The classic southern favorite, Pimento Cheese Spread, gets a healthy makeover that you and your family will surely enjoy!
Dustin and I have quickly fallen in love with this restaurant in Southwest Austin called Jack Allen's Kitchen.
They have an awesome restaurant design, menu and concept and their food is really great. They also have a Sunday buffet every week that is just amazing.
But I digress.
Our favorite appetizer at Jack Allen's is their Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread with Crackers. It's really tasty.
And, when I say it's our favorite appetizer, I mean it's the only appetizer we've ever ordered there because we like it so much.
I'll admit, at first, I was skeptical to order anything pimento-related. Truth be told, it weirded me out a little.
But, once I tried it, I was in love. I mean, c'mon: It's a cheese spread, right?
We decided it would be neat to make our own pimento cheese spread at home. Turns out it's ridiculously easy.
Awesome.
What Is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a versatile spread that is usually made of basically cheese, mayonnaise and these small sweet peppers called “Cherry peppers.” Sounds totally unfamiliar? Think again!
You might actually recognize them as those tiny cut up red peppers inside green olives. Yes, finally now we’re talking!
This popular spread was also called “Carolina Caviar” or “Southern Pate” since it did originate from the Southern part of the U.S.
There are a lot of different ways to make pimento cheese. Some people add cream cheese for a creamier mixture, while I, on the other hand, well you’ll get to know my secret ingredient later for a healthier version!
Bottom line is, there are tons of ways to mix up your own pimento cheese.
Is Palmetto Cheese The Same As Pimento Cheese?
Palmetto cheese is a brand of pimento cheese. Needless to say, there's been an ongoing discussion on whether palmetto cheese is the same as pimento.
While there's been some confusion in this matter and now the mystery has been solved.
Is Pimento Cheese Processed?
Yes, store-bought pimento cheese is most likely highly processed.
But if you’re planning to make your very own homemade pimento cheese just like I did, then it will not be nearly as processed.
It all depends on the ingredients you use for your own mixture.
Can I Eat Pimento Cheese While On Keto?
That’s a definite Y.E.S! If you’re on a ketogenic diet, the pimento cheese is a perfect addition! Just remember to check your ingredients and make sure that they are low-carb and low-sugar.
How Can I Make A Vegan/Dairy-Free Pimento Cheese?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! You can always create a new take on a classic recipe. So if you’re sensitive to dairy or prefer not to eat dairy, you can still satiate your pimento cheese cravings.
Basically, all you need to replace are the dairy ingredients: the Greek yogurt and the cheese.
There are tons of dairy-free and vegan substitutes that you can use for pimento cheese and yogurt, and they’ll taste as flavorful as the original one! The vegan niche has come far and has definitely ramped up the variety of vegan products now in the market!
How To Serve Pimento Cheese
Just like I said there are various ways to mix up your own pimento cheese, and they're even more ways to eat them! I personally like to add them on top of my Olive Oil Herb Crackers, that sharp flavor and the crunchy combination is just divine!
You can also slather some pimento cheese between two (or three!) slices of whole wheat bread for an easy-to-pack sandwich which is perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, and even road trips.
If you’re grilling up some burgers and feel like a slice of cheddar cheese just ain’t gonna cut it today, top them up with a heaping spoonful of pimento cheese! (Writing this is making me hungrier than I thought it would!).
How To Store Pimento Cheese
To keep your pimento cheese fresh and ready for snacking, transfer it into an airtight container. This will make your favorite dip last for up to two weeks; which I assure you won’t ever happen in our household.
My kids love it just as much as I do, and I even have to make a double batch sometimes just for it to last a few days! (Yes, we just love it way way too much!)
Can You Freeze Pimento Cheese?
It’s a big NO! There’s an ongoing discussion about whether you can freeze pimento cheese or not, and I highly suggest that you don’t.
For one thing, it has cheese which just doesn't hold up when put in the freezer. If you choose to freeze your pimento cheese expect that the texture will most likely be off. Instead of having a creamy spread, you’ll be left with a grainy one instead.
More Healthy Dips
Check out more healthy dips I have on the blog for you, and start enjoying (healthy) snacks again!
- Caramelized Onion Dip
- Queso Dip With Ground Beef
- Homemade Hummus
- The Perfect Guacamole
- Kalamata Olive Tapenade
- Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup full fat greek yogurt
- 2 ½ tablespoon pimentos chopped
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or by hand, electric mixer or food processor), beat the greek yogurt with the shredded cheeses until smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients and continue to mix on medium speed until well combined.
Video
Nutrition
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for the kitchen item(s) I use 🙂
Angie
Love all your recipes, so was glad to see yours pop up when I googled. I had leftover pimento from a can I opened the other day, almost a whole pepper, so I used less yogurt and it came out delicious!
