This Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe is a Southern classic that never goes out of style. Made with extra-sharp cheddar, smoky gouda, and tangy pimentos, it's creamy, cheesy, and endlessly versatile. Serve it with crackers and veggies, tuck it into sandwiches, or melt it into a grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort food.
Updated September 2025 with new tips, FAQs, and clearer instructions to make this post more helpful. The recipe was originally posted on November 17, 2023.
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Growing up, pimento cheese was always in our fridge, ready to spread onto crackers or pack for a fishing trip. It's humble, simple, and nostalgic, yet with a few small upgrades, it becomes the kind of appetizer or snack your guests will ask for again and again.
Before You Make This
- Grate your own cheese - pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents and won't blend as smoothly.
- Choose sharp cheddar - the bolder the cheese, the more flavor your spread will have.
- Chill before serving - letting it rest for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld.
- Best tools - a box grater, mixing bowl, and sturdy wooden spoon.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese - bold, tangy, the base of traditional pimento cheese.
- Smoked Gouda - adds depth, creaminess, and a hint of smoke.
- Pimento Peppers - sweet, mild peppers that balance the cheese.
- Sour Cream - helps create a creamy consistency.
- Mayonnaise - classic richness with a little tang.
- Old Bay Seasoning - adds Southern spice and depth.
- Smoked Paprika - smoky warmth (swap for cayenne if you like heat).
- Salt + Black Pepper - to balance flavors.
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
📖 Recipe
Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Video
Equipment
- 1 box grater
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- ½ cup pimento peppers, chopped
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Shred the 1 ½ cups cheddar and ½ cup gouda using a box grater (avoid pre-shredded).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cheeses, ½ cup chopped pimentos, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayo, ½ teaspoon Old Bay, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until creamy and fully combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, add a dash of hot sauce if desired.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Spread on sandwich bread for the best pimento cheese sandwich.
- Scoop it onto a snack board with crackers, celery, and carrots, or serve alongside Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks for a classic Southern spread.
- Use as a burger topping alongside my Burger Sauce or pair with Southern Mac and Cheese at your next cookout.
- Make the ultimate grilled cheese by stuffing it between two buttery slices of bread.
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Recipe Tips & Variations
- Swap cream cheese for sour cream if you prefer a thicker spread.
- Add flavor with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or onion powder.
- For more spice, stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Stick with extra-sharp cheddar (white or yellow) for the best taste.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Flavor improves after a day as the ingredients meld.
- Do not freeze, dairy-based spreads don't thaw well.
FAQs
It uses classic Southern ingredients like sharp cheddar, mayo, and pimentos, similar to recipes served with Sweet and Sour Cabbage or other classic Southern sides.
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Prep it up to 24 hours in advance.
Swap smoked paprika for cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce.
Stick with extra-sharp cheddar for bold flavor. Gouda or Monterey Jack can be added for creaminess.
Spread it on toast, stir into scrambled eggs, or use as a baked potato topping.
Have you ever had Pimento Cheese? If so, let me know in the comments your favorite way to enjoy it. I'd love to hear more about your creations!
💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy eating!
Bibighaus Alexander J. says
Roast a red pepper
Remove skin and dice
This Leaves a little crunch
So much better then bought pimentos
Then proceed with recipe
LaKita says
Love this tip, thank you for sharing! Roasting your own red pepper for pimentos adds such a nice touch of flavor and texture. I’ll definitely have to try it that way next time! 🔥🫑✨