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    Home » Southern Classics » Spicy and Smoky Pimento Cheese

    Published: Mar 12, 2019 · Modified: Sep 17, 2021 by Pam

    Spicy and Smoky Pimento Cheese

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    Homemade pimento cheese with a smoky twist and a spicy kick is perfect for snacks and sandwiches on its own. Use it in any recipe that calls for pimento cheese as an ingredient, and take your dish up a notch or two.

    Spicy & Smoky homemade pimento cheese

    Homemade pimento cheese was a staple in our house when I was growing up – especially in the summertime. Mama made the traditional type with just a little mayo, salt and pepper, and a good dash of apple cider vinegar.

    Over the years when I’ve heard people say they don’t like pimento cheese I could never understand. But then, one day I got a taste of that stuff in a tub that was sold in groceries back in the 60’s and 70’s. That’s when I got it. If that’s all you’ve ever had, do yourself a favor and try the real thing.

    Be sure to sign up now to get weekly updates delivered directly to you. We’ll treat you like family.

    Homemade Pimento Cheese with a smoky twist and a spicy kick is perfect for snacks and sandwiches on its own. Use it in any recipe calling for Pimento Cheese as an ingredient to take your dish up a notch or two.

    Simply spread it on a cracker or a crostini and you’ve got the snack perfect to go with a cold beer or a tall glass of iced tea. Add it to a buffet in an elegant dish surrounded with vegetables and water biscuits and our Spicy Pimento Cheese is special enough for any occasion.

    Pimento Cheese as an ingredient in other recipes

    We have several recipes right here on Biscuits and Burlap that call for pimento cheese. If there’s no time to make homemade we do love small batch Proper Pepper made right here in Georgia, but sold all over. If you don’t find it in your local store, ask for it!

    But, when we have just the few minutes it takes we do love to make it at home.  Make a double batch to snack on and then use the rest in recipes like Burger Sliders Stuffed With Pimento Cheese or our Pimento Cheese Ball. 

    These little appetizers in phyllo shells have a sprinkle of bacon on top and they will be the first to go at any party.

    For the best of Southern flavors in one delicious warm-from-the-oven bite you’ll want to make Pimento Cheese Biscuits.

    And best of all is our sandwich, The Spicy Southerner! It combines our Fried Green Tomatoes, Bacon Jam and Pimento Cheese for a little bit of heaven on two slices of bread!

    It also makes a natural addition to our Southern Style Grazing Board.

    Spicy & Smoky homemade pimento cheese

    The spiciness can be toned down a bit

    I know what some of you are thinking…. I just can’t take it that spicy. Now you know that here at B&B we love spicy foods. And, this pimento cheese packs a pretty good punch.

    If you like a kick, but not too much, here are a couple of suggestions:  Leave out the additional diced pickled jalapeno peppers. If you do that, add an extra teaspoon of cider vinegar. You could also leave out the cayenne pepper, but we do think cheddar and cayenne are a magical combination.

    Have you ever had cheese straws and loved them? They almost always have a tad of cayenne, and our recipe is no exception. You can get to it here. 

    Rotisserie Chicken Salad Buffalo Style is another recipe that can be made spicy or not. Add just enough hot sauce to make it interesting, or add a lot to kick it up!

    Don’t leave out the smoky Tabasco, because that’s a key ingredient in giving our pimento cheese it’s smokiness (alternatively you could add a drop or two of liquid smoke). The same goes for the smoked paprika, and it doesn’t add any heat anyway. 

    It goes without saying that Pimento Cheese is the ultimate southern recipe. If that rings true with you, you’ll have an interest in Southern Food Then and Now. 

    This recipe made the suggested list for the Backyard BBQ Menu Ideas. You’ll want to visit for lots of other recipes as well as tips, tricks and planning help for your cookout.

