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.
Jump to:
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.
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, our Pimento Cheese Ball, or add it to your Picnic Charcuterie Board.
These little appetizers in phyllo shells have a sprinkle of bacon on top and they will be the first to go at any party. You can also try these with this Pepper Jack Pimento Cheese for some extra kick!
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! This one is really good with our Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese.
It also makes a natural addition to our Southern Style Grazing Board.
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.
📖 Recipe
Spicy & Smoky Pimento Cheese
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.
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.
Biana says
This pimento cheese looks perfect! Such a great party appetizer.
Pam says
Thank you, Biana.
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
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.
Pam says
Kind of a throwback, huh? My mom always made it when we were growing up too!
veenaazmanov says
This is so very interesting. Perfect party type dish. Cheesy options are my favorite. I love it.
Pam says
Thanks so much, Veena!
Stephanie says
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!
Pam says
Hi Stephanie, Celery sticks and some type of crackers are traditional, but you can let your imagination go wild. Pimento cheese makes everything better!
Nancy says
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. .
Pam says
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!