What is the secret ingredient in pimento cheese?

The secret ingredient isn't just one thing it's the combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar together . Cream cheese delivers that silky, luxurious texture that separates homemade pimento cheese from mediocre versions. While many recipes rely solely on mayo and mild cheese, adding softened cream cheese transforms the spread into something genuinely special. The cream cheese creates a velvety mouthfeel while sharp cheddar provides bold, sophisticated flavor depth. Together, they create magic that no single ingredient alone accomplishes. Some recipes add Worcestershire sauce or spicy elements, but the cream cheese foundation remains the true secret to restaurant-quality results.

How to make pimento cheese with cream cheese?

Making pimento cheese with cream cheese is remarkably simple. Start by softening your cream cheese to room temperature this prevents lumps and ensures smooth blending. Combine four ounces of softened cream cheese with one-third cup mayo until completely smooth. Gradually add one-and-a-half cups freshly grated sharp cheddar and three-quarters cup grated Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Fold in one four-ounce jar of drained pimentos, then season with onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate before serving. The entire process takes just ten minutes, and the result surpasses store-bought versions dramatically.

Does pimento cheese have cream cheese in it?

Not all pimento cheese recipes include cream cheese, but the best ones absolutely do. Traditional Southern recipes varied some used whipped cream cheese, while others relied on mayo and Hellmann's mayo combinations. Modern recipes increasingly recognize cream cheese's transformative power. It creates smoothness, improves texture, and extends shelf life naturally. If a recipe lacks cream cheese, you can easily add two to four ounces to dramatically improve results. Cream cheese genuinely elevates pimento cheese from ordinary to extraordinary. Once you experience cream cheese's impact, you'll never return to cheese-only versions.

What's the secret to a good pimento cheese dip?

A truly exceptional pimento cheese dip requires three essential elements: quality ingredients, proper technique, and perfect texture balance . Use freshly grated cheese from a block, never pre-shredded varieties. Ensure all ingredients reach room temperature before mixing this prevents lumping and creates silky smoothness. The ratio of cream cheese to mayo matters tremendously. Too much mayo creates greasiness; too little creates a stiff, dry texture. Start with equal proportions and adjust based on preference. Season thoughtfully taste before adding more salt since cheese contributes significant sodium. Finally, chill for at least two hours before serving. This resting period allows flavors to marry and develop beautifully. Serve chilled for traditional presentation, or warm gently in a slow cooker for entertaining that lasts hours.

Bonus Question: Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! Prepare pimento cheese up to two days before your event. Storage actually improves the spread as flavors deepen and meld together beautifully. This make-ahead quality makes entertaining effortless for busy families. Simply thaw and serve, or warm gently as needed.

Bonus Question: What substitutions work best?

Replace sharp cheddar with smoked cheddar for BBQ-inspired depth. Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for tanginess and reduced calories. Add jalapeños for heat, or herbs like fresh dill and parsley for garden-fresh brightness. The recipe adapts beautifully to personal preferences.

Pimento Cheese Recipe with Cream Cheese (2025 So Creamy!)

Name: Pimento Cheese Recipe with Cream Cheese (So Creamy!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 oz softened cream cheese; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1.5 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 6 oz from a block); 3/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 3-4 oz from a block); 4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1 baguette (for crostini) Olive oil (for crostini)

Description

This creamy pimento cheese recipe with cream cheese is the ultimate Southern appetizer that comes together in just 10 minutes. Combining sharp cheddar, roasted pimentos, and silky cream cheese with classic mayo creates the most luxurious, spreadable texture perfect for entertaining. Serve on crispy crostini, crackers, or as a versatile dip that impresses every single time. Make-ahead friendly and absolutely foolproof, this pimento cheese becomes the star of every gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

4 oz softened cream cheese

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1.5 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 6 oz from a block)

3/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 3–4 oz from a block)

4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1 baguette (for crostini) Olive oil (for crostini)

Instructions

1. Gather and prep your ingredients. Ensure your cream cheese sits at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Cold cream cheese creates lumps and refuses to blend smoothly. Grate your cheddar and Monterey Jack directly from the block—this step transforms the entire texture. Drain your pimentos thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid that would make the spread watery.

2. Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Use a spatula or hand mixer set to low speed. Mix until these two base ingredients blend completely into a creamy foundation. This takes about one minute. The mixture should appear smooth with no visible cream cheese streaks remaining.

3. Add the grated cheeses gradually. Pour in your sharp cheddar first, stirring continuously with the spatula. Then add the Monterey Jack cheese while mixing. Combining them gradually rather than all at once prevents lumps and ensures even distribution. This step takes two to three minutes and creates the beautiful, creamy consistency that defines a perfect spread.

Use a hand mixer on low speed to gradually incorporate freshly grated cheddar into the cream cheese base—this prevents lumps and creates that signature creamy consistency

4. Fold in the drained pimentos. Gently stir with a spatula to distribute the peppers evenly throughout. Don’t overmix—you want visible pimento pieces for visual appeal and texture contrast.

5. Add seasonings and final adjustments. Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all flavors. Taste and adjust—add more salt if needed for depth, or more mayo if you prefer extra creaminess

The perfect pimento cheese has a smooth, luxurious texture with visible red pimento pieces throughout—exactly what you achieve by following these steps carefully

Notes

Pro Tip: Always grate cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties anti-caking agents prevent smooth blending. Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 2 days before serving. Flavors actually improve during storage as seasonings marry together. Variations: Add jalapeños for spice, smoked cheddar for depth, fresh herbs (dill, parsley) for brightness, or crispy bacon for smoky richness. Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Serving: Serve chilled on crostini or crackers, warm in a slow cooker for entertaining, or as a sandwich spread and baked potato topper.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-Bake (Pimento Cheese) + Baked (Crostini)
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup pimento cheese with 3-4 crostini slices
Calories: 185 per serving
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 28mg

Keywords: pimento cheese, cream cheese appetizer, Southern dip, cheese spread