If you love classic pimento cheese and want a little heat, this Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese is an excellent twist on the Southern favorite. Creamy, tangy, and just spicy enough, it’s an easy snack or appetizer that comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Below is a concise ingredient list for jalapeño pimento cheese. Exact measurements and a printable recipe card are included in the recipe section further down.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (white or regular), freshly grated
- Pepper Jack cheese (optional for extra heat)
- Fresh jalapeño peppers
- Jarred diced pimentos, drained
- Softened cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt & black pepper
- Optional: cayenne pepper
How to Make It
- Grate the cheeses from blocks for best texture; a food processor speeds this up.
- Finely dice the fresh jalapeños. Remove seeds and ribs to reduce heat if desired.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the shredded cheeses, diced jalapeños, diced pimentos, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise (start with 2 tablespoons), onion powder, garlic powder, ¼–½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼–½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne if using. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Mix until everything is well combined. Add more mayonnaise a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate at least one hour for the flavors to meld. Enjoy with crackers, bread, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy with your favorite crackers, bread, or veggies!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or substitute pickled jalapeños.
- Adjust spices to taste—smoked paprika, a pinch of mustard powder, or Worcestershire sauce can add depth.
- Pre-shredded cheese can save time, but freshly shredded cheddar gives a creamier, less gummy texture.
If you prefer no heat, use the same base recipe without jalapeños for a classic pimento cheese. This jalapeño version, however, is a favorite for those who like a little spice.
Storage
How to Store It
Keep homemade pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes best at room temperature, so remove it from the fridge 15–30 minutes before serving. Use within one week for optimal flavor and quality.
Freezing
You can freeze pimento cheese, but the texture may change after thawing. If you freeze it, thaw slowly in the refrigerator and stir well before serving. Fresh is preferred for the best mouthfeel.
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Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz extra sharp white cheddar, freshly grated
- 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 oz jarred pimiento peppers, drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (more if needed)
- 2-3 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds and membrane to reduce heat)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼-½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer, starting with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise. Mix until well combined. Add more mayo if needed to reach desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne to your preference. Start with smaller amounts and increase if needed.
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If you don’t have a mixer, soften and mash the cream cheese with mayonnaise and spices using a fork, then fold in the shredded cheeses and peppers.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and the spread to firm up slightly.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate and should be used as a guide.
What to Serve with Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Spicy pimento cheese is versatile—here are some popular serving ideas:
- Spread on crackers, toasted bread, or crostini.
- Stuff into jalapeño poppers, wrap with bacon, and bake, grill, or smoke.
- Serve with chips, tortilla chips, or pretzels for dipping.
- Use as a sandwich spread or in wraps for added flavor.
- Make a melty pimento cheese grilled cheese—try it with crispy bacon.
- Top burgers or hot dogs with a dollop of pimento cheese.
- Offer alongside fresh vegetables for a lighter snack option.