This Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Recipe is so delicious and only uses 5 ingredients plus some spices. It's an Old Fashioned Southern Classic and takes just 10 minutes to prep with no cooking required. An absolute must try cheese spread!
I grew up in the South, but my family was from New York, and never made Southern food, and I was always to scared to try Pimento Cheese as a kid. What a mistake and man was I missing out!
This recipe is one of my favorites because I love the hint of spice the jalapeño brings to the party. Plus, you can prep this recipe in minutes.
For more Old Fashioned Southern recipes, make sure to try these Stewed Potatoes, Mini Banana Pudding Cups, Country Style Boneless Pork Ribs, Creole Deviled Eggs, and Chicken Dumpling Soup.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make. Just a bit of chopping and shredding is required for this recipe. Then, mix it together and serve! No cooking needed and 10 minutes of prep time.
- Minimal Ingredients Needed. Only 5 simple ingredients, plus common pantry spices are used for this recipe.
- Versatile. Jalapeño Pimento Cheese is great to serve for parties as a spread on crackers or veggies, or to top burgers or grilled cheese sandwiches, or even use it for Mac and cheese. It's amazing!
- Prep it Ahead. Whether you're having a party or headed to the beach, prep this a day ahead for an easy snack to pack or quick appetizer idea.
For more snack recipes, try this Pineapple Pico De Gallo, Watermelon Fries with Yogurt Dip, Cowboy Caviar, and Marshmallow Fruit Dip.
Ingredients:
Cream Cheese: The base of the pimento cheese dip and brings in a creamy, tangy taste. Make sure to allow it to soften for 20-30 minutes prior to mixing. This will make it much easier to combine all the ingredients properly.
Mayonnaise: Another creamy addition for the base. If you like your pimento cheese dip on the thinner side, you may want to add a few extra tablespoons of mayonnaise. Hellmann's or Duke's mayonnaise both work great in this recipe and it just depends on your preference.
Cheddar Cheese: My favorite part of pimento cheese. It's extremely important to shred your own and do not buy the pre-shredded cheese in the bag. The texture of the final product will be off because it contains anti-caking agents. Also, the sharper the cheddar you can find, the better.
Pimento: Sweet red peppers, most commonly known as the inside of green olives. You can find these in a small jar, usually in the pasta isle.
Jalapeno: Brings spice and crunch to the party. If you want it on the mild side, be sure to remove the seeds and membranes of the pepper.
Spices: A combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika add extra flavor into dip.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations:
If you're looking for extra spicy, add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the mix.
To make the dip thinner, stir in a few more tablespoons of mayonnaise.
How to Make Jalapeño Pimento Cheese:
Step 1: Allow the cream cheese to soften on the countertop for 20 minutes prior to starting the recipe. Grate the cheddar cheese on the larger section of the cheese grater. Mince the jalapeño and make sure to wear gloves or wash your hands well after.
Step 2: Add the cheddar cheese, jalapeño, pimentos, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and spices into the stand mixer bowl, or use a large bowl with hand mixer.
Step 3: Using the beater attachment, combine on medium low speed for a few minutes until fully combined. Place covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy with crackers, veggies and more!
Expert Tips:
- Shred the cheddar cheese, instead of buying pre-shredded for the best taste and texture.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften on the countertop for 20-30 minutes prior to starting the recipe, to make it easier to blend into the other ingredients.
For more Summer recipes, try this Iced Tea with Mint, Orange Juice Lemonade, Chicken Salad on Croissants, Ancient Grain Farro Salad, and Cantaloupe Salad.
Recipe FAQs:
It's tastes like a creamy spreadable version of sharp cheddar cheese with a bit of spice from the jalapeño. It's delicious!
It's a simple combination of mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos. This recipe includes some pantry spices and jalapeño for heat and crunch.
The most common way to eat pimento cheese is as a spread for crackers or veggies. More out of the box ideas are lather in on a sandwich, or this sourdough grilled cheese, and it into stuffed peppers, or Mac and cheese!
Store in a sealed container in the fridge and enjoy for up to 3-4 days.
More Dip Recipes You Will Love:
If you tried this Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
PrintRecipe
Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
Description
This Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Recipe is so delicious and only uses 5 ingredients plus some spices. It's an Old Fashioned Southern Classic and takes just 10 minutes to prep with no cooking required. An absolute must try cheese spread!
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds, stem and membranes removed)
- 8 ounce block of sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened for 30 minutes at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons jarred pimentos
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Allow the cream cheese to soften on the countertop for 20 minutes prior to starting the recipe. Grate the cheddar cheese on the larger section of the cheese grater. Mince the jalapeño and make sure to wear gloves or wash your hands well after.
- Add the cheddar cheese, jalapeño, pimentos, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and spices into the stand mixer bowl, or use a large bowl with hand mixer.
- Using the beater attachment, combine on medium low speed for a few minutes until fully combined. Place covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Serve and enjoy with crackers, veggies and more!
Notes
- Shred the cheddar cheese, instead of buying pre-shredded for the best taste.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften on the countertop for 20-30 minutes prior to starting the recipe, to make it easier to blend into the other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: southern
Holly says
I can’t believe how easy this was and it tasted so good! Thanks for the recipe.
Tara Smithson says
Thank you! I’m a sucker for buying store bought sometimes, but it really is so easy & much fresher tasting!