Appetizer: United States – Southern United States (Georgia) – Pimento Cheese

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 0 min

Additional 1 hr

Total 1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

- 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
- 4 oz (113 g) jarred diced pimentos, drained
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped sweet onion
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped green onion (scallion)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco), or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) smoked paprika (for color and mild smokiness)
- Assorted crackers or celery sticks for serving

Instructions

Short Description:
A creamy, tangy spread of sharp cheddar and diced pimentos blended with mayonnaise and seasonings, served as a dip or sandwich spread. Classic Georgia style with a touch of Worcestershire and hot sauce for depth.

Regional Notes:
Georgia's version emphasizes sharp cheddar and mayonnaise with bright diced pimentos; small additions like Worcestershire sauce and a dash of hot sauce are common in Georgia to deepen the savory flavor without overpowering the cheese. This yields a spreadable, slightly tangy pimento cheese typical at Southern gatherings, differing from milder or cream-cheese-only variants elsewhere.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and homogenous.
2. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and stir until evenly coated with the mayo-cream cheese mixture.
3. Fold in the drained diced pimentos, finely chopped sweet onion, and chopped green onion.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika; mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust salt or hot sauce as desired.
5. For best flavor, cover and chill at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld; if chilled, bring back to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for an easier spread.
6. Serve as a dip with assorted crackers or celery sticks, or use as a sandwich filling. Store leftovers chilled in an airtight container for up to 5 days.