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Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese
5 from 18 votes

Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese

Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese blends sharp white and orange cheddar cheeses, hand-grated for texture, with mayonnaise, diced pimentos, green onions, and a balance of spices including cayenne and hot sauce. Its creamy, slightly spicy character distinguishes it as a classic Southern spread.

Prep Time
10 mins
rest in fridge
4 hrs
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 215 kcal
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 oz sharp white cheddar cheese ½ block; very sharp; Cabots Extra Sharp; do not use preshredded
  • 4 oz sharp orange cheese ½ block; creamy sharp; Hellavagood Sharp; do not use preshredded
  • ½ CUP mayonnaise Use Dukes for this recipe, if not available then Hellmans, Blue Plate or Aldi store brand.
  • ½ cup pimento Drain well, slices
  • 3 green onion use the white and green parts, stalks; chopped
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt NOT table salt – kosher salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce Franks or Cholulas work best
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Grate the cheeses with a hand grater on the largest holes available. Place the cheese in a large bowl.
  2. Add all of the ingredients to the bowl. Use a rubber spatula and gently mix all ingredients together. Do not over mix – you don’t want all of your cheese breaking.
  3. Put plastic wrap over the top and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is better as this allows the flavors to marry and get to know each other better.
  4. Serve on sandwiches, as a grilled cheese, in your grits, on crackers, on a baked potato, on celery or other veggies – you name it!

Notes

  • Chill the pimento cheese for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld fully.
  • Use sharp white and orange cheddar cheeses, hand-grated, avoiding pre-shredded types for best texture.
  • Choose recommended mayonnaise brands like Dukes or Hellmann’s for authentic flavor and creaminess.
  • Chop your own pimentos rather than using pre-chopped jarred ones for better taste and texture.
  • Fold ingredients gently to avoid breaking down the cheese texture; mix only until combined.
  • Omit cayenne pepper if a milder spread is desired, as it adds noticeable heat.
  • Do not freeze pimento cheese; freezing causes a poor texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 215kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Cholesterol 36mg (12%) Sodium 421mg (18%) Potassium 64mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 680IU (14%) Vitamin C 11.2mg (12%) Calcium 209mg (21%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 215

% Daily Value*

Calories 215kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 36mg 12%
Sodium 421mg 18%
Potassium 64mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 680IU 14%
Vitamin C 11.2mg 12%
Calcium 209mg 21%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.