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About This Recipe
If you grew up anywhere in the South, there’s a good chance you’re family has a pimento cheese recipe and I’m so excited to finally share my own recipe! This is my favorite pimento cheese recipe that’s full of bold flavor but lightened up just a bit to make it a little more calorie-friendly!
But just because it’s lightened up doesn’t mean it’s lacking for flavor or texture! The key to the best pimento cheese? Using freshly shredded cheese. Trust me on this! You want to take the few extra minutes to shred a block of extra sharp cheddar cheese. The pre-shredded just doesn’t taste the same!
Plus, there are so many ways to enjoy this cheesy spread! Enjoy it as a dip with your favorite crackers, crostini, pita chips, or favorite veggies. You can also enjoy it between two slices of bread (highly recommend toasting like a grilled cheese), top your favorite burger with it to make the best, ooey gooey cheeseburger or mix it with your scrambled eggs for the best, cheesy eggs!
If you’re looking for more healthy delicious dip recipes, try my Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip, Cottage Cheese Queso, Whipped Feta or Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Why You’ll Love This Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Bold flavor: Thanks to extra sharp cheddar and just the right balance of pimentos, jalapeño, and seasoning, this creamy spread is packed with bold, tangy flavor that makes it irresistible!
- Lightened up: Made with light cream cheese and light mayo but still keeps the classic richness you know and love!
- Versatile: Enjoy this cheesy dip with your favorite crackers, chips, veggies, as a sandwich or on top of a big juicy burger!
- Quick & easy: Made with just a few simple ingredients and one bowl this easy recipe comes together in just minutes but taste so decadent!
- Crowd pleaser: Whether it’s game day, a picnic, or just lunch, everyone loves this southern delicacy!
- Cheese: I used a block of Wisconsin extra sharp cheddar cheese—don’t skip the block! Pre-shredded just doesn’t hit the same. The extra sharp flavor is key here and gives that bold, tangy bite that makes this pimento cheese so good.
- Cream cheese: Using light cream cheese keeps things creamy while also keeping this pimento cheese a little lighter. You can also use regular cream cheese. Make sure to let it soften to room temperature before mixing for so it blends easily.
- Light mayo: If you’re from the South, you know there’s no other option than Duke’s mayonnaise. I used Duke’s light mayo to help lighten it up but any regular or light mayo will work!
- Onion powder and black pepper: Just a little amount of seasoning is all this recipe needs to allow for the cheese and pimento flavor to really shine.
- Pimento peppers: You can’t have pimento cheese without them! I used diced pimentos from the jar—just make sure to drain well so it doesn’t make your pimento cheese watery.
- Jalapeno: For just a pop of heat. You adjust the amount depending on your spice level, or omit completely but I love how the spice helps balance out all the creamy, richness.
- Optional for serving: White bread, dill pickles, potato chips, pita chips, crackers, etc.
- Crunch: For added crunch, add in diced celery, red bell pepper or chopped dill pickles
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with a combination of cheeses! Try adding white cheddar, parmesan cheese, colby jack, pepper jack, etc.
- Spice: Add a little bit of hot sauce or dash of cayenne pepper to give this creamy dip a spicy kick!
- Bacon: Toss in some chopped cooked bacon for added smoky flavor.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Shred the cheese with a box grater. Set aside.
2. Add the softened cream cheese, mayo, black pepper and onion powder to a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
3. Beat in the pimentos and jalapeno.
4. Add the shredded cheese
5. Use a spatula or spoon to stir until mixed in.
6. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours so the flavors can really come together! Serve with crackers/chips for an appetizer or snack, or make into a sandwich and enjoy!
Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Ways To Enjoy
There are SO many delicious ways to enjoy this pimento cheese!
- Grilled cheese sandwich: Spread pimento cheese between two slices of bread and toast on each side to make the most delicious grilled pimento cheese sandwiches!
- Cracker and chips: Enjoy this cheese spread with your favorite chips or crackers!
- Veggies: Enjoy with carrot sticks, celery, red peppers, etc. for a lighter option!
- Pimento cheeseburger: The perfect creamy, cheesy topping for your favorite burgers
- Scrambled eggs: Mix in with eggs for the easiest, most flavorful cheesy scrambled eggs
- Baked potato: Stuff in a fluffy, baked potato for the seriously delicious loaded potato!
Do I have to use Duke’s brand of mayonnaise?
No, you don’t have to use Duke’s brand! Any brand of mayonnaise will work I just used Duke’s since it’s the most popular brand in the south.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Technically, yes—but I HIGHLY recommend shredding your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that affects the taste and texture. Freshly shredded gives a smoother, creamier blend and stronger flavor.
Can I freeze this pimento cheese?
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. Due to the cream cheese and mayo, the texture changes after freezing so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
My Favorite Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Wisconsin extra sharp cheddar cheese block
- 2 oz. light cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Duke’s light mayo (120g)
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp onion powder
- 4 oz. jar pimentos drained well
- 1 jalapeno seeds removed & minced, about 1-2 Tbsp
- Optional for serving: sandwich bread, pickles, potato chips, crackers, etc.
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Instructions
- Shred the cheese with a box grater. Set aside.
- Add the cream cheese, mayo, black pepper and onion powder to a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Beat in the pimentos and jalapeno.
- Add the shredded cheese and use a spatula or spoon to stir until mixed in.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours so the flavors can really come together!
- Serve with crackers/chips for an appetizer or snack, or make into a sandwich and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
