Cheese Pimiento Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Cheese Pimiento is a delicious spread with savory cheese, sweet pimientos, and mayonnaise for extra creaminess. It's incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of your time!

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • What is Cheese Pimiento?
  • Ingredients you'll need
  • Notes and substitutions
  • How to make this recipe
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Filipino spreads (Palaman)
  • Other appetizers and sides you may like
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

What is Cheese Pimiento?

Cheese Pimiento is a spread or filling for sandwiches or bread like the traditional Filipino pandesal. It is made with a blend mayonnaise, pimiento (a type of sweet red pepper), and grated cheese, often processed cheese with a creamy texture and mild, slightly salty flavor.

Queso de Bola, a type of Edam cheese that's especially popular during the holidays, is a preferred choice, known for its nutty flavor and slightly firmer texture.

Ingredients you'll need

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (2)

Notes and substitutions

  • Cheese: Processed cheese is typically used for its creamy and slightly salty taste, or Queso de Bola (Edam cheese), a semi-hard, yellow cheese popular during Christmas in the Philippines. If needed, substitute with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor or American cheese, another processed type. You can also mix in Gouda or Colby for variety.
  • Pimiento: I use jarred pimientos with their bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. You can also use roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers, which can be roasted and peeled to mimic the texture and taste of pimientos.

How to make this recipe

Step 1: Chop the pimientos

Begin by finely chopping the pimientos.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (3)

Step 2: Grate the cheese

Finely grate the cheese for a more uniform texture.

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Step 3: Combine the ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped pimientos, and mayonnaise. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (5)

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Add honey or sugar to balance the flavors. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more mayonnaise. If it’s too thin, add more grated cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika for an extra hint of flavor. Some like adding finely chopped pineapple for a sweet and tangy touch.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (6)

Enjoy your homemade Cheese Pimiento spread with freshly baked pandesal for a classic Filipino treat! For any leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a delicious dip.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (7)

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Cheese Pimiento without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a thicker texture and a tangy flavor.

What is Pimiento?

Pimiento, also known as pimento or cherry pepper, is a type of sweet pepper with a bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. It's often used in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. Pimientos are typically found jarred in supermarkets, either whole or diced, and are commonly used to stuff olives or in dishes like Cheese Pimiento.

How long does homemade Cheese Pimiento last?

Homemade Cheese Pimiento Spread can last up to one week in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To extend its shelf life, avoid cross-contamination by using a clean spoon each time you serve it.

Can Cheese Pimiento Spread be frozen?

Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and consistency of the spread.

More Filipino spreads (Palaman)

  • Ube Halaya: A sweet and creamy spread made from ube or purple yam with a distinct purple color and a rich, buttery flavor.
  • Mango Jam: A sweet, fruity spread made from ripe mangoes.
  • Corned Beef: Canned corned beef sautéed with onions, used as a filling for sandwiches.
  • Liver Spread with Mayonnaise: A savory, creamy mixture of liver spread and mayonnaise often used as a spread in Filipino sandwiches.
  • Chicken Spread: A creamy spread typically made with shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and seasonings, similar to chicken salad in Western cuisine.
  • Tuna Spread: A spread made from canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise and various seasonings, often enjoyed in sandwiches or as a cracker topping.
  • Egg Salad Spread - Made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, this creamy spread is a classic choice for sandwiches and snacks.

Other appetizers and sides you may like

  • Cheese Lumpia Recipe
  • Lumpiang Labong Recipe
  • Ampalaya Atchara Recipe
  • Salt and Pepper Squid Recipe
Cheese Pimiento Recipe (12)

Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

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📖 Recipe

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (13)

Cheese Pimiento Recipe

A delicious spread with savory cheese, sweet pimientos, and mayonnaise for extra creaminess.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Spread

Cuisine: Filipino

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 163kcal

Author: Nora Rey

Cost: $4-$6

Equipment

  • Grater

Ingredients

  • 2 cups grated cheese (about 6 ounces) see note
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup chopped pimiento see note
  • Honey or sugar to taste

Instructions

  • Chop the pimientos: Begin by finely chopping the pimientos.

  • Grate the cheese: Finely grate the cheese for a more uniform texture.

  • Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped pimientos, and mayonnaise. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

  • Taste and Adjust: Add honey or sugar to balance the flavors. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more mayonnaise. If it’s too thin, add more grated cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

    You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika for an extra hint of flavor. Some like adding finely chopped pineapple for a sweet and tangy touch.

Notes

  • Cheese: Processed cheese is typically used for its creamy and slightly salty taste, or Queso de Bola (Edam cheese), a semi-hard, yellow cheese popular during Christmas in the Philippines. If needed, substitute with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor or American cheese, another processed type. You can also mix in Gouda or Colby for variety.
  • Pimiento: I use jarred pimientos with their bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. You can also use roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers, which can be roasted and peeled to mimic the texture and taste of pimientos.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 382mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 334IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 0.3mg

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kris

    Cheese Pimiento Recipe (18)
    So easy to make and deliciousn thank you!

    Reply

    • Nora Reyes

      Hi Kris! Thank you! =)

      Reply

Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think:

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is cheese pimiento made of? ›

One of my favorite Southern specialities is pimento cheese, which is often referred to as “the pâté of the South.” Made from sharp Cheddar, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and jarred pimentos, this spread is wonderful on crackers, crudités, sandwiches, or even burgers.

What is the difference between pimento and pimiento? ›

Spelling and culinary variations abound: certain places may refer to it as pimento cheese, pimiento cheese, or even by the brand name of companies that produce it. Most of the peppers are derived from the Spanish pimiento, but pimento is the more common English word for the peppers used in the cheese.

How long does homemade pimento cheese last? ›

Place the cheese in a clean container and seal it so that it is airtight. Whereas pre-packaged pimento cheese can last up to four weeks in the fridge, the homemade version will not last quite as long due to the lack of stabilizers and preservatives — it will only last for about one week.

Why are pimentos stuffed in olives? ›

It's believed that the pimento, arguably the most popular olive stuffing, was used to cut the fruit's bitterness. Then as today, the higher-end olives are often meticulously hand-stuffed while the lower-end-but-still-delicious green olives are usually stuffed by a machine.

Is pimento cheese good or bad for you? ›

One of the major disadvantages of pimento cheese is its high fat and calorie content. Just two ounces of pimento cheese can contain as much as 180 calories and 16 grams of fat. For individuals with diabetes these numbers can add up quickly and contribute to unhealthy weight gain if not carefully managed.

What can I use instead of pimiento? ›

Spanish Paprika and Cayenne Pepper: Use 3/4 teaspoon of a mild Spanish paprika and about 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for each teaspoon Piment d'Espelette called for.

What state is known for pimento cheese? ›

Soon, Georgia farmers were trying to grow red peppers domestically, roasting them, canning them, and sending out as many as 10 million cans of pimentos a year, spreading the gospel of pimento cheese around the country.

Do you eat pimento cheese hot or cold? ›

It can be served cold with a selection of crackers and vegetables, or hot as a dip with pico de gallo and tortilla chips. Pimento cheese is also great on sandwiches and burgers.

What goes well with pimento cheese? ›

Additionally, buttery Club crackers and pita chips are also good options due to their neutral flavors. Saltines, despite lacking a cardboard-like taste, can be used to flavor the pimento cheese as long as they are salty.

Do you eat pimento cheese by itself? ›

There's almost no way Southerners won't eat pimiento cheese. This classic recipe works as a dip, spread, or all by itself. Serve it as tea sandwiches between two slices of white bread.

What is pimiento made of? ›

A pimiento or pimento or cherry pepper is a variety of large, red, heart-shaped chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) that measures 3 to 4 in (7 to 10 cm) long and 2 to 3 in (5 to 7 cm) wide (medium, elongate).

Is pimento cheese actually cheese? ›

Almost all pimento cheese recipes today call for blending grated cheddar or a similar firm cheese with diced pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and various seasonings.

What's the difference between pimento and pimento cheese? ›

Palmetto Cheese is a trademark for a brand of pimento cheese from Pawleys Island Specialty Foods, a division of Get Carried Away, based in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It is manufactured and packaged at Duke Sandwich Productions located in Easley, South Carolina.

Are pimentos peppers or tomatoes? ›

Pimentos, also referred to as pimientos, are a type of pepper with a sweet flavor and very little heat. This nightshade is also known as a cherry pepper because of its red color and round, heart-shaped fruit.

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