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JalapeƱo Pimento Cheese

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Easy and simple JalapeƱo Pimento Cheese. This pimento cheese is a southern classic with a jalapeƱo twist. Perfect with crackers or as a spicy grilled cheese sandwich.
Servings: 2 cups
Total Time: 15 minutes
pimento cheese in a bowl with crackers surrounding the bowl

Pimento cheese is a tangy, creamy, and cheesy southern staple. There are chunky versions and ones that are more spreadable. It can be stuffed in celery sticks or spread between two slices of traditional white bread for the best-grilled cheese youā€™ve ever had. There are as many recipes for pimento cheese as there are ways to eat it, and our recipe for jalapeƱo pimento cheese is a spicy twist on the southern classic.

pimento cheese in a bowl with crackers surrounding the bowl

Key Ingredients and Substitutions


Homemade pimento cheese is easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought.

The complete ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.

  • Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is the traditional cheese used for pimento cheese. It is usually aged from 18-24 months producing an assertive flavor. You can substitute a medium cheddar or even a mild cheddar but you wonā€™t get that cheddar flavor that youā€™d expect from pimento cheese.
  • Pimento and JalapeƱo Peppers are a required ingredientā€¦without them, it wouldnā€™t be jalapeƱo pimento cheese. The jarred diced pimentos work great but you can substitute roasted red peppers for additional smoky flavor. We used a combo of raw and pickled diced jalapeƱos.
  • Whipped Cream Cheese is our cream cheese of choice for this recipe since it has a lighter, airier texture and less fat. You can substitute with a softened block of cream cheese.
  • Mayonnaise adds flavor and creaminess. Most recipes recommend Dukes but I say use whatever brand you like.
ingredients for jalapeno pimento cheese

How to Make JalapeƱo Pimento Cheese


Here are the quick step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the recipe card below.
This post may contain paid affiliate sales links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclaimer policy for details.

Pro-tip: Let jalapeƱo pimento cheese chill for at least 2 hours so the flavors have time to meld together.

1. Shred the Cheese: Use the large holes on a box grater or a food processor with a grating plate for shredding cheddar cheese.

2. Combine the Ingredients: Using a rubber spatula combine mayonnaise, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Add the whipped cream cheese, diced pimentos, and jalapeƱos to the mayonnaise, and stir well. Finally, add the shredded cheese and mix everything together. A rubber spatula works best or you can use a hand mixer to combine.

4. Serving: Chill then serve the jalapeƱo pimento cheese with crackers, chips, or as a sandwich using your favorite bread.

pimento cheese in a mixing bowl after all the ingredients have been stirred together

Recipe Tips and Notes


  • Donā€™t use pre-shredded cheese. Store-bought shredded cheese contains additives such as potato starch to keep the cheese from clumping and just doesnā€™t taste as good.
  • In addition to jalapeƱos, you can add bacon, finely chopped chipotle in adobo, pickle relish, diced olives, or a couple of dashes of hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions


How long will it keep in the refrigerator?

Pimento cheese will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

How do you serve pimento cheese?

Pimento cheese is great with crackers, a dip for fresh veggies, or tea sandwiches. It also makes an amazing grilled cheese sandwich or as a topping on a burger.

What are pimentos?

They are small sweet peppers also called cherry peppers and are typically pickled.

pimento cheese in a bowl with crackers surrounding the bowl

What to Make with Pimento Cheese

Looking for ways to serve pimento cheese? These are a few of our faves:

  • Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Slider Sandwiches ā€“ Crisp and spicy with tender meat inside, thisĀ fried chicken sandwichĀ recipe serves up delicious fried chicken coated with a hot honey sauce and is delicious topped with pimento cheese.
  • Chili Cheese Nachos ā€“ These loaded and deliciousĀ nachos have tortilla chips that are layered with melted cheese and leftover chili. Substitute melted cheese with pimento cheese for a delicious twist.
  • 20 Toppings Every Baked Potato Bar Needs ā€“ We have everything you need to make your own potato barĀ for your next party or gathering. JalapeƱo pimento cheese is a great topping options.
pimento cheese in a bowl with crackers surrounding the bowl

JalapeƱo Pimento Cheese

Posted by Melissa
Easy and simple JalapeƱo Pimento Cheese. This pimento cheese is a southern classic with a jalapeƱo twist. Perfect with crackers or as a spicy grilled cheese sandwich.
5 from 1 vote

This recipe may contain paid affiliate sales links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclaimer policy for details.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dips and Sauces
Cuisine Southern
Servings 2 cups
Calories 287 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 4 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • Ā¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 ounces whipped cream cheese
  • 2 ounces pimentos, diced (or diced red peppers)
  • Ā½ cup raw jalapeƱos, diced and seeds removed
  • Ā½ cup pickled jalapeƱos, diced

Instructions 

  • Using a box grater (or food processor) grate the cheddar cheese.
  • In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, garlic powder, and kosher salt.
  • To the mayonnaise add the whipped cream cheese, pimentos, and jalapeƱos and mix well.
  • Add the shredded cheese and stir well until fully combined.
  • Chill before serving.

Notes

1. Take the time to grate your own cheese.Ā  Store-bought shredded cheese contains additives such as potato starch to keep the cheese from clumping and just doesnā€™t taste as good.
2. In addition to jalapeƱos, you can add bacon, finely chopped chipotle in adobo, pickle relish, diced olives, or a couple of dashes of hot sauce.
3. There is a combo of pickled and raw jalapeƱosĀ used in this recipe.Ā  The amount of each can be adjusted based on personal preference.Ā 
4. Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
5. Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. The nutritional value is only for the jalapeno pimento cheese and does not include the nutritional value for anything served with it such as crackers or veggies.Ā  It does not include the nutrition for any substitutions.
6. Be sure to check out the Key IngredientsĀ along with theĀ Recipe Tips and NotesĀ sections found in the post, for more tips, options, substitutions, and variations for this recipe! You will also find step-by-step photos there.
Serving: 0.5cups | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 930mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 2mg
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