Just four ingredients to make this easy pimento cheese recipe! All you need is cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and the SECRET ingredient…
Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe
I was too lazy to make my own pimento cheese. I know, I know: I should have my southerner card revoked immediately. Truth be told, it wasn’t so much laziness as it was busy-ness. I was so busy with my secret project that I resorted to store-bought pimento cheese at $7.99 a pop. Ouch. Once my secret project was done, I took the time to perfect my pimento cheese recipe.
What’s the secret project, you say? Well, I wrote a book—only this time, it wasn’t a cookbook. I wrote a novel called Roller Coaster Romance. It’s a sweet romance set in a theme park, and you can read some of it right here in this preview.
Anyway, I’ve been making this pimento cheese a lot lately. Having it on toast. Spreading it on tortilla chips. One morning, I made a pimento cheese and egg sandwich on a whole-grain English muffin. Now that’s good eating right there.
The secret to this pimento cheese is… a bit of sugar. That’s right. I couldn’t figure out why my pimento cheese didn’t taste as smooth and mellow as that store-bought brand until I took a close look at their ingredients. Sugar! And it only takes a teeny-tiny bit. Just a little pinch. Smooths out all the rough edges and makes it taste perfect.
Be sure to check out Roller Coaster Romance!

Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe
Just four ingredients to make this easy pimento cheese recipe! All you need is cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and the SECRET ingredient.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese see note
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons jarred pimento peppers
- 1 pinch granulated sugar
Instructions
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Cut the cheese into 8 pieces and pulse in a food processor until finely chopped. You can chop the cheese by hand if you don't have a food processor.
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Place chopped cheese in a mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, pimentos, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Mix well. Taste. The pimento cheese should taste mellow, not too sharp. If it tastes too sharp, sprinkle in another pinch of sugar, then mix and taste again.
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Transfer the pimento cheese to a container. Press it down very firmly to pack it into the container. Cover with an airtight lid or wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate. The pimento cheese can be enjoyed immediately, or allowed to rest for 1 hour for optimal consistency.
Recipe Notes
For the cheddar cheese, avoid using pre-shredded cheese instead of block cheese. If you use pre-shredded cheese, the finished cheese spread will be looser and will not hold together as well.
Love pimento cheese? Try grilled pimento cheese, pimento cheeseburgers, and pimento cheese rice!
melissa chapman says
I have never had pimento cheese and I assume it is a southern recipe. I am sure this wll become a favorite even to a yankee like me and us people up north.
Jeanette says
A friend of mine lives this geez. I think this is definitely something she would love to try to make. I’m going to share this with her.
Sarah Bailey says
Ohh now this isn’t something I have tried before but anything with cheese is something I need to try! I am going to have to try making some for myself.
Lori Vachon says
I’m not sure that I’ve ever had Pimento Cheese, but I really think I’d like it. In fact I saw some today at the grocery store and almost bought it. I think I’ll try your recipe though and make it myself.
Amber Myers says
Yum, this looks so amazing. I just love cheese, so I will have to make this for sure.
Tasheena says
This looks really yummy. I cannot wait to hear this recipe a try. I know my family is going to love it.
Brandy Ellen Writes says
I had no idea how easy it was to make this. I’m going to give it a try for the first time ever. I hope the family enjoys it.
Kathy says
This looks so good. I’ve never had this before though. I’m really interested in trying it out. I bet I’m going to love it.
Lisa Favre says
I have never made pimento cheese before but boy, does it ever look delicious! I love that I have most of the ingredients already – gotta try it out for my family!
Marysa says
This sounds like a great dip. We are always looking for recipes for when we are entertaining.
Tammy says
Being from the south, I love Pimento Cheese. Especially homemade. We like ours with a dash or two of Worscheshire Sauce and a dash of Tabasco Sauce.
1stopmom says
Congratulations on the book. I have never made homemade Pimento Cheese but this recipe seems pretty easy. Thanks!
Terri Steffes says
My daughter was the first person I knew to make their own pimento cheese. I remember being so impressed! It was delicious and I have been a fan ever since.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Yum! This Pimento Cheese looks delicious. I really love cheese in everything. This will be my new favorite.
Lynndee says
I was actually thinking about buying pimiento cheese at the supermarket yesterday. I didn’t get one because I always think homemade is better. Thanks for the recipe
Terri Beavers says
I love homemade pimento cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches. And it’s been way too long since I’ve had one. I’ll try your recipe with sugar when I make some.
Laurel says
This sounds so yummy and I cannot wait to try it! I love pimento cheese and have never attempted to make it, but your recipe makes it sound so easy!