Enjoy the ultimate Southern classic, Pimento Cheese, with buttery crackers or veggie sticks. Simple, portable, and a family favorite for snacking!

This recipe costs approximately $8.75 to make. The recipe serves fifteen for about $0.58 per serving. 

For a hot version of this dip, check out my Hot Pimento Cheese Dip with a Tex-Mex flair!

A close up picture of the Pimento Cheese in a serving jar and a cracker dipped into it.

Pimento Cheese Recipe

Pimento Cheese has a creamy texture full of cheese with a tangy kick. While you can buy this dip pre-made at the grocery store, it is way better homemade!

Spread it on your favorite buttery cracker or on sandwich bread. It can also be served with veggie sticks. This vintage dip is a classic for holiday parties or afternoon snacks.

Ingredients and Estimated Cost

Per Serving Cost: $0.58

Recipe Cost: $8.75

  • ⅔ cup mayonnaise – $0.42
  • 4 ounces cream cheese – $0.75
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice – $0.02
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – $0.02
  • ½ teaspoon salt – $0.01
  • ½ teaspoon paprika – $0.01
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper – $0.02
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder – $0.01
  • 12 teaspoon ground dry mustard – $0.04
  • 8 ounces yellow sharp cheddar cheese – $2.56
  • 8 ounces white sharp cheddar cheese – $2.22
  • 6-ounce can diced pimentos – $2.67

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in April 2023.

All of the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

How To Make Pimento Cheese

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

  1. First, whisk together the mayonnaise, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, spices, onion powder, and ground mustard. 
  2. Then, shred the yellow sharp cheddar cheese on the large holes of a box grater. 
  3. Next, shred the white sharp cheddar cheese on the small holes of a box grater. 
  4. Fold, the cheese and pimentos into the mayonnaise mixture until mixed together. 
  5. Finally, serve with RITZ crackers or store in the fridge until ready to serve. 

A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Use different types of cheese like smoked gouda or cheddar for unique flavors.
  • Mix in herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme for added freshness.
  • Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayo for a tangy twist.
  • Add diced onions, green onions, or chives for extra flavor and texture.
  • Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor and crunch.
  • Add chopped pickles or pickle juice for a tangy and crunchy element
  • Mix in chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth of flavor.
A close up picture of Pimento Cheese spread on a Ritz cracker.

Storage Tips

SERVE: Serve the dip immediately with crackers and veggies or place it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. 

STORE: The Pimento Cheese can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I prefer keeping it in a glass jar-a canning jar works great!

FREEZE: I do not recommend freezing Pimento Cheese. Freezing can change the texture and consistency of the cheese, causing it to become crumbly and watery once thawed.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of cheese is pimento cheese made of?

My recipe uses cream cheese, yellow sharp cheddar cheese, and white sharp cheddar cheese. All the good things!

What are the ingredients in pimento cheese dip?

For this recipe you will need cream cheese, mayonnaise, yellow and white sharp cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, dry ground mustard, and pimentos. For the exact measurements of each ingredient, scroll down to the recipe card. 

How long does homemade pimento cheese last?

This Pimento Cheese recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. See the storage tips for more information and tips for keeping the pimento cheese fresh.

The finished Pimento Cheese recipe in a white serving bowl surrounded by veggie sticks.

More Appetizers

The finished Pimento Cheese in a storage jar.
4.57 from 23 votes

Pimento Cheese

Recipe Cost $ $8.75
Serving Cost $ $0.58
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
15 people
Enjoy the ultimate Southern classic, Pimento Cheese, with buttery crackers or veggie sticks. Simple, portable, and a family favorite for snacking!

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Cheese grater
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
 
 

  • cup mayonnaise
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground dry mustard
  • 8 ounces yellow sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces white sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 ounce jar diced pimentos drained and patted dry (about ⅓ cup)

FOR SERVING (both optional):

  • crackers
  • veggie sticks

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire, spices, onion powder, and ground mustard.
  • Shred the yellow sharp cheddar on large holes of a box grater.
  • Shred white sharp cheddar on small holes of a box grater.
  • Fold all of cheese and pimentos into mayonnaise mixture until thoroughly combined.
  • Serve immediately on crackers or veggies, or chill until ready to serve.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 358mg | Potassium: 61mg | Vitamin A: 745IU | Vitamin C: 9.7mg | Calcium: 227mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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43 Comments

  1. dina and bruce miller says:

    Love an easy cheezy app!

  2. A classic, and tastes that bit better being freshly made. Great for entertaining.