Looking for an easy twist on a classic Southern recipe? This Easy Pimento Cheese Spread is made with cheddar and Swiss cheese and is perfect for any occasion. Try it on crackers and sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
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This Easy Southern Pimento Cheese Spread is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic Masters pimento cheese recipe, but blending sharp cheddar and nutty Swiss for a spread that's just a little extra. Whether you're scooping it onto crackers, spreading it onto a fluffy biscuit, or serving it as a veggie dip, it's a recipe you'll come back to again and again.
I’ll be honest, as much as my Dad loved pimento cheese, the classic version never really won me over. The texture of long strands of shredded cheddar always looked a bit too much like hash browns, which are delicious, but not in a cheese spread kinda way.
So I updated it just a bit by grating the cheeses in my food processor, which makes the spread smoother, easier to serve, and (let’s be real) way more appealing to look at. I like to think of it as a loose cheese ball, but I'm pretty sure that's not going to catch on 😆
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy to mix together in one bowl
- Perfect make-ahead dip for parties and gatherings
- Adds extra flavor with the mix of cheddar and Swiss
- Great for breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and more
- Customizable with your favorite spices or add-ins
This is a Southern staple with an extra cheesy twist that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this pimento cheese dip. I’ll go over the major ingredients and how to make substitutions if needed to match your pantry or your dietary preferences.
- Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp or extra sharp for more bite, but mild cheddar will also work.
- Swiss Cheese: Adds nutty, creamy depth. Can be swapped with Monterey Jack, Havarti, or even white American.
- Mayonnaise: I prefer Duke’s mayonnaise for its classic Southern flavor. You can sub with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo if needed.
- Pimentos: Found jarred in the canned vegetable aisle. If you can’t find pimientos, finely dice some roasted red peppers as a backup.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne give it great flavor, but feel free to adjust to taste.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Variations
I've already changed up the classic pimento cheese spread recipe, but there are so many ways to make this your own. Here's a few ideas to get you started:
- Spice it up - Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Even more spice? - Swap the Swiss for Pepper Jack for an even spicier version.
- Make it smoky - Stir in crumbled crispy bacon and a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Spread it - Use it on a grilled cheese sandwich for a melty pimento cheese moment.
- Add brightness - Add chopped scallions or chives, a few dashes of worcestershire sauce, or some fresh herbs to lift up this cheese spread recipe.
Cynthia's Recipe Review
As someone who grew up in the South, and now makes breakfast and brunch recipes for a living, I’ve tasted, and rejected, a lot of pimento cheese. This one is creamy, flavorful, and just different enough to get people asking what your secret is. The combo of cheddar and Swiss is a game changer!
Quick Recipe Video
Step-by-Step Instructions
All you have to do is place everything into a bowl and mix it up, but I took such pretty pictures. Let's look at them and talk about my delicious pimento cheese spread.
- Start by draining your jar of pimentos. If they are not diced, dice them now. Place them between layers of paper towels and press to remove excess moisture.
- Use a food processor to grate your cheeses. If you do not have a food processor you can use pre-shredded cheese, or shred your own, and then chop it with a knife until fine. See the picture below for the best texture.
Step 1: Place cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, pimentos, and seasonings into a medium bowl.
Step 2: Use a wooden spoon, or another stiff handled utensil, to mix all of the ingredients together until fully combined.
Step 3: Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer on low to combine everything.
Step 4: Stop mixing when everything just comes together. Don't overmix or you will lose the texture of the cheeses. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors fully combine.
Serve: Serve cold or at room temperature with crackers, sliced veggies, crostini, or as a sandwich spread
Cynthia's Helpful Tips
- Whenever possible, use freshly grated cheese for the best texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect creaminess, although chopping the cheese finely can break that up a bit.
- Drain the pimentos well, and pat dry on paper towels, to avoid a watery spread.
- For smoother texture, use a hand mixer instead of mixing by hand.
- Let the spread chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- If it's too thick after chilling, let come to room temperature or stir in a spoonful of mayo to loosen it up.
Serving Suggestion
For a Summery twist on tomato toast, add pimento cheese spread to toasted bread and pop it under the broiler until bubbly and brown. Add a ripe tomato on top and season with flaky salt and a couple of grinds of black pepper.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge!
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become grainy after thawing.
You can, but it will change the texture and flavor. Some traditional recipes call for a whole lot more mayonnaise than I'm using, but the little bit that we add helps the pimento cheese to spread easily. I don't want to use mayo, substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
This spread is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, but if you broil it on toast or add it to a breakfast burger it will naturally melt during cooking.
Did you try this recipe?
Leave a comment with a ⭐️ rating below to tell me all about it, and don't forget to tag me on Instagram!
I appreciate you!
-Cynthia
📖 Recipe
Easy Pimento Cheese Spread (with Cheddar and Swiss)
Equipment
- Hand mixer optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Swiss cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 4-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained and patted dry
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate the cheeses: For best texture, grate the cheddar and Swiss cheese using a food processor. If using pre-shredded cheese, chop it finely with a knife to reduce the size. Avoid using the small holes of a hand grater, as this can make the spread too gummy.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add the grated cheeses, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Mix the spread: Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or another stiff-handled utensil. For a smoother texture, you can also use a hand mixer on low to medium speed until well combined and creamy.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the spread and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.
- Chill: For best flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Save This Recipe! 💌
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later, plus you'll get great new recipes from me every week!
Cynthia Christensen says
I upgraded my Dad's favorite Southern spread and I'm so happy to share it with all of you!