A Guide to Pimento Cheese in 2025

When it comes to classic Southern foods, pimento cheese holds a special place at the table. This creamy, cheesy spread has been a longtime favorite across the South and takes pride of place at potlucks, family gatherings and casual weeknight dinners alike. 

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this beloved dish, starting with the fascinating story of pimento cheese's origin and how it evolved into a staple of Southern kitchens. We’ll also take a look at some of the best pimento cheese brands you can buy today, plus tips on how to enjoy and even make your own.

Jump to Section

• What Is Pimento Cheese?
• The Best Ways to Eat Pimento Cheese
• How To Make Pimento Cheese at Home
• Best Pimento Cheese Recipes
• Is Pimento Cheese a Healthy Cheese?
• Pimento Cheese FAQs

What Is Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread made with just a few main ingredients: shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and sweet pimento peppers. People usually enjoy it with crackers, fresh veggies or in a classic pimento cheese sandwich, often served on soft, crustless bread.

You'll see it spelled a few different ways, like pimento cheese, pimiento cheese or even named after popular brands that make it. The peppers used come from the Spanish "pimiento," but "pimento" is the spelling most people use in English.

While the exact pimento cheese origin remains debated among food historians, it has deep roots in Southern American cuisine, where it evolved from simple beginnings into the beloved spread we know today. 

Some experts trace its popularity back to the early 1900s when pimentos became widely available in the United States. There are plenty of variations depending on personal taste. Some recipes add extras like hot sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic or onions. 

Just like with sweet tea, every Southern cook swears their version is the best, but really, they’re all delicious in their own way.

The History of Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese got its start in the early 1900s. The original recipe mixed Neufchâtel cheese with chopped pimento peppers and was sold in grocery stores across the country. When the First World War began, foods that were easy and cheap to make, like sandwich spreads, became really popular and pimento cheese was one of them.

At that time, canned pimentos from overseas were seen as a fancy item. But when farmers in Georgia started growing sweet peppers locally, pimentos became easier to find and pimento cheese became popular beyond just the Northeast. 

Over time, the recipe changed; shredded cheese was added, cream cheese was swapped out for homemade mayonnaise and what started as a simple pimento cheese spread turned into something people put real care into making.

After World War II, home cooks changed things up again. They started using hoop cheese or cheddar cheese instead of cream cheese and they mixed it with a generous amount of mayonnaise. From there, pimento cheese found its place at church picnics, school potlucks and even on the menus of some of the South’s best restaurants.

What Type of Cheese is Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is essentially a spread made with cheddar cheese and pimento peppers. People sometimes call it the “Southern pâté.” It’s creamy, cheesy, a little tangy and has a mild pepper flavor. 

The taste mainly comes from cheddar and cream cheese, but the pimentos give it a special tangy and slightly peppery twist. If you’ve ever tried pub cheese, queso or beer cheese, you’ll probably enjoy the rich, cheesy and slightly spicy flavor of pimento chees, too.

The Best Ways to Eat Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a super versatile treat. You can spread it on stuff and it’s great as a topping for baked potatoes, broccoli and carrots. One of the most iconic ways to eat it is in a simple pimento cheese sandwich, especially on soft white bread. Many people also love pairing it with crunchy celery.

Pimento cheese makes a great party dip but it’s also fun to get creative with it. You can stuff it into deviled eggs, pile it onto a burger, mix it into biscuit dough or even layer it into a cheesy lasagna. 

If you’re feeling ambitious, trying an old-fashioned pimento cheese recipe at home can give you that perfect homemade flavor and it adds a vibrant Southern touch when planning cheese board ideas. However you serve it, pimento cheese always brings a cozy, nostalgic flavor to the table.

If you're looking for great store-bought options, exploring different pimento cheese brands can help you find your favorite. For example, the pimento cheese from Whole Foods is a fantastic choice.It’s made with a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey jack and tastes amazing. Another popular pick is Palmetto Cheese, available on Amazon. It's not too sweet, not too spicy and a great snack if you’re keeping an eye on your carbs.

Since pimento cheese is creamy and bold, it pairs really well with wine. Try it with a Syrah, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing rosé. If you’re a red wine fan, a rich, smooth Californian Cabernet also matches perfectly, bringing out the cheesy, peppery flavors in every bite.

How To Make Pimento Cheese at Home

While you can find pimento cheese at most grocery stores in the cheese or spread section, making it yourself is easy and there are lots of ways to do it. In fact, pimento cheese is probably one of the simplest cheeses you can whip up at home. The basic pimento cheese ingredients are usually cheddar cheese, cream cheese and pimentos, but the seasonings can vary depending on who's making it.

