If you’re a fan of pimento cheese but want to add a little kick to your traditional pimento cheese recipe, then you’ll love this Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Recipe! This delicious twist on a classic Southern staple is going to become your new favorite snack.
Not only is it a super easy recipe to make, but it’s also really, really delicious. It’s a Southern favorite and an easy dip to serve as an appetizer or a snack.
Ingredients
This is just a quick overview of the ingredients that you’ll need for the best jalapeno pimento cheese recipe. As always, specific measurements and complete cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese or Regular Sharp Cheddar Cheese, but make sure that it is sharp. I like to use Cabot’s Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Pepper Jack Cheese
- Fresh Jalapeño Peppers
- Diced Jarred Pimento Peppers
- Softened Cream Cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
- Optional, Cayenne Pepper
How to Make It
- Shred the blocks of cheese. I like to use a food processor to make it faster.
- Finely dice up the fresh jalapeños, removing the membrane if you don’t want the pimento cheese dip to be too spicy.
- To the bowl of a stand mixer, add the shredded cheeses, diced jalapeños, diced pimentos, cream cheese, mayo, onion powder, garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ salt, and cayenne if desired. Taste to adjust the salt and pepper. (If you don’t have a mixer, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices – I like to use a fork to mash up the cream cheese. Then stir in the shredded cheeses.)
- Mix everything together until well combined. Add more mayonnaise if needed until the dip is the texture that you desire.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy with your favorite crackers, bread, or veggies!
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Recipe Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or opt for using pickled jalapeños instead.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding in additional spices or seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have a lot of time, you can use pre-shredded cheese, though I prefer the texture of freshly shredded cheddar cheese from a block.
If you don’t like spicy food, I have a regular pimento cheese recipe as well. We did a family taste test and this recipe and the Copycat Palmetto Pimento Cheese Recipe were the winners. (The third recipe was too plain!)
Storage
How to Store It
Store homemade pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (Though it is best served at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge a little while before you serve it.) Make sure to use it within a week for the best taste and quality. (See below for what frozen cheese looks like!)
Can You Freeze Homemade Pimento Cheese?
Pimento Cheese can be frozen, though the texture may change once it thaws. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you do decide to freeze it, make sure to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator for the best results.
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Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated, do not use pre-shredded cheese. (~1 cup once shredded)
- 4 oz extra sharp white cheddar freshly grated, do not use pre-shredded cheese. (~1 cup once shredded)
- 3 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 4 oz jarred pimiento peppers drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise more if needed
- 2-3 jalapeños diced, remove the seeds and membrane.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼-½ teaspoon kosher salt taste at ¼, add more if desired
- ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper taste at ¼, add more if desired
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper this is optional, but add it to make it spicier
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer.* Start with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. (You can add more if needed once it is all mixed to achieve the consistency that you want.) Mix together well.4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, 4 oz extra sharp white cheddar, 3 oz cream cheese, 4 oz jarred pimiento peppers, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2-3 jalapeños, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼-½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and cayenne – I start with ¼ teaspoon of each, then increase if needed. (Add more mayonnaise if desired now as well.)
- *If you don't have a mixer, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices – I like to use a fork to mash up the cream cheese. Then stir in the shredded cheeses.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate to let the flavors meld and develop a thicker consistency.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate and is automatically calculated, so should only be used as a guide.
What to Serve with Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy spicy pimento cheese.
- Southern pimento cheese spread is delicious on crackers or toasted bread.
- Make pimento cheese stuffed jalapeño poppers and wrap them with bacon – they are delicious baked, grilled, or smoked. I like to make these in the summer when I grow too many jalapeños. Freeze them flat on a baking sheet, then toss them in a freezer bag for later in the year!
- Serve it with cracker, chips, tortilla chips, or pretzels.
- Use it as a sandwich spread on sandwiches or wraps.
- Make a pimento cheese grilled cheese sandwich. Grilled pimento cheese is delicious and melty – and it is delicious with crispy bacon.
- Top burgers or hot dogs with a dollop of pimento cheese.
- Serve it alongside fresh veggies for a tasty snack.
