Appetizer: United States – Mississippi (Southern United States) – Pimento Cheese Spread

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 0 min

Additional 1 hr

Total 1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

- 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
- 1/4 cup (2 oz / 56 g) diced pimentos, drained
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Louisiana-style hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) onion powder
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) cayenne pepper (optional; increase for more heat)
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (1.25 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (12 g) finely chopped green onion (scallions)
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) smoked paprika (optional, for color and mild smoke)
- Crackers, celery sticks, or toasted bread, for serving

Instructions

Short Description:
A creamy, tangy spread of sharp cheddar and pimentos with a Mississippi-style kick from hot sauce and simple Southern seasonings. Served chilled as a classic appetizer for crackers, celery, or toasted bread.

Regional Notes:
This Mississippi version leans on sharp cheddar and mayonnaise for a rich, spreadable texture and often uses a Louisiana-style hot sauce or Worcestershire for an added savory bite. It differs from drier, grate-and-serve Southern versions by including cream cheese and a bit more moisture for scoopability favored at Mississippi gatherings.

1. Remove cream cheese from the refrigerator and let soften at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in 5–7 second bursts until just pliable.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise together with a rubber spatula or electric mixer on low until smooth and fully combined.
3. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar until evenly distributed. A few larger cheese shreds can remain for texture.
4. Fold in the drained diced pimentos, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix until evenly combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more hot sauce, salt, or cayenne to reach your preferred heat and salt level.
6. Stir in the chopped green onion, reserving a pinch to sprinkle on top for garnish.
7. Transfer the pimento cheese to a serving bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hour to let flavors meld (preferably 2–4 hours). Chilling also firms the spread for easier scooping.
8. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature with crackers, celery sticks, or toasted bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.