Cheese Pimiento Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Cheese Pimiento is a delicious spread with savory cheese, sweet pimientos, and mayonnaise for extra creaminess. It's incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of your time!

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • What is Cheese Pimiento?
  • Ingredients you'll need
  • Notes and substitutions
  • How to make this recipe
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Filipino spreads (Palaman)
  • Other appetizers and sides you may like
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

What is Cheese Pimiento?

Cheese Pimiento is a spread or filling for sandwiches or bread like the traditional Filipino pandesal. It is made with a blend mayonnaise, pimiento (a type of sweet red pepper), and grated cheese, often processed cheese with a creamy texture and mild, slightly salty flavor.

Queso de Bola, a type of Edam cheese that's especially popular during the holidays, is a preferred choice, known for its nutty flavor and slightly firmer texture.

Ingredients you'll need

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (2)

Notes and substitutions

  • Cheese: Processed cheese is typically used for its creamy and slightly salty taste, or Queso de Bola (Edam cheese), a semi-hard, yellow cheese popular during Christmas in the Philippines. If needed, substitute with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor or American cheese, another processed type. You can also mix in Gouda or Colby for variety.
  • Pimiento: I use jarred pimientos with their bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. You can also use roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers, which can be roasted and peeled to mimic the texture and taste of pimientos.

How to make this recipe

Step 1: Chop the pimientos

Begin by finely chopping the pimientos.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (3)

Step 2: Grate the cheese

Finely grate the cheese for a more uniform texture.

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Step 3: Combine the ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped pimientos, and mayonnaise. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (5)

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Add honey or sugar to balance the flavors. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more mayonnaise. If it’s too thin, add more grated cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika for an extra hint of flavor. Some like adding finely chopped pineapple for a sweet and tangy touch.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (6)

Enjoy your homemade Cheese Pimiento spread with freshly baked pandesal for a classic Filipino treat! For any leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a delicious dip.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (7)

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Cheese Pimiento without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a thicker texture and a tangy flavor.

What is Pimiento?

Pimiento, also known as pimento or cherry pepper, is a type of sweet pepper with a bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. It's often used in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. Pimientos are typically found jarred in supermarkets, either whole or diced, and are commonly used to stuff olives or in dishes like Cheese Pimiento.

How long does homemade Cheese Pimiento last?

Homemade Cheese Pimiento Spread can last up to one week in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To extend its shelf life, avoid cross-contamination by using a clean spoon each time you serve it.

Can Cheese Pimiento Spread be frozen?

Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and consistency of the spread.

More Filipino spreads (Palaman)

  • Ube Halaya: A sweet and creamy spread made from ube or purple yam with a distinct purple color and a rich, buttery flavor.
  • Mango Jam: A sweet, fruity spread made from ripe mangoes.
  • Corned Beef: Canned corned beef sautéed with onions, used as a filling for sandwiches.
  • Liver Spread with Mayonnaise: A savory, creamy mixture of liver spread and mayonnaise often used as a spread in Filipino sandwiches.
  • Chicken Spread: A creamy spread typically made with shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and seasonings, similar to chicken salad in Western cuisine.
  • Tuna Spread: A spread made from canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise and various seasonings, often enjoyed in sandwiches or as a cracker topping.
  • Egg Salad Spread - Made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, this creamy spread is a classic choice for sandwiches and snacks.

Other appetizers and sides you may like

  • Cheese Lumpia Recipe
  • Lumpiang Labong Recipe
  • Ampalaya Atchara Recipe
  • Salt and Pepper Squid Recipe
Cheese Pimiento Recipe (12)

Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

📖 Recipe

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (13)

Cheese Pimiento Recipe

A delicious spread with savory cheese, sweet pimientos, and mayonnaise for extra creaminess.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Spread

Cuisine: Filipino

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 163kcal

Author: Nora Rey

Cost: $4-$6

Equipment

  • Grater

Ingredients

  • 2 cups grated cheese (about 6 ounces) see note
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup chopped pimiento see note
  • Honey or sugar to taste

Instructions

  • Chop the pimientos: Begin by finely chopping the pimientos.

  • Grate the cheese: Finely grate the cheese for a more uniform texture.

  • Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped pimientos, and mayonnaise. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

  • Taste and Adjust: Add honey or sugar to balance the flavors. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more mayonnaise. If it’s too thin, add more grated cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

    You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika for an extra hint of flavor. Some like adding finely chopped pineapple for a sweet and tangy touch.

