There’s something magical about the moment you dip a cracker into a bowl of creamy, sharp, three-cheese goodness, studded with sweet pimentos and just a kick of jalapeño heat. One bite and you’ll understand why this Southern classic never goes out of style.
This Pimento Cheese Spread earns its spot in your regular rotation because it takes just five minutes and zero cooking to pull together. It’s endlessly versatile, too, since you can scoop it up with crackers, pile it onto a sandwich, or stuff it into celery for an easy snack. Best of all, it keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a batch and have a crowd-ready appetizer on hand whenever you need one.
Helpful Tips
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded bags of cheese are coated in anti-caking agents that keep the spread from getting that smooth, creamy texture, so grating it yourself makes a real difference.
- Save the pickling liquid: Don’t skip the tablespoons of pimento and jalapeño juice. They loosen the spread to the perfect consistency and add extra tang.
- Let the flavors mingle: Pimento cheese always tastes better after it has had a few hours, or even overnight, in the fridge for the spices and peppers to fully blend in.
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Pimento Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese finely grated
- 4 ounce medium cheddar cheese finely grated
- 4 ounce pepper jack cheese finely grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup jarred diced pimentos plus 1-2 tablespoons of the pickling liquid
- 2 tablespoons jarred diced jalapeños plus 1-2 tablespoons of the pickling liquid
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the grated cheeses, mayo, pimentos, jalapenos and seasonings. Taste and adjust seasoning so you see fit.
- Transfer to an airtight storage container and refrigerate until ready to eat. Serve with crackers.
Nutrition
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.