Why You’ll Love this Southern Pimento Cheese
Southerners, let me tell you, pimento cheese is practically a religion down here, and this recipe might just make you a true believer.
The perfect balance of sharp cheddar and creamy monterey jack creates a texture that’s both chunky and smooth, while those bright red pimentos add a pop of color and mild sweetness.
What makes this version special? It’s the unexpected crunch from pecans, and that hint of heat from Tabasco that tingles without overwhelming.
Plus, the technique of processing just part of the mixture gives you that ideal spreadable consistency—perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or (don’t judge me) eating straight from the container with a spoon.
What Ingredients are in Southern Pimento Cheese?
Let’s talk about what makes a truly authentic Southern pimento cheese so irresistibly delicious. This classic spread doesn’t require fancy ingredients—just good quality basics that come together to create something much greater than the sum of its parts.
The magic happens when sharp, tangy cheese meets creamy mayo and those distinctive red pimentos, creating that signature spread that’s graced countless Southern tables for generations.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 (2 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4-1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really matters. Grab blocks of cheese and shred them yourself rather than using pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
The mayo question is often hotly debated among Southern cooks—some swear by Duke’s, others by Hellmann’s, but whatever you choose, just make sure it’s real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip.
And those pecans? They’re not traditional in every pimento cheese recipe, but they add a wonderful Southern twist and textural contrast that elevates this version to something truly special.
How to Make this Southern Pimento Cheese
Making pimento cheese is wonderfully simple, and this Southern classic comes together in just minutes.
Start by combining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of monterey jack cheese in a bowl with your dry seasonings: 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, dry mustard, and black pepper, plus just a pinch of sugar. Toss everything well to guarantee those flavorful spices are evenly distributed throughout the cheese. This step is vital—nobody wants a bland bite followed by an overly seasoned one.
Next, fold in your drained 2-ounce jar of diced pimentos along with 1/4 teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco. Now comes the creamy binding agent: add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise initially, mixing thoroughly, then continue adding more (up to 1/2 cup total) until you achieve a stiff, chunky consistency.
Here’s where the magic happens—take about half of this mixture and process it in a food processor until smooth and creamy. For the best results, invest in a premium food processor that can quickly achieve the perfect consistency without overprocessing. Using a blender combination appliance gives you versatility for all your kitchen preparations beyond just this recipe. This creates the perfect textural contrast when you fold it back into the chunkier portion. Finally, mix in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for that distinctive Southern touch.
While you can certainly jump right in (and honestly, who could resist?), this is one of those dishes that truly benefits from a little patience. Store your finished pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld and develop.
The tangy cheese, spicy seasonings, and sweet pimentos need time to get acquainted properly. When you pull it out the next day, you’ll be rewarded with a spread that’s greatly more complex and harmonious than it was just hours before. That first bite spread on a buttery cracker? Pure Southern heaven.
Southern Pimento Cheese Substitutions and Variations
Traditional Southern pimento cheese offers a wonderful foundation, but the beauty of this humble spread lies in its adaptability.
I love swapping cheeses based on what’s in my fridge—try pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for depth, or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Not a pecan fan? Substitute walnuts or skip nuts entirely. Mayo alternatives like Greek yogurt create a tangier, lighter version.
For flavor variations, I might add roasted red peppers instead of pimentos, stir in fresh herbs like dill or chives, or spice it up with jalapeños.
The possibilities? Nearly endless, and that’s what makes this Southern classic so versatile.
What to Serve with Southern Pimento Cheese
When it comes to serving Southern pimento cheese, the possibilities stretch far beyond the classic sandwich.
I love offering it with buttery crackers, celery sticks, or pretzel rods for easy appetizers. It’s divine spread on warm biscuits or spooned into halved cherry tomatoes for a pop-in-your-mouth treat.
Want something heartier? Try it melted over burgers, stirred into hot pasta, or dolloped atop a baked potato.
My personal favorite? A grilled pimento cheese sandwich with crispy edges and that gooey, melty center. Talk about comfort food perfection.
For brunch, nothing beats pimento cheese stirred into scrambled eggs or spread on toast.
Final Thoughts
Though I’ve tried many variations over the years, Southern pimento cheese remains one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in food form.
There’s something magically comforting about the sharp cheddar melding with creamy mayo and those tiny red flecks of pimento.
What makes this recipe special? Perhaps it’s the balance of textures—some processed smooth, some left chunky—or maybe the hint of pecans adding unexpected depth.
Could it be the dash of Worcestershire that tingles the taste buds?
For a hearty meal option, consider pairing it with Ritz crackers for that perfect combination of creamy spread and satisfying crunch.
Whatever your preference, pimento cheese adapts to your style while staying true to its Southern roots.
Just like creamy mac and cheese, this Southern classic delivers simple comfort with every bite, bringing rich, satisfying flavor with minimal effort.
