5 from 45 votes
Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Jalapeño Pimento Cheese is a creamy, spicy spread combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, diced pimentos, and fresh jalapeños. The mix is flavored with garlic powder, cayenne, and salt, resulting in a savory dip with a noticeable jalapeño heat and a smooth, spreadable texture. It's ideal served chilled alongside crackers or vegetables as a snack or appetizer with a bit of a spicy kick.
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings:
16
servings
Calories:
85 kcal
Course:
Appetizer, Snacks
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1-2 jalapeno pepper I always add two!
- 4 oz cream cheese ½ a block) softened, plain
- ¼ cup mayonnaise quality
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 3-4 TBSP Pimentos jarred, diced
- 5 oz cheddar cheese sharp
Instructions
- First off, decide how spicy you'd like your pimento cheese. The cayenne pepper will determine the spice as well as how many jalapeños you add and you add any jalapeño seeds to the dip. I always add 2 medium jalapenos to mine (most of the seeds removed) as well as 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne for some extra kick. For a more mild dip you can use sweet paprika in place of cayenne.
- Remove stems from jalapeños and cut in half. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Finely dice or mince.
- Soften cream cheese and combine with mayo, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Whip using an electric hand mixer (my method of choice) or mash well with a fork until well blended.
- Add diced/minced jalapeño and diced pimentos. Freshly grate sharp cheddar cheese and add to the bowl. Blend with a hand mixer on lowest setting or mix well with a fork.
- Allow to chill in the fridge until ready to dive in. It's great the first day and fantastic the next!
- Serve with an assortment of crackers and veggies. It's also amazing as a sandwich spread, stuffed into sweet mini peppers, in grilled cheese, and melted on burgers/veggie burgers too!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Jarred pickled jalapeños can replace fresh jalapeños or pimentos to vary flavor and texture.
- The recipe makes about 2 cups of dip, enough for 16 servings of 2 tablespoons each.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and cayenne to control the level of spice in the spread.
- Serve chilled with crackers and vegetables for best taste and texture.
- Nutrition information is estimated; adjust as needed for dietary purposes.
Nutrition Information
Calories
85kcal
(4%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
19mg
(6%)
Sodium
119mg
(5%)
Potassium
28mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
283IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
72mg
(7%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 85
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 85kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 19mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 119mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 28mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 283IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 72mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.