This southern 3-ingredient pimento cheese is the dish my sister begs me to bring to every spring gathering. It’s creamy, sharp, and a little nostalgic—exactly what you want next to a bowl of crackers on a picnic table. Classic pimento cheese comes from the American South, but this version is stripped down to just three everyday ingredients so it fits right into a busy week.No fancy equipment, no extra chopping beyond opening a jar, and it still tastes like something you’d find at a church potluck or family reunion.Bowl of pimento cheese on a spring picnic tableBowl of pimento cheese on a spring picnic tableServe this pimento cheese in a pretty glass bowl surrounded by buttery crackers, celery sticks, and sliced cucumbers. It’s also perfect spread thick on soft white bread for simple tea sandwiches, or scooped onto toasted baguette slices.For something a little more substantial, tuck it into a grilled cheese or melt a spoonful on top of a hot burger. I like to keep a batch in the fridge during spring for easy snacking, quick lunches, and last-minute entertaining.Southern 3-Ingredient Pimento CheeseServings: 8Ingredients8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded1 cup mayonnaise1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, well drainedDirectionsPlace the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Shredding your own cheese helps it blend more smoothly with the mayonnaise.Freshly shredded cheddar in a mixing bowlFreshly shredded cheddar in a mixing bowlAdd the mayonnaise to the bowl with the cheddar. Start with about 3/4 cup if you like a thicker spread, then add the remaining mayonnaise as needed to reach your preferred creaminess.Drain the diced pimentos very well, pressing gently with a spoon to remove excess liquid so the spread doesn’t get watery. Add the pimentos to the bowl.Drained diced pimentos ready for mixingDrained diced pimentos ready for mixingStir everything together with a spatula or spoon until the cheddar is evenly coated in mayonnaise and the pimentos are well distributed. The mixture should look creamy with bright orange cheese and pops of red pimentos throughout.Taste and, if desired, adjust the texture by adding a spoonful more mayonnaise for a looser dip-like consistency or a bit more shredded cheddar for a thicker spread.Creamy pimento cheese being stirred in a bowlCreamy pimento cheese being stirred in a bowlTransfer the pimento cheese to a vintage-style glass serving bowl, smoothing the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the mixture firm up slightly.Serve chilled or just slightly cool from the fridge, surrounded by your favorite crackers and veggies. Stir briefly before serving if it has been sitting in the refrigerator for a while.Finished pimento cheese served with crackers and vegetablesFinished pimento cheese served with crackers and vegetablesVariations & TipsIf you have a few extra minutes, you can tweak this basic 3-ingredient version without really complicating it. For a little kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce. Swap part of the sharp cheddar for extra-sharp or white cheddar for a deeper, tangier flavor.If you prefer a chunkier texture, use a coarse shred on the cheese or fold in a small handful of additional shredded cheddar at the end. To lighten it up slightly, replace a few tablespoons of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt while keeping the total creamy component to about 1 cup.Pimento cheese variations with seasonings and add-insPimento cheese variations with seasonings and add-insFor make-ahead prep, mix this the night before; it actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have time to blend. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it an easy spread for quick weekday lunches or snacks
My sister begs me to bring this to every spring gathering. You will not believe it only takes 3 ingredients to make.