Use a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, some mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and, of course, pimiento peppers. If you like a little heat, you can toss in some chopped jalapeños too. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pimento cheese has a rich cheddar and cream cheese taste with a tangy, slightly spicy kick from the pimentos. If you enjoy spreads like pub cheese, beer cheese or queso, you'll probably love this creamy, flavorful mix too. 

Plus, the flavor gets even better after it sits for a while, so you can make it ahead of time for parties, lunches or snacks. If you're looking for a truly authentic taste, trying an old-fashioned pimento cheese recipe is the best way to experience the traditional flavors this cheese is known for.

Best Pimento Cheese Recipes

As we’ve established, pimento cheese is a Southern favorite that works great as a dip, spread, or topping. Its versatility is what makes it so beloved across different occasions and meals. Here are some fun and delicious ways you can enjoy it.

Classic Pimento Cheese Spread

Sometimes, nothing beats the simple, traditional pimento cheese spread. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to whip up and enjoy in so many ways. Spread it on celery sticks for a crunchy, low-carb snack or pile it onto crackers for a quick appetizer. 

It also makes a fantastic sandwich filling, especially when tucked between two slices of soft white bread. For the best flavor and texture, shred your own cheese at home instead of using pre-shredded cheese from the store. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a richer taste.

Pimento Cheese Cookies

Pimento cheese cookies are a fun and unexpected way to enjoy pimento cheese. To make them, you mix pimento cheese into a simple shortbread dough along with chopped pecans and a spoonful of strawberry preserves. 

The result is a soft, buttery cookie with a hint of tangy cheese and sweet fruit. If you want to change it up, feel free to swap the strawberry preserves with your favorite jelly or jam. Pepper jelly works great if you want your cookies to have a little spicy kick.

Southern Pimento Mac and Cheese

Pimento cheese can help you take your regular mac and cheese to a whole other level. When boiling your pasta, it’s a good idea to leave it slightly undercooked, because the cheesy sauce will continue to cook it once you mix everything together. 

For an even better texture, top the finished dish with toasted breadcrumbs before baking it briefly in the oven. This gives you a crispy topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese underneath.

Is Pimento Cheese a Healthy Cheese?

Generally speaking, pimento is a healthy cheese. For starters, pimento cheese ingredients contain several beneficial nutrients. 

You’ve got the cheese component, which provides calcium for strong bones and teeth, while the pimiento peppers contribute vitamin C and antioxidants that help support your immune system.

Another good thing about pimento cheese is that it’s packed with protein, which is important because it helps keep your blood sugar steady, supports your muscles and keeps you healthy overall. 

Just two ounces of pimento cheese can give you about seven grams of protein, making it a great addition to high-protein meals when you need a convenient but fun option. Plus, pimento cheese works well for people following a keto diet since it’s high in fat and low in net carbs.

Pimento Cheese FAQs

What Is Chick-Fil-a Pimento Cheese Made Of?

Chick-fil-A’s pimento cheese is a special side dish made with cheddar cheese, red pimentos and green chiles. 

You can order it as a side dish by itself or include it in catering orders for events and gatherings. It’s great for dipping waffle fries or nuggets or for spreading on biscuits, sandwiches and more.

Is Pimento Cheese a Southern Food?

Pimento cheese might have started in the northern United States, but today, it’s considered a true Southern classic. Over time, it became especially popular in the South, where it earned nicknames like “Carolina caviar” and “Southern pâté.” 

These fun names show just how beloved it is in the region. For more than 50 years, pimento cheese has been a common sight at family gatherings, picnics and parties across the South.

Why Do Southerners Love Pimento Cheese?

Whether you grew up with a tub of pimento cheese always in the fridge or you’re just now discovering its charm, there’s something timeless about this cheesy favorite that keeps it firmly rooted in Southern kitchens. 

One of the major reasons why pimento cheese became a Southern favorite is that it didn’t spoil easily even when left out for a while, which made it perfect for workers who needed to pack lunches. 

It was practical, but it also became a popular choice in fancier places like tea rooms, where it was often served as a stylish sandwich filling. Over time, pimento cheese became more than just a convenient food, it turned into a comfort food, tied to memories of home, family and community events.

In the South, pimento cheese is practically everywhere you look and for good reason. It's incredibly versatile and always delicious, whether spread on a sandwich, melted on a juicy cheeseburger or served as a dip with crackers. 

It’s also a wonderful homemade gift and if you're headed to a tailgate or family gathering, bringing along some pimento cheese is a surefire way to impress. Whether you stick with the traditional recipes or explore different pimento cheese brands, there's no wrong way to enjoy this beloved dish. 

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