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Toasted crostini topped with sliced steak, pimento cheese, and pickled red onions on a wooden serving board.

Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe (Classic Southern-Style Spread)

thisjewcanque
This homemade pimento cheese recipe is creamy, tangy, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor. Made with Duke’s mayonnaise, finely grated cheddar, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, it’s perfect for Masters-style sandwiches, snack boards, or steak crostini.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, dip, spread, topping
Cuisine American, classic
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Food processor (for grating cheese)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight storage container
  • Optional: grill or smoker (for smoked cream cheese variation)

Ingredients
  

Cheese Base

  • ⅔ block sharp cheddar cheese finely grated
  • ⅔ block extra sharp cheddar cheese finely grated
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise plus more as needed

Flavor Additions

  • ½ cup diced pimentos drained
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce we used W Sauce Fire Sauce Worcestershire
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Smoked Version

  • 4 oz cream cheese smoked before mixing

Instructions
 

Step 1: Grate the Cheese

  • Using a food processor, finely grate the sharp cheddar and extra sharp cheddar cheese. Finely grated cheese creates a smoother texture and better consistency throughout the mixture.
  • Set the grated cheese aside.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise

  • In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and Duke’s mayonnaise.
  • Stir until smooth and creamy. This forms the base of the pimento cheese mixture.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

  • Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese into the cream cheese and mayonnaise mixture.
  • Mix thoroughly until fully combined and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add Pimentos and Seasonings

  • Add the drained diced pimentos to the bowl.
  • Stir in:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Adjust Texture

  • If the mixture feels too thick, add additional mayonnaise 1 tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

  • Transfer the pimento cheese to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Stir before serving.

Notes

Serving Suggestions
Serve this homemade pimento cheese:
  • On soft white bread for classic Masters-style sandwiches
    On toasted crusty bread
    As steak crostini with sliced bavette steak
    With homemade pickled red onions
    On crackers or pretzels
    With fresh vegetables like celery or bell peppers
    As a burger or sandwich topping
One favorite serving method is spreading pimento cheese onto toasted crusty bread, topping with thinly sliced bavette steak, and finishing with homemade pickled red onions.
Tips and Tricks
  • Use freshly grated cheese
    Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Freshly grated cheese produces a smoother result.
  • Start with less mayonnaise
    You can always add more, but removing excess moisture is difficult.
  • Let it rest before serving
    Chilling allows the flavors to develop and improves texture.
  • Finely grate for best texture
    Small shreds distribute evenly and create a better spread.
  • Great make-ahead recipe
    Flavor improves after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Add heat if desired
    Try diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy variation.
Recipe Notes
Yellow cheddar is the most traditional choice for pimento cheese, but white cheddar works just as well if you prefer a sharper flavor or lighter color.
Duke’s mayonnaise provides the most classic Southern-style flavor, but any high-quality mayonnaise can be substituted.
A small amount of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and balance—don’t skip it.
Storage Instructions
Store pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
Stir before serving.
Do not freeze.
Keyword cheese spread, Masters classic, pimento cheese recipe, pimento cheese spread, pimento recipe