Southern Pimento Cheese is sharp, creamy, savory, and made with real cheddar for true Southern flavor. This version gets a boost from caramelized green onions, which add mellow depth and make it especially good on crackers, sandwiches, burgers, or straight off a spoon.
Let's get started!
Jump to:
Pull Up A Chair & Let's Chat!
Southern pimento cheese should be sharp, creamy, savory, and just a little addictive. This version keeps everything you want from the classic, then folds in caramelized green onions for a mellow depth that makes it feel extra special without losing that Southern comfort charm.
It is quick, easy, deeply flavorful, and exactly the kind of spread that disappears fast whether you serve it with crackers, sandwiches, burgers, or vegetables.
Why It Works
- Caramelized green onions add depth — mellow, savory flavor that quietly sets this apart.
- Sharp cheddar keeps it classic — bold cheese flavor is non-negotiable.
- Cream cheese + mayo = ideal texture — creamy without being loose.
- Balanced seasoning matters — savory, tangy, and just enough warmth.
- Southern pimento cheese goes everywhere — crackers, sandwiches, burgers, biscuits, and snack boards.
What You'll Need & Why
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese — Freshly grated for the best texture and bold flavor. The sharper the cheddar, the better.
- Green Onions — Caramelized until soft and golden. This is your signature twist and the depth of flavor is unreal.
- Cream Cheese — Softened so it blends smoothly and creates that perfect spreadable texture.
- Pimentos — Drained well so the mixture stays thick and creamy. Classic, sweet, and essential.
- Mayonnaise — Adds richness and ties everything together. Duke’s is the obvious Southern choice.
- Worcestershire Sauce — Adds savory depth and a tiny touch of sweetness to balance the sharp cheddar.
- Granulated Garlic — Warm, savory flavor that supports the cheese and pimentos.
- Granulated Onion — Boosts the onion flavor alongside the caramelized green onions.
- Smoked Paprika — Gives color, subtle warmth, and a smoky finish.
Buy Now → Swaps & Flavor-Boosting Variations
A classic Southern pimento cheese recipe is flexible enough to suit your taste without losing what makes it so good.
- Turn up the heat: Add jalapeño, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne if you like a little extra kick.
- Change the cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby all work well. Always grate it fresh for the best texture.
- Make it smoother or chunkier: Stir more for a softer spread or less for a thicker, rustic texture.
- Add a different smokey note: A pinch of chipotle powder deepens the flavor nicely.
- Brighten it up: A splash of pickle juice or a squeeze of lemon adds extra tang.
- Loosen it for sandwiches: A little extra mayo makes it easier to spread on bread or burgers.
Tips & Tricks
These simple tips help keep this old fashioned pimento cheese creamy, balanced, and full of flavor.
- Soften the cream cheese first: It blends more smoothly and gives the spread a creamier texture.
- Shred the cheddar yourself: Freshly grated cheese melts into the mixture much better than pre-shredded.
- Cook the green onions low and slow: This is where the mellow, savory depth really develops.
- Drain the pimentos well: Too much liquid can thin the spread.
- Adjust the texture as needed: Add a little mayo if it feels too thick or extra cheddar if it feels too loose.
- Let it rest before serving: A short chill helps the flavors come together.
- Taste before serving: Add a little extra salt, pepper, or Worcestershire if needed.
Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-5 green onions
- avocado oil
- 12 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz pimentos, drained
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet on medium-high heat, sauté the green onions in a little bit of avocado oil until they develop a deep, golden brown color. Remove them from the heat, let cool, and dice. Throw these into a food processor.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients to the bowl of the food processor except for 4 ounces of the shredded cheese.
- Pulse until you achieve your desired consistency. Fold in the remaining cheese.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving Ideas
- Crackers or chips: Ritz, Triscuits, pretzel crisps, or kettle chips are classic partners.
- Fresh veggies: Celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots make great dippers.
- Sandwiches: Spread thick on soft white bread, sourdough, or brioche. Add bacon or tomato if you like.
- Burgers: Melt a scoop on top of a hot burger for instant cheesy sauce.
- Biscuits: Tuck inside a warm biscuit for a true Southern snack.
- Snack boards: Add a bowl to charcuterie boards with pickles, crackers, fruit, and nuts.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container — Easy homemade pimento cheese keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4-5 days thanks to the cream cheese and cheddar base.
- Stir before serving — As it chills, it firms up. A quick stir brings back the perfect spreadable texture.
- Soften before serving — Pull it out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before eating. Cold cream cheese = stiff pimento cheese. A little time on the counter = magic.
- Do not freeze — Cheese- and mayo-based spreads turn grainy, watery, and separated once thawed. Fresh is best.
- If it seems too thick — Add a tiny splash of mayo or a bit more finely shredded cheddar to adjust the texture.
You Asked, I Answered
What are pimentos?
Pimentos are mild, sweet cherry peppers. Jarred pimentos are soft, bright red, easy to find, and not spicy.
Do I have to caramelize the green onions?
No, but it makes a big difference. Caramelizing adds mellow depth that raw green onions cannot match.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. The spread itself is naturally gluten-free—just serve it with gluten-free crackers or vegetables if needed.
Why is my pimento cheese too runny?
Usually the pimentos were not drained well enough or the mixture needs a little more cheese.
Can I make pimento cheese spread ahead of time?
Yes. It is often even better after a few hours in the fridge once the flavors settle.
You'll Also Love
- Southern Chicken Salad – Creamy, savory, and absolutely loaded with flavor. A must-try if you love easy, high-protein spreads.
- Tuna Salad – Bold, simple, and super satisfying. Perfect on crackers or stuffed into lettuce wraps.
- Avocado Egg Salad – Mayo-free, ultra-creamy, and fresh. Great for sandwiches or snack plates.
- Smoked Chicken Salad – A smoky twist on a Southern classic. Incredible on crackers or croissants.
- Whipped Ricotta Dip – Light, fluffy, and a dreamy pairing with veggies, crusty bread, or charcuterie. A perfect contrast to bold pimento cheese.
Who’s Stirring the Pot?
Hi, I’m Ruth—recipe developer, comfort-food creator, and the voice behind Rufus For Real. I specialize in cozy, doable, flavor-packed meals for real-life kitchens, and I’m a firm believer that breakfast, dinner, and everything in between should be simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up.
You’ll find me sharing even more comfort-food goodness, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@rufusforreal everywhere).
If you love approachable recipes with a whole lot of personality, pull up a chair—there’s always room at this table.
Happy Cooking!
-Ruth aka Rufus
Bernard Kraft says
We love this recipe and have made it several times now! Have also used it to make grilled cheeses! My kids love it.