Notes

  • Cheese: Processed cheese is typically used for its creamy and slightly salty taste, or Queso de Bola (Edam cheese), a semi-hard, yellow cheese popular during Christmas in the Philippines. If needed, substitute with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor or American cheese, another processed type. You can also mix in Gouda or Colby for variety.
  • Pimiento: I use jarred pimientos with their bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. You can also use roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers, which can be roasted and peeled to mimic the texture and taste of pimientos.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 382mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 334IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 0.3mg

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kris

    Cheese Pimiento Recipe (18)
    So easy to make and deliciousn thank you!

    Reply

    • Nora Reyes

      Hi Kris! Thank you! =)

      Reply

Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think:

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is cheese pimiento made of? ›

What Is Pimento Cheese? Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that's traditionally made with shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's commonly served with crackers and vegetables or as a sandwich filling. Pimento cheese is often called the "pâté of the south."

How long does homemade pimento cheese last? ›

Whereas pre-packaged pimento cheese can last up to four weeks in the fridge, the homemade version will not last quite as long due to the lack of stabilizers and preservatives — it will only last for about one week.

Why do Southerners like pimento cheese? ›

The spread of pimento cheese

It may have become popular in the South because it didn't spoil easily at room temperature, making it easy to pack in lunchboxes, particularly for textile workers. But it was also fashionable as a sandwich in tea rooms.

Is pimento cheese a South Carolina thing? ›

Believe it or not, this dish originated in the North and was made with pimentos and cream cheese. However, in typical Southern fashion, South Carolina decided to make the dish their own by tweaking the recipe and using only the best locally sourced ingredients.

How long does pimento cheese last in the fridge? ›

How long is pimento cheese good after opening? Enjoy all this goodness within four weeks, whether you've opened the package or not, or check the expiration date on the container.

What's the difference between pimento cheese and Palmetto Cheese? ›

Palmetto Cheese is a trademark for a brand of pimento cheese from Pawleys Island Specialty Foods, a division of Get Carried Away, based in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It is manufactured and packaged at Duke Sandwich Productions located in Easley, South Carolina.

Does pimento cheese go bad? ›

Keep an eye out for the same evidence of expiration as you would with any other cheese, such as visible mold, dramatic changes in texture or color, or an unpleasant smell. If you detect any of these traits, you should dispose of your pimento cheese rather than consume it.

What is the best cracker for pimento cheese? ›

This world-famous spread might be known as the "pâté of the South", but at heart, pimiento cheese is a humble delicacy made of simple ingredients: mayonnaise, grated cheese, and jarred pimientos. It is best savored on regular old, trusty Saltines.

What state invented pimento cheese? ›

While it's hard to imagine anyone appreciating the heavenly combination of shredded cheese, mayo, and diced red pimentos as much as Southerners, the delicious spread actually got its start up North—in New York, specifically.

What is the nickname for pimento cheese? ›

Pimento cheese is most closely associated with Southern cuisine and has been referred to as the "pâté of the South", "Carolina caviar" and "the caviar of the South." Pimento cheese sandwiches have a long history at the Masters Tournament.

What state is pimento cheese famous? ›

of Augusta, Georgia, was advertising, “Pimiento Cheese, you know how fine it is. This is good. 2 for 25¢.” The South can't claim pimento cheese as its own invention, but the state of Georgia was actually the center of the nation's pimento growing and canning industry.

Where is the pimento cheese capital of the world? ›

While pimento cheese is a staple in many Southern homes, Charlotte has been considered the Pimento Cheese Capital of the World, according to Mental Floss.

What is pimento cheese called in the South? ›

Most Southerners have fond memories of a loving aunt mixing up a batch for a church gathering, while Northerners haven't the foggiest idea what pimento cheese even is. Affectionately referred to as “Carolina caviar” or “Southern pate,” it has been a Southern staple for well over 50 years.

What is the official sandwich of South Carolina? ›

United States of Sandwiches Transcript
StateSandwich
South CarolinaPulled Pork With Gold Sauce
South DakotaPheasant Sandwich
TennesseeThe Elvis
TexasSmoked Brisket
46 more rows

Is pimento cheese made from cottage cheese? ›

Traditional pimento cheese is often made with cream cheese or mayo, but I thought, why not cottage cheese, so you still get that creamy flavor, but with a big boost of protein!

What is pimento paste made of? ›

Ingredients: peppers, salt, sodium benzoate (preservative).

Where is pimento cheese made? ›

While it's hard to imagine anyone appreciating the heavenly combination of shredded cheese, mayo, and diced red pimentos as much as Southerners, the delicious spread actually got its start up North—in New York, specifically.

Why is pimento cheese called pimento? ›

A Little Pimento Cheese History. It was named for the Spanish word for pepper: pimiento. The second “i” has mostly been dropped in spelling the word today, but you'll find “pimiento” purists who insist on the original spelling, just as they insist on making “pimiento” cheese like their mothers did.

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