3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese

 

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's everything you need to make this easy pimento cheese.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

You'll need 8 ounces (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded.

Freshly shredding the cheese is recommended because it gives the finished mixture a smooth, creamy texture.

Jarred Pimentos

Use 4 ounces (115 g) jarred pimentos, drained and finely chopped.

Make sure to drain them well before adding them to the mixture so they don't introduce unnecessary liquid.

Mayonnaise

You'll need ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise.

The mayonnaise helps bind the cheddar and pimentos together while creating that creamy consistency that makes pimento cheese so irresistible.

Tools You'll Need

The equipment list is wonderfully short.

You'll need:

Medium mixing bowl

Cheese grater

Measuring cups

Fork or spoon

Airtight container or bowl with a cover

That's it!

No food processor or fancy equipment is necessary.

Ingredient Tips and Possible Substitutions

This recipe is intentionally simple, so the ingredients really matter.

Shred the Cheese Yourