl, garnish if you wish, and watch it disappear in no time, whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese

Garnishes

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese looks even more inviting with a bit of flair. I love sprinkling the top with extra shredded cheddar, a dash of paprika, or a couple of finely sliced green onions. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley also add a burst of color and a herby lift, perfect for freshening up the rich cheese spread.

Side Dishes

You truly can’t go wrong with an array of crunchy crackers or toasted baguette rounds for scooping. For something on the lighter side, serve with celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or colorful sweet bell pepper strips. This Southern staple also shines alongside a bowl of tomato soup, or as the star of a picnic with pickles and potato chips.

Creative Ways to Present

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese is far more versatile than the usual spread. It upgrades simple sandwiches, stuffs perfectly into celery ribs, and makes for an unforgettable grilled cheese or burger topping. You can even dollop it onto deviled eggs, swirl it into macaroni, or add it to a charcuterie board for a showstopping appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For those rare occasions when there’s some left, simply scoop your Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It keeps incredibly well for up to five days, staying fresh and flavorful for quick snacks or easy lunches.

Freezing

While cheese spreads aren’t always freezer-friendly, you can freeze Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese in a pinch. Place it in a tightly sealed container, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw in the fridge before serving, but keep in mind the texture may be a touch less creamy. Give it a good stir and maybe add a spoonful of mayo to bring it back to life.

Reheating

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed for a classic experience. However, if you want to use it as a warm dip or sandwich melt, gently heat it on low in a nonstick pan while stirring, just until gooey (don’t boil or microwave too long—this can separate the cheeses).

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese to make Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese?

You *can* use pre-shredded cheese in a pinch, but shredding your own block cheese gives the best texture and creaminess. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can make the spread less smooth.

Is Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese spicy?

Not necessarily! The optional cayenne pepper gives you control over the heat; you can omit it for a milder spread or add a pinch extra for more zing. Most classic versions are only mildly warm, focusing instead on their rich, tangy character.

What’s the best way to serve Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese at a party?

Go for bite-sized servings! Spoon dollops onto cucumber slices, fill crisp celery sticks, or serve alongside a rainbow of crackers and toasts. It also makes a fantastic element on charcuterie or appetizer platters.

Can I make Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, chilling it for an hour or more is encouraged to allow the flavors to meld. You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance, making it a convenient choice for parties or quick snacks throughout the week.

How do I keep Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese from being too runny or too thick?

If your spread is a touch too runny, add a little extra shredded cheese to thicken it up. Too thick? Stir in a bit more mayonnaise (a teaspoon at a time) until you get the texture you love.

Final Thoughts

Few things say comfort and tradition like a generous bowl of Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese. Whether it’s your first time trying this Southern favorite or you grew up with it at every gathering, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll find it’s as easy as it is irresistible. Share it with friends and family, or just treat yourself; some recipes really are classics for a reason!

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic and flavorful recipe for Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese, a beloved Southern cheese spread perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or as a dip. Creamy, tangy, and with a hint of spice, this homemade version is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)

Additional Ingredients:

½ cup mayonnaise
4 oz jarred diced pimentos (drained)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Cheeses: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Add Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard.
Mix Well: Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Serve chilled as a spread with crackers, on sandwiches, or as a dip.

Notes

For the best texture and flavor, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
You can adjust the mayonnaise amount to suit your preferred consistency.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Southern American