The Classic Southern Spread: Irresistibly cheesy and crispy.

The Cheese That Brings Everyone Together

I have a big yellow bowl in my kitchen. It is my pimento cheese bowl. My grandkids see it and they smile. They know a good snack is coming soon. It means everyone will gather in the kitchen.

This spread is more than just food. It is a reason to sit and talk. It turns a regular afternoon into a little party. That is why this matters. Food should connect us.

A Little Story About My Friend Louise

My friend Louise brought this to a church picnic years ago. I took one bite and my eyes got wide. I had to have the recipe. I still laugh at that.

I followed her around all day. I finally got her to tell me her secrets. She wrote it on a little card for me. I use that same card today. Do you have a recipe you got from a friend?

How to Make the Magic Happen

First, grate your cheddar cheese. A box grater works just fine. The smaller pieces make the spread so smooth. Then, let your cream cheese get soft.

Put everything in a bowl. The mayo, the pimentos, the grated onion. Mix it all together. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The best part is next. You have to wait.

The Secret is a Little Patience

You must put the bowl in the fridge. Leave it there for a few hours. This is the hardest part. I always want to eat it right away.

But waiting is important. The flavors get to know each other. They become best friends. This is why this matters. Good things take a little time. What is the hardest recipe for you to wait for?

Fun Fact and Serving Ideas

Fun fact: Pimentos are actually a type of sweet red pepper. They are very gentle and not spicy at all. They give the spread its pretty orange color.

You can eat this with crackers. Or spread it on celery sticks. My favorite is a simple white bread sandwich. It is perfect for a quick lunch. How will you eat your first bite?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Sharp cheddar cheese	1 lb block
Cream cheese	4 ounces	softened
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup
Chopped pimentos	1 (4-ounce) jar	drained
Onion	1 tablespoon	grated
Black pepper	1/4 teaspoon	freshly ground
Granulated garlic (or garlic powder)	1 teaspoon
Salt	to taste

The Story Behind My Cheesy Pimento Spread

I have been making this spread since I was a young bride. My neighbor, Mrs. Albright, brought it over one Sunday. She handed me a jar and a sleeve of crackers. I was hooked after one bite. It was so creamy and tangy. I begged her for the recipe right then.

She wrote it down on a little index card for me. I still have that card, all stained and splattered. It reminds me of her kindness every time I see it. Now, let’s make some memories of our own in the kitchen. This recipe is simpler than you think.

How to Make It

Step 1: First, take your block of cheddar cheese. Grate it all using a box grater. This part is a little bit of an arm workout, I know. But freshly grated cheese melts together so much better. It makes the spread wonderfully smooth.

Step 2: Now, put that beautiful pile of cheese in a big bowl. Add the soft cream cheese, mayo, and your drained pimentos. Don’t forget the grated onion, pepper, and garlic. (A hard-learned tip: Grate the onion instead of chopping it. This way, you get all the flavor without any crunchy onion bits!)

Step 3: Stir everything together until it’s all happy and combined. Give it a little taste. Do you think it needs a pinch of salt? Now, this is the hardest part. You have to cover the bowl and walk away. Let it rest in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors need time to get to know each other. Sweet or salty crackers—which is your favorite partner for cheese spread? Share below!

Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	3 hours 15 minutes (includes resting)
Yield	8 servings
Category	Appetizer, Snack

Three Fun Twists to Try

Once you master the classic, you can play around. I love adding little changes to keep things interesting. Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix it up. They are all so simple and tasty.

The Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. A little chopped jalapeño would be wonderful, too. It gives it a nice zing!

The Smoky Swap: Try using smoked cheddar cheese instead of the regular kind. It tastes like a cozy campfire in the best way. My grandson loves this version.

The Herb Garden: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh, chopped chives or parsley. It makes the spread look so pretty and fresh. Perfect for a spring picnic. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

This spread is the star of any table. I love serving it in a pretty little bowl. Let it sit out for about 15 minutes before your guests arrive. It gets softer and easier to spread. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

For serving, I always have a basket of crispy crackers nearby. Buttery Ritz crackers are my go-to. You could also spread it on thick slices of celery. Or use it to make the most delicious grilled cheese sandwich. It’s so good when it’s all warm and melty.

For a drink, a glass of sweet iced tea is just perfect. It cuts through the richness so nicely. For the grown-ups, a cold, crisp lager is a wonderful match. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pimento Cheese Perfect

This spread tastes even better the next day. The flavors get to know each other in the fridge. Just keep it in a tight-lidded container. It will stay good for about a week.

I do not recommend freezing this cheese spread. The mayonnaise and cream cheese can separate. This makes the texture grainy when it thaws. It is best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.

I once made a huge batch for a family reunion. Having it ready in the fridge was a lifesaver. Batch cooking this recipe saves you time later. This matters because it lets you enjoy time with guests.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Pimento Cheese Problems

Is your spread too thick? It can be hard to scoop. Just add one more tablespoon of mayonnaise. Stir it in until it looks creamy.

Does it taste a bit bland? The flavors need time to mingle. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. This matters because resting makes every ingredient sing.

I remember when my onion was too strong. I grated a huge piece. Now I use a fine grater. Grating the onion small prevents overpowering bites. This simple step builds your cooking confidence.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pimento Cheese Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just check your mayonnaise label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely! Making it a day early is best. The flavor gets even better.

Q: What can I swap for pimentos? A: Try finely chopped roasted red peppers. They add a similar sweet taste.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course! It is perfect for a big party. Use a bigger bowl to mix it.

Q: Any fun serving tips? A: Serve it with celery sticks or crackers. A fun fact: This spread is sometimes called “Carolina Caviar”!

Which tip will you try first?

Sharing Your Kitchen Creations

I hope you love making this classic spread. It always brings a smile to my table. I would love to see your own creation.

Your photos and stories make my day. Please share them with our cooking community. It is so fun to see your family’s favorite ways to enjoy it.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Chloe Hartwell.