Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe (2024)

Published: Nov 17, 2023 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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This Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe is the perfect easy recipe to share with your family and friends. It's made with simple ingredients and has a creamy texture that's loaded with so much cheesy goodness. Be sure to give it a try soon!

If you're craving more delicious appetizers, then try making a batch of Easy Deviled Eggs, Pepperoni Pizza Dip, or some Curry Hummus.

There are some recipes that I'll never forget from my childhood. Pimento cheese is definitely one of those recipes.

It was usually made with leftover cheese and kept in the refrigerator to spread onto some saltine crackers. My dad would usually take some with him whenever he went fishing. It's so simple and humble, but a really delicious cheese spread. It can be made in many different ways, with different ingredients and seasoning combinations. But today I'm going to spend a little time sharing the way that I'm most familiar with.

Let's get started!

Why You'll Love This Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe

• It is simple to make with a few basic ingredients.
• It makes a great appetizer option when paired with crackers and raw vegetables. Create a delicious snack board using it!
• Perfect to make in advance saving you time when it comes to entertaining.

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Cheddar Cheese- The secret ingredient needed to make pimento cheese dip. Be sure to use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a sharp and extra pronounced cheesy taste that pairs well with this recipe. Instead of grabbing the bagged pre-shredded cheese, use a block of cheese and a box grater to shred it yourself. I promise it only takes a few extra minutes for the best results.
2. Gouda Cheese- Not necessarily traditional in pimento cheese, but adding it gives it a smokey, creamy, and buttery taste that takes it to the next level. Prepare the grated cheese yourself with a box grater.
3. Pimento Peppers- The star of the best pimento cheese recipe! Can be easily located at any grocery store in the aisle with the condiments usually by the jarred dill pickles and green olives. This ingredient provides a mild and sweet element that pairs well with the sharp and smokey cheese.
4. Sour Cream- Helps the dip ingredients to stick together and make it creamy and slightly tart.
5. Mayonnaise- Adds a dose of fat and a slight twang to the cheese that pairs really well with the rest of the ingredients. Use any brand that you prefer and have on hand.
6. Old Bay Seasoning- A spice blend with a bold and unique flavor that provides a twist on this classic southern staple.
7. Smoked Paprika- Adds a woodsy, smokey, and slightly spicy flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the cheese. Cayenne pepper could be used instead if you prefer more heat.
8. Salt- Bring out the flavors of the ingredients in the delicious dip and prevent them from tasting flat.
9. Ground Black Pepper- Try to use freshly ground black pepper to add a small bit of spice to the recipe.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Step By Step Instructions

Begin the homemade pimento cheese spread by grabbing a box grater or food processor and shredding the extra-sharp cheddar cheese and smoked gouda cheese. Try not the shred it too fine.

Using a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cheddar cheese, gouda cheese, pimentos, sour cream, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper.

Use a large wooden spoon to stir all of the ingredients together until they are fully combined. Taste and add more salt and ground black pepper if needed. You may also add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce at this point for a little kick.

Cover the large bowl tightly with plastic wrap, place the pimento cheese in the refrigerator, and allow it to chill for at least an hour before serving. When ready to serve, simply remove it from the refrigerator and transfer it to a serving bowl.

Pair it with crackers and celery sticks, or use it to make finger sandwiches or even a grilled cheese sandwich. Enjoy!

​Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Grate the cheese yourself using a box grater instead of using the pre-shredded bagged cheese. Trust me, it combines so much better and doesn't contain any additional ingredients or preservatives.
• If you'd like to add or adjust the ingredients more to your preference, try adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or crushed red pepper.
• There are many cheddar cheese options available but instead of grabbing mild cheddar, I urge you to stick with extra sharp, super sharp, or seriously sharp cheddar cheese. You can use yellow or white cheese.
• For a more thick and creamy cheesy spread, you may substitute cream cheese for sour cream in the same unit of measure. Just be sure to allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easier mixing. Use a hand mixer to smooth out the cream cheese before adding any other ingredients.

Storage

If you have any leftover delicious pimento cheese, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It taste even better the next day.

Place it between two slices of white bread for the ultimate pimento cheese sandwiches. This cheese can be made a day in advance. I do not recommend freezing pimento cheese or storing it for longer than a week.

More Recipes You'll Love

• Easy Deviled Eggs
• Pepperoni Pizza Dip
• Toffee Snickerdoodle Dip
• Cheddar Bay Biscuits
• Cheddar Herb Biscuits
• Stovetop White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
• Corned Beef Grilled Cheese
• Southern Mac and Cheese

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe