3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese

There’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about a bowl of homemade pimento cheese. It’s creamy, savory, a little tangy, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor, yet it takes just a few minutes to put together.

This 3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese keeps things simple: sharp cheddar, pimentos, and mayonnaise. The result is thick enough to spread onto crackers or toast, but soft and creamy enough to scoop with celery sticks or use as a sandwich filling.

It’s an easy recipe to keep in your back pocket when you need a quick appetizer. Serve it for a casual lunch, add it to a snack board, or put out a bowl when friends come over. It also makes a great Southern-inspired addition to a picnic or game-day spread.

Why It Works

The sharp cheddar brings plenty of flavor, while mayonnaise gives the mixture its creamy texture without needing any extra ingredients. Pimentos add little bursts of sweetness and a mild peppery flavor that make the cheese taste more interesting.

Using freshly shredded cheddar is worth the small bit of extra effort. Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking ingredients that make the finished spread slightly drier and less creamy.

The other trick is simply giving the pimento cheese a little time to rest. After 15 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator, the flavors settle together and the texture becomes even better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Use a good sharp cheddar for the strongest flavor. Medium cheddar works too, but sharp cheddar gives this simple recipe much more character. Shred it yourself for the smoothest texture.

Pimentos

A small jar of diced pimentos is all you need. Drain them well before adding them so they don’t make the cheese spread watery. If the pieces are large, give them a quick chop.

Mayonnaise

Regular full-fat mayonnaise gives the creamiest result and helps everything bind together. Start with the smaller amount and add more if you prefer a softer, creamier spread.

How To Make 3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese

1. Prepare The Cheese

Shred 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater. Freshly shredded cheese will blend more easily with the mayonnaise and give the pimento cheese a pleasant, slightly textured consistency.

2. Drain The Pimentos

Drain a 4-ounce jar of diced pimentos thoroughly. Press them gently with a paper towel if they seem particularly wet.

3. Mix Everything Together

Add the shredded cheddar, drained pimentos, and ½ cup mayonnaise to a medium bowl. Stir with a sturdy spoon until the mayonnaise coats the cheese evenly and the pimentos are distributed throughout.

If the mixture looks too dry for your liking, add another tablespoon or two of mayonnaise. It should be creamy and spreadable without becoming loose or soupy.

4. Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 to 30 minutes. You can serve it immediately, but that short rest gives the cheddar and pimentos time to mingle.

Give it one quick stir before serving. If it has firmed up more than you’d like, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheddar generally gives you a creamier, smoother pimento cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient and will still work when you’re short on time.

Should Pimento Cheese Be Smooth Or Chunky?

That’s mostly personal preference. This recipe is lightly chunky, with visible shreds of cheddar and small pieces of pimento. For a smoother spread, mash the mixture more thoroughly with a fork or use a food processor briefly.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Absolutely. Pimento cheese is actually a good make-ahead recipe. Prepare it several hours before serving and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to eat.

What If My Pimento Cheese Is Too Thick?

Stir in mayonnaise one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you want. Letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes can also soften it slightly.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheddar?

Yes. Mild or medium cheddar will make a gentler-tasting spread, while extra-sharp cheddar gives you a stronger, more pronounced cheese flavor.

Is Pimento Cheese Served Cold?

It’s usually served chilled or cool, although it doesn’t need to be ice-cold. Letting it sit out for a few minutes before serving makes it easier to spread.

Recipe Variations

Add A Little Heat

For a spicy version, stir in finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Even a few dashes of hot sauce work well.

Use Smoked Cheddar

Replace part or all of the sharp cheddar with smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Make It Extra Tangy

A small spoonful of finely chopped pickled jalapeños adds both tang and heat without changing the basic character of the spread.

Try White Cheddar

White sharp cheddar makes a slightly different-looking pimento cheese while keeping that familiar bold cheddar flavor.

Add Black Pepper

Freshly cracked black pepper is a simple addition that gives the creamy cheese mixture a little extra bite.

Storage

Keep pimento cheese covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving, especially if a little moisture has collected on the surface.

Because mayonnaise and cheese don’t benefit from repeated heating and cooling, it’s best served cold or at room temperature rather than reheated.

What To Serve With 3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese

Spread it onto buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or soft sandwich bread, or serve it with celery, cucumber slices, bell peppers, and other crisp vegetables for dipping. It’s also delicious tucked into a grilled cheese sandwich, spooned onto burgers, or served alongside sliced apples for a salty-sweet combination. For a casual gathering, put the bowl on a snack board with crackers, pickles, olives, and fresh vegetables and let everyone help themselves.

If you’re making this for a party, prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it chilled until serving. That makes this one of those recipes you can quietly finish early and forget about until guests arrive.

For the best texture, don’t skip draining the pimentos and don’t add all the mayonnaise at once if you prefer a thicker spread. It’s much easier to loosen pimento cheese than to fix one that’s become too soft.

This 3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese is a creamy, savory Southern-inspired spread that comes together in minutes. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for crackers, sandwiches, toast, or serving as an easy party appetizer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 8 oz / 225 g sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 4 oz / 115 g jarred pimentos, drained and finely chopped
• ½ cup / 120 g mayonnaise

Instructions

1. Shred the cheese: Freshly shred the cheddar for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
2. Combine the ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar, chopped pimentos, and mayonnaise to a medium mixing bowl.
3. Mix: Stir everything together until the cheese is evenly coated and the pimentos are distributed throughout. For a smoother spread, mash the mixture slightly with a fork as you stir.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to blend and allows the mixture to firm up.
5. Serve: Give the pimento cheese a quick stir before serving. Enjoy it as a sandwich filling, cracker spread, vegetable dip, or topping for burgers and sandwiches.