    Spicy & Smoky homemade pimento cheese

    Spicy & Smoky Pimento Cheese

    Homemade Pimento Cheese kicked up a notch with smoky tones and a good punch of heat. 
    4.84 from 24 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
    • 4 ounces freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese
    • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
    • ½ cup mayonaisse
    • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
    • 6-8 slices pickled jalapeno slices diced finely (optional)
    • 2 ounce jar diced pimentos
    • ½-1 teaspoon Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce could substitute 1-2 drops liquid smoke

    Instructions
     

    • Stir all ingredients together except jalapeno slices and pimentoes until well blended.
    • Add jalapeno slices and pimentoes and stir gently.
    • Refrigerate at least 2 hours and preferably overnight to blend flavors.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Spicy & Smoky homemade pimento cheese

    We just know y’all are going to love this recipe as much as we do. Be sure to tag us on Instagram or Facebook when you make it. That makes our day! Heck, it makes our week!

    Don’t forget to sign up right here for your weekly updates. We wouldn’t want you to miss anything. 

    A few more Southern Recipes You’ll Want to Try!

    • Southern Appetizer Board
      Southern Appetizer Board
    • wings with beer in back
      Grilled Chicken Wings: Cajun Style
    • tacos with sauce and tomatoes
      Grilled Fish Tacos with Baja Sauce
    • Mini Strawberry Shortcake
      Strawberry Shortcake Mini’s
    • goat cheese appetizers in rows on rack
      Goat Cheese Appetizers with Roasted Tomatoes
    • filet mignon sauce over steak on plate
      Bourbon Peppercorn Sauce for Steaks

    Categories: Appetizers Tags: appetizers

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela says

      March 14, 2019 at 8:11 am

      5 stars
      I just LOVE Pimento Cheese! This turned out absolutely divine and will my go-to recipe in the future… I loved all of the flavors! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 14, 2019 at 8:20 am

        Oh, thank you so much, Angela! I’m positive you’re going to love it!

        Reply
    2. Kelly Anthony says

      March 14, 2019 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      I recently discovered homemade pimento cheese and I also wonder why people ever buy it in the store because it taste so different. Excited to try your smoky pimento cheese recipe.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 14, 2019 at 8:35 am

        Thanks, Kelly. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Jen says

      March 14, 2019 at 8:42 am

      5 stars
      Where has this been all of my life?! I love all things spicy and this looks like perfection.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 14, 2019 at 8:45 am

        Awwww, thanks Jen! We love it too.

        Reply
    4. Demeter says

      March 14, 2019 at 8:44 am

      5 stars
      This is a huge hit at parties! Always the first appetizer to go. Everyone loves it.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 14, 2019 at 8:45 am

        Wait until you try our spicy, smoky version! It will go even faster!

        Reply
    5. Rosa says

      March 14, 2019 at 8:55 am

      5 stars
      Mmm love that you combined 3 different cheeses (my weakness!). Sounds amazing. Will definitely try this one.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 14, 2019 at 9:23 am

        It’s a good one. Hope you love it, Rosa!

        Reply
    6. Doris says

      March 24, 2019 at 11:24 am

      5 stars
      I first tried Pimento cheese when I had it atop a hamburger in a little store front restaurant in Virginia . It was love at first bite to say the least! When I saw all the preservatives in store bought I knew I had to make my own. I concocted my own recipe and will try yours … love the idea of the smoked paprika and pepper jack cheese.. Mine is somewhat different in texture as I have not added cream cheese but certainly not opposed to that addition. I grate white and extra sharp yellow cheddar plus my secret ingredient which I make everyone guess what it is. By the way.. I grew up in Brooklyn NY and we Yankees can certainly enjoy Southern recipes which I love !! Thanks for a different twist on a great recipe. My Pimento cheese deprivation is finally over!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 26, 2019 at 8:09 am

        Your message made me smile, Doris. There are certainly lots of good versions of pimento cheese out there, and yours sounds wonderful too. I have a dear friend here in Georgia who grew up in the Bronx and she has become quite the pimento cheese lover herself.

        Reply
        • Doris says

          March 29, 2019 at 5:28 pm

          Hi Pam!
          I got my cheeses today and will make over the weekend. Hope you and yours have a great weekend and I will surely let you know how it turns out. Blessings.

          Reply
          • Pam says

            April 02, 2019 at 11:57 am

            Hi Doris, I bet your pimento cheese tured out to be great. Hope everyone loved it.

            Reply
    7. Kevin says

      June 08, 2020 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      I want to grab this from my screen and have it for snack today! I love a good dip for snack!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2020 at 1:16 pm

        haha… me, too! Thanks, Kevin

        Reply
    8. Kushigalu says

      June 08, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      5 stars
      Love this smoky twist and what a great recipe. Looks amazibgly delicious.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2020 at 1:50 pm

        Thanks so much, Kushigalu!

        Reply
    9. Jessica Formicola says

      June 08, 2020 at 1:51 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best pimento cheese recipe ever! We make it often and always get asked for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2020 at 2:02 pm

        That’s awesome to hear. Thanks, Jessica!

        Reply
    10. Gail Montero says

      June 08, 2020 at 1:55 pm

      5 stars
      How deliciously good! I can imagine so many uses for this tasty spread!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2020 at 2:03 pm

        Thank you, Gail!

        Reply
    11. Abigail Raines says

      June 08, 2020 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      Love the spicy and smoky flavors here! What a versatile and tasty spread indeed!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2020 at 2:03 pm

        Thanks, Abigail!

        Reply
    12. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      June 08, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      I haven’t had pimento cheese in soooo long. This sounds super delicious and I am tempted to put together some right now. Perfect for summer.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2020 at 6:47 pm

        Do it! You won’t be sorry….

        Reply
    13. Margi says

      August 08, 2020 at 4:02 pm

      Hi, wanted to make this soon and when I went to the farmer’s market he had home grown pimento. Had never seen one before so bought it and now it’s kinda what do I do now? If I dice this like the jars of pimento do I cook them and then use it in the cheese or do I leave it raw. Cook them in water or skillet with butter. Haven’t cut into it yet and am really antsy to make your pimento cheese. Help, hoping you have some answers.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        August 08, 2020 at 5:04 pm

        Hi Margi, I would not leave the pmento pepper raw. The ones you get in a jar are pickled, so if you have a few days I would dice your pepper and then pour hot vinegar over it and allow it to sit for a while. Otherwise, just cook gently in a little water until they’re tender.

        Reply
    14. Devy says

      March 29, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      This is surely our new sandwich filling. So creamy and cheesy with the spicy kick that makes it moreish. Perfect for me who loves chillies. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 30, 2021 at 9:29 am

        If you like a spicy kick you’ll love it.

        Reply
    15. Claudia Lamascolo says

      March 29, 2021 at 7:19 pm

      5 stars
      3 different cheeses? Sign me up as a taste tester 🙂 ..making this for Easter

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 30, 2021 at 9:28 am

        haha…. hope y’all enjoy!

        Reply
    16. Biana says

      March 29, 2021 at 8:53 pm

      5 stars
      This pimento cheese looks perfect! Such a great party appetizer.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 30, 2021 at 9:28 am

        Thank you, Biana.

        Reply
    17. Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says

      March 29, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars
      I love this pimento cheese! My mom used to make this in the 60s for parties! It’s great inside sandwiches too…not just for parties! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 30, 2021 at 9:28 am

        Kind of a throwback, huh? My mom always made it when we were growing up too!

        Reply
    18. veenaazmanov says

      March 29, 2021 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      This is so very interesting. Perfect party type dish. Cheesy options are my favorite. I love it.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 30, 2021 at 9:27 am

        Thanks so much, Veena!

        Reply
    19. Stephanie says

      June 08, 2021 at 3:55 pm

      What do you usually serve this with? I’m attending a “Southern party” and I think this is what I’m going to bring! Can’t wait!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 15, 2021 at 9:43 am

        Hi Stephanie, Celery sticks and some type of crackers are traditional, but you can let your imagination go wild. Pimento cheese makes everything better!

        Reply
    20. Nancy says

      July 04, 2021 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      WOW – is this pimento cheese good and addictive too. We love the spice and I made it just as directed. This pimento cheese will be our go-to recipe from now on. Served along with crackers and it made a wonderful appetizer for our 4th of July feast. .

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 05, 2021 at 9:23 am

        Yay! Thanks so much for letting us know Nancy. We really appreciate it when readers come back to leave a star rating and a review!

        Reply

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