Paula Deen Pimento Cheese

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I’ve made countless versions of pimento cheese over the years, but Paula Deen’s take is the one I keep coming back to. It’s creamy, tangy, a little zippy, and unapologetically Southern. I first made this as a quick appetizer for a summer get-together, and before I could even sit down, the bowl was scraped clean. That’s when I knew I had a winner on my hands.

This isn’t your average store-bought pimento cheese. The blend of sharp cheddar, smooth cream cheese, and sweet pimentos gives it a homemade richness that sets it apart. Whether you’re spreading it on crackers, stuffing it into celery sticks, or making the ultimate grilled cheese, this recipe brings comfort and charm with every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Pimento Cheese

It’s rich, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful with a perfect balance of tang and spice. This pimento cheese comes together in just minutes and requires no cooking — just mixing. Whether you serve it as a dip, sandwich filling, or party spread, it’s the kind of Southern classic that pleases every crowd. Plus, you can tweak the heat level or texture to suit your preferences.

What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Paula Deen Pimento Cheese?

Sharp cheddar is the star of the show in Paula Deen’s version, and for good reason. It adds bold flavor and a firm texture that holds up well when mixed. I always recommend freshly grating the cheese yourself — pre-shredded just doesn’t give you the same creamy melt or punch of taste. A little cream cheese adds body and smoothness, helping everything blend into a luscious, spreadable dip.

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Options for Substitutions

You can absolutely tailor this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried or seen work beautifully:

• Cheddar Alternatives: Swap half the sharp cheddar for pepper jack if you like a spicier bite.
• Cream Cheese: If you prefer a looser texture, replace cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
• Pimentos: Can’t find jarred pimentos? Use roasted red peppers finely chopped — they’ll give a similar sweetness and color.
• Add Heat: A few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper bring just the right kick.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar to cut back on richness without sacrificing too much flavor.

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Ingredients for This Paula Deen Pimento Cheese

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  This is the foundation of the flavor. It brings a bold, tangy sharpness that balances beautifully with the creamy elements.
• Cream Cheese
  It gives the spread its rich, smooth body. It helps everything hold together while adding a slight tang.
• Mayonnaise
  A Southern classic ingredient that adds extra creaminess and a subtle zip. Use full-fat for best results.
• Diced Pimentos
  These sweet, mild red peppers add color and a slight sweetness that’s iconic in this dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper
  These enhance all the other flavors — don’t skip them. A touch of seasoning brings it to life.
• Optional: Garlic Powder or Onion Powder
  These aren’t always in the original version, but they deepen the flavor if you want to go a little bolder.
• Optional: Cayenne or Hot Sauce
  For anyone who likes a little heat, this adds a spicy kick without overpowering the creamy base.

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Step 1: Shred the Cheese

Start by grating your sharp cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded cheese is essential here — it melts smoother and tastes fresher than the pre-bagged kind.

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Step 2: Soften the Cream Cheese

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature. This makes it easier to blend and gives the pimento cheese a smooth, uniform texture.

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Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir until fully smooth and creamy.

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Step 4: Fold in the Cheddar and Pimentos

Add the shredded cheddar and diced pimentos to the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or spoon until well combined.

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Step 5: Season It

Add salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne. Stir well, then taste and adjust as needed.

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Step 6: Chill Before Serving

While you can serve it right away, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. It gets even better after a few hours in the fridge.

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How Long to Cook Paula Deen Pimento Cheese

No cooking required — that’s one of the best parts! Once you’ve mixed everything together, you’re done. It’s ready to serve immediately, though letting it chill for 30 minutes (or even overnight) enhances the flavor. Total hands-on time? Just about 10 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Paula Deen Pimento Cheese

• Grate the Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Freshly grated sharp cheddar gives you a creamier and more flavorful result.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: Letting the mixture sit in the fridge for a bit really deepens the flavor and thickens the texture, making it spread better.
• Use Full-Fat Ingredients: Cream cheese and mayo with fat give the best flavor and mouthfeel. Low-fat options work but won’t be quite as rich.
• Taste As You Go: After seasoning, give it a taste and adjust. Some like it spicier, others more mellow — make it your own.
• Serve at Room Temperature: If chilled overnight, give it 10–15 minutes on the counter before serving to soften slightly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
  It might save time, but pre-shredded cheese is coated in starches that mess with the creaminess. Always shred your own.
• Skipping the Softening Step
  Cold cream cheese won’t mix evenly, and you’ll end up with lumps. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes first.
• Overmixing
  You want a creamy texture with visible bits of cheddar and pimento. Overmixing can turn it into a paste.
• Underseasoning
  Don’t rely on cheese and mayo alone — a little salt and pepper (and maybe a dash of cayenne) really wake it up.
• Serving Too Cold
  Let it sit a bit before serving — cold cheese dulls the flavor. Room temp is where the magic happens.

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What to Serve With Paula Deen Pimento Cheese?

Crackers

Classic butter crackers or saltines are perfect for scooping. They let the flavor of the cheese shine.

Celery Sticks

For a fresh, crunchy, low-carb option, celery makes a great dipper that balances the richness.

Sandwiches

Spread it thick on white bread or toast for an old-school Southern sandwich. Add crispy bacon for extra indulgence.

Grilled Cheese

Use it as a filling — it melts beautifully and gives the sandwich a bold, tangy twist.

Burger Topping

Top a hot, juicy burger with a dollop. It melts into a creamy, cheesy layer of goodness.

Stuffed Mini Peppers

Spoon it into halved mini sweet peppers for a colorful, crunchy party snack.

Deviled Eggs Upgrade

Use a spoonful of pimento cheese in place of (or mixed with) the yolk mixture in deviled eggs.

Baked Potato Filling

Swirl it into the center of a hot baked potato for a cheesy, tangy upgrade.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Paula Deen Pimento Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 5 days. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving again, as the mixture can thicken slightly in the fridge. Avoid freezing — the dairy tends to separate and lose its creamy consistency once thawed.

If you’re prepping ahead for a party, you can make this a full day in advance. In fact, it often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had more time to blend.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 5g

These values can vary slightly depending on the exact brands and measurements you use. For a lighter option, try low-fat cream cheese and mayo, or reduce the portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade pimento cheese last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving again.

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Can I freeze Paula Deen pimento cheese?

Freezing isn’t recommended — the texture changes after thawing and becomes grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

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Is it spicy?

Not by default. The classic version is mild and creamy, but you can add cayenne or hot sauce to turn up the heat.

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What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is traditional and offers the boldest flavor. Extra-sharp is even better if you love that tang.

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Can I make this dairy-free?

It’s tough to replicate the texture and taste without dairy, but some have success using plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheddar.

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Can I use roasted red peppers instead of pimentos?

Yes! Just dice them finely. They’re slightly smokier than pimentos but offer a similar sweetness and color.

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Do I have to use mayonnaise?

Mayo gives it a classic Southern taste, but you can swap in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different twist.

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Is this gluten-free?

Yes, the spread itself is gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve it with (use gluten-free crackers or bread if needed).

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Conclusion

Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese is everything I love about simple, Southern comfort food — rich, creamy, just a little tangy, and endlessly versatile. It’s a recipe that doesn’t ask for much but delivers big on flavor and nostalgia. Whether you serve it as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling, it’s guaranteed to steal the show every time. I always keep a batch ready in the fridge — and once you try it, I bet you will too.

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