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Jalapeño Pimento Cheese

Jalapeño Pimento Cheese

Jalapeño Pimento Cheese is a creamy, spicy Southern-inspired spread combining sharp cheddar, sweet pimentos, and fresh jalapeños for a perfect balance of heat and smoothness. This versatile and easy-to-make recipe is ideal as a dip, sandwich spread, or topping, offering bold flavors with a creamy twist that can be customized to suit your spice preference.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for mild heat)
  • 1/3 cup canned pimentos, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Grate the sharp cheddar cheese finely for easier blending. Finely dice fresh jalapeños after removing seeds for milder heat or leave some seeds if you prefer spicier. Drain canned pimentos thoroughly to avoid extra liquid.
  2. Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk gently until smooth and creamy, setting the flavor foundation.
  3. Combine Cheese and Peppers: Add the grated cheddar, diced jalapeños, and drained pimentos to the mayo mixture. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and coated.
  4. Adjust Seasonings: Taste your Jalapeño Pimento Cheese and add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if you want extra heat or seasoning depth. Mix well after every addition.
  5. Chill and Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Grate cheese finely for a smoother texture that blends easily without clumping.
  • Remove jalapeño seeds to control heat according to your spice preference.
  • Use fresh jalapeños and quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
  • Allow chilling time to let flavors marry and develop a creamier consistency.
  • Store in an airtight container to keep fresh and prevent odors from other foods.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 100
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Jalapeño pimento cheese, pimento cheese spread, Southern appetizer, spicy cheese spread, easy snack, jalapeño cheese dip