Homemade spicy and smoky pimento cheese with a smoky twist and a spicy kick is perfect for snacks and sandwiches. Use it in any recipe that calls for pimento cheese as an ingredient, and take your dish up a notch or two.
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Homemade pimento cheese has been a staple in our house for generations. Growing up, Mama made the traditional pimento cheese with just a little mayo, salt and pepper, and a good dash of apple cider vinegar. Over the years, we've kicked it up a notch with a smoky twist and a spicy kick.
We love Smoky Pimento Cheese for its versatility and bold flavor. It's perfect for snacks, sandwiches, and as an ingredient in countless recipes. Simply spread it on a cracker or a crostini, and you've got a snack that pairs perfectly with a cold beer or a tall glass of iced tea.
Our favorite way to enjoy this pimento cheese spread is as part of a Southern-style spread. It's special enough for any occasion, from casual game days to fancy dinner parties.
This easy recipe comes together in just minutes, but the flavors deepen if you let it sit overnight. The combination of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and a hint of chipotle creates a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast - so we always make extra!
We bet this Smoky Pimento Cheese dip will become a go-to recipe in your house too. It's amazing in sandwiches, perfect for jazzing up burgers, and makes a great dip for everything from fresh veggies to crispy chips.
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Ingredient Notes
- Sharp cheddar cheese - Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture. This is the backbone of our spicy pimento cheese recipe.
- Pepper Jack cheese - Adds an extra layer of spiciness and creaminess to the mix.
- Cream cheese - Helps bind everything together and adds a smooth, creamy texture.
- Mayonnaise - Use your favorite brand. It adds richness to this classic southern spread.
- Apple cider vinegar - Just a touch brings a tangy brightness that balances the rich cheeses.
- Smoked paprika - This is key for the smoky flavor in our Smoky Pimento Cheese.
- Chipotle chili powder - Adds both heat and smokiness. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
- Cayenne pepper - Optional, but great if you like extra heat. Remember, a little goes a long way!
- Pickled jalapeno slices - These are optional too, but they add a nice texture and extra kick.
- Pimento peppers - It wouldn't be pimento cheese without these sweet red peppers! They add a sweet pepper flavor and that classic red speckle.
- Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce - This hot sauce adds another layer of smoky heat. You could substitute with a drop or two of liquid smoke if needed.
How to Make Smoky Pimento Cheese
- Prep your ingredients: Start by grating the sharp cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses with a box grater. Finely dice the pickled jalapeno slices if you're using them. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Combine the cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, add the grated cheddar, Pepper Jack, and softened cream cheese. Mix these together gently with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Add the wet ingredients: To the cheese mixture, add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Incorporate the spices: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix thoroughly.
- Add the rest of the ingredients: Gently fold in the diced pimentos and the finely diced pickled jalapenos (if using). Be careful not to overmix at this stage - you want to keep some texture.
- Taste and adjust: Give your Smoky Pimento Cheese a taste. If needed, adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add a bit more vinegar for tang, or more Tabasco for heat and smokiness.
- Let it rest: For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve: Your Smoky Pimento Cheese is now ready to enjoy! Serve it as a spread for crackers or sandwiches, use it as a dip, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes. Remember, it tastes best when allowed to come to room temperature before serving.
How to Serve Smoky Pimento Cheese
We have several recipes right here on Biscuits and Burlap that call for pimento cheese.
- Classic snack: Spread on crackers or crostini for a quick and delicious appetizer.
- Sandwiches: Pimento cheese sandwiches made with plain white bread are a southern classic. You can also use as a spread for your favorite sandwich. Try it in "The Spicy Southerner" with Fried Green Tomatoes and Bacon Jam for a true Southern delight.
- Burger Sliders: Stuff into burger patties before grilling for gooey, cheesy Burger Sliders Stuffed With Pimento Cheese.
- Cheese Ball: Form into a ball and roll in chopped nuts or herbs for an impressive party appetizer like we did in our Pimento Cheese Ball.
- Phyllo appetizers: Use it in these easy appetizers in phyllo shells with a sprinkle of crispy bacon for an elegant bite-sized treat.
- Biscuits: Incorporate into biscuit dough for savory Pimento Cheese Biscuits, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Grazing board: Add to your Southern Style Grazing Board along with cured meats, fruits, and other cheeses for a crowd-pleasing spread.
- Picnic Charcuterie: Include in your Picnic Charcuterie Board for a portable feast.
- Vegetable dip: Serve as a dip with fresh vegetable crudités like celery sticks for a healthier snack option.
More Pimento Cheese Recipes
Storage Recommendations
Store your Smoky Pimento Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 1 week. Give it a quick stir before serving.
For best results, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! To reduce the heat, leave out the diced pickled jalapeno peppers and the cayenne pepper. For a milder version, you can also reduce the amount of chipotle chili powder.
The smoky Tabasco is key for the signature smoky flavor. However, if you don't have it, you can substitute with 1-2 drops of liquid smoke. Don't leave it out completely, as it's crucial for the smoky taste.
While you can use pre-shredded cheese, we highly recommend grating your own. Freshly grated cheese melts better and doesn't contain the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties, resulting in a smoother texture.
It goes without saying that Pimento Cheese is the southern staple. 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.
Notes
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Angela says
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 🙂
Pam says
Oh, thank you so much, Angela! I'm positive you're going to love it!
Kelly Anthony says
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.
Pam says
Thanks, Kelly. Hope you enjoy!
Jen says
Where has this been all of my life?! I love all things spicy and this looks like perfection.
Pam says
Awwww, thanks Jen! We love it too.
Demeter says
This is a huge hit at parties! Always the first appetizer to go. Everyone loves it.
Pam says
Wait until you try our spicy, smoky version! It will go even faster!
Rosa says
Mmm love that you combined 3 different cheeses (my weakness!). Sounds amazing. Will definitely try this one.
Pam says
It's a good one. Hope you love it, Rosa!
Doris says
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!
Pam says
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.
Doris says
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.
Pam says
Hi Doris, I bet your pimento cheese tured out to be great. Hope everyone loved it.
Kevin says
I want to grab this from my screen and have it for snack today! I love a good dip for snack!
Pam says
haha... me, too! Thanks, Kevin
Kushigalu says
Love this smoky twist and what a great recipe. Looks amazibgly delicious.
Pam says
Thanks so much, Kushigalu!
Jessica Formicola says
This is the best pimento cheese recipe ever! We make it often and always get asked for the recipe!
Pam says
That's awesome to hear. Thanks, Jessica!
Gail Montero says
How deliciously good! I can imagine so many uses for this tasty spread!
Pam says
Thank you, Gail!
Abigail Raines says
Love the spicy and smoky flavors here! What a versatile and tasty spread indeed!
Pam says
Thanks, Abigail!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
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.
Pam says
Do it! You won't be sorry....
Margi says
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.
Pam says
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.
Devy says
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.
Pam says
If you like a spicy kick you'll love it.
Claudia Lamascolo says
3 different cheeses? Sign me up as a taste tester 🙂 ..making this for Easter
Pam says
haha.... hope y'all enjoy!