Ellen
Wow! I've searched for pimento cheese recipes before, but yours hasn't come up. Jack Allen's was the site for our son's rehearsal dinner, and this was on the tables for our gathering time -- delicious!
It looks like it's been several years since the original post -- if you are still stuck on the cheese spread, you really should break away just once to try their guac -- a stand out in a town that provides many excellent guacs!
Susy Knight
We made this today very easy recipe and love the flavor.
Geneva
I tried it, except I swapped the cheese for a cheddar bacon cheese and added horseradish for a kick. the dip is great on pork rinds.
Barbara
Love the pimento cheese spread! I know the recipe states it makes 6 servings n=but could you tell me what the serving size is? Thanks!
Doober
I will have to try this with vegan mayo, I have an egg allergy.
Brenda Lee
I love the recipe! I followed the recipe as indicated...but I wanted to taste more pimento, so I used the full 4oz. Jar of pimentos I had bought, and added another 1/8 tsp of garlic salt. Perfect!
Lacey Baier
This sounds so good! Thanks for sharing your tweaks - glad you enjoyed it!
Bonnie Beenblossom
Lacey,
I have found soooo many yummy recipes on your website. Thank you for being out there. I have one request. Would it be possible to
put the nutrition information after the recipe. Being diabetic and overweight I really need to know my numbers (i.e. carbs, fiber,etc.) If
not that's okay. I can tell by the ingredients which ones are okay. Thanks again.
Bonnie
Lacey Baier
Hi Bonnie! I'm so glad you have enjoyed multiple recipes from my site 🙂
I'm definitely wanting to go back into all the old posts and add in the nutrition information, but that will take longer. I currently include the information in all my new posts, though 🙂
Beverly
I've been looking for the easiest yet best pimento cheese spread! Your recipe looks simple (just like I need them to be). Not too many ingredients & mix then serve, just my way;)
I do have a simple question please & super, pretty please help me out with this? I bought the diced pimentos, mayo, cream cheese but I didn't grab monterrey jack cheeses or garlic powder:( I can run get any seasons I need but do I need to add monterrey jack or could I only use the extra sharp cheddar cheese I've already purchased? I'll wait for your reply before I run back to the store:) thanks in advance (esp if you please can help) & I hope your holidays are wonderful☆☆☆☆ We love pimento cheese 🙂 well 3 of us out of 6 lol! Can't wait to hear back!!! I'll keep checking back or I'm on Pinterest also is totally up to you I totally appreciate you! Thanks & cannot wait, I wanna pimento cheese sandwich right now yummy!!!! Thanks a bunch! Beverly Patterson is my name on Pinterest, Facebook & Gmail is beverlykims@gmail.com thanks again! I wanna make this today if u have time. I'll run to the store to get the garlic powder & maybe onion powder in a couple mins. Thanks a 3rd time, lol!
Lacey Baier
Hi Beverly! The truth is that I've never tried this recipe with cheddar cheese. Being a sharp cheddar, I'd imagine it would take over a lot of the flavor, whereas the jack lays low. If you're able to run to the store, the recipe as written is really the best. That being said, it'll prob still be good with what you're asking about, just not as good. Hope that helps!
Beverly
I'm at the store now & I'll be purchasing the Monterey Jack cheese 🙂 thank you very much, I'll let you know as soon as we try eat although I know it'll be wonderful! I love pimento cheese thanks again!
Lacey Baier
Yay! I hope you love it, Beverly! 🙂
Cherry
Great recipe. Came home wanting really good pimento cheese. This is really good.
Deanna
I love Jack Allen's! And just like you was skeptical and LOVE the cheese spread. Went searching and found this http://www.twinliquors.com/whats_poppin/central-texas-chefs-corner-1 a profile of the chef and THE RECIPE!!
I have made it several times. It makes ALOT! And odd- no pimentos. It uses red bell peppers. I just call it cheese spread because so many folks instantly turned up their noses at "pimento cheese".
Lane
I've eaten at that restaurant and yes it is delish!! Can't wait to try this recipe!!
Sonia
I made this today!!
I added a couple of dashes of hot sauce, and it was AWESOME! Thank you!!
jc
I made this today and - YUMMY! I added a little garlic powder and my family loves it! For myself I added red pepper flakes!
Theresa
All I can say is . . . . . YUM! It is sooo good!
Cheryl
Thanks for this recipe--HEB also has a pimento spread that we enjoy, but I add chopped jalenpoes to give it a little dash of spice.
Now, I can make our own spicy spread! This will be perfect for those holiday parties coming up this week.
lacey - a sweet pea chef
Happy to help -- what a fun thing to have at a holiday party! 🙂