If you love classic pimento cheese but want a bolder flavor, this Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese is a perfect twist. It keeps the creamy, tangy base of the Southern favorite while adding fresh jalapeño heat for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this jalapeño pimento cheese is great for gatherings, picnic baskets, or simply pairing with crackers and vegetables at home.
Ingredients
Here’s an overview of the ingredients you’ll need. Exact amounts and detailed instructions are included in the recipe card below.
- Sharp white cheddar or regular sharp cheddar (preferably freshly shredded)
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Fresh jalapeño peppers
- Jarred diced pimentos, drained
- Softened cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt & black pepper
- Optional: cayenne pepper for extra heat
How to Make It
- Shred the cheeses. A food processor speeds this up, but you can grate by hand.
- Finely dice the fresh jalapeños. Remove the membrane and seeds if you prefer milder heat.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the shredded cheeses, diced jalapeños, diced pimentos, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise (start with 2 tablespoons), onion powder, garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and cayenne if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you don’t have a mixer, soften and mash cream cheese with a fork, then stir in mayonnaise, spices, and shredded cheeses.
- Mix until everything is evenly combined. Add more mayonnaise if you want a looser, creamier texture.
- Serve right away, or chill for an hour (or longer) to let the flavors blend and the mixture firm up slightly.
- Enjoy with crackers, toasted bread, pretzels, chips, or fresh vegetables.
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Recipe Tips & Variations
- For a milder spread, reduce the jalapeños or use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh.
- Customize with spices or mix-ins like smoked paprika, chopped green onions, or a splash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but freshly shredded cheddar gives a creamier, less grainy texture.
If you prefer no heat, try a classic pimento cheese version without jalapeños. In taste tests, milder and spicier versions can both be crowd-pleasers—adjust to what your group enjoys.
Storage
How to Store It
Keep homemade pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best served at room temperature, so remove it 15–30 minutes before serving. Use within one week for best flavor and quality.
Can You Freeze Homemade Pimento Cheese?
Freezing is possible but may change the texture. If you freeze it, thaw slowly in the refrigerator and stir before serving. For best results, enjoy fresh.
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Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (~1 cup)
- 4 oz extra sharp white cheddar, freshly grated (~1 cup)
- 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 oz jarred pimiento peppers, drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (more if needed)
- 2–3 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds/membrane for less heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a stand mixer bowl, starting with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add more mayonnaise if you prefer a looser texture.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of each seasoning and increase as needed.
- If you don’t have a mixer, mash the cream cheese with a fork, stir in mayonnaise and spices, then fold in shredded cheeses and peppers.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate to let the flavors meld and the texture thicken. Store in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 183 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 16 g
Nutrition information is approximate and provided as a guide.
What to Serve with Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Jalapeño pimento cheese is versatile and pairs well with many foods. Here are a few ideas:
- Spread on crackers, toasted bread, or bagel chips.
- Use as a filling for jalapeño poppers and wrap with bacon for baking, grilling, or smoking.
- Serve with tortilla chips, pretzels, or potato chips for dipping.
- Make a melty pimento cheese grilled sandwich—add crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Top burgers or hot dogs with a spoonful of pimento cheese.
- Offer it with raw vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and carrots for a lighter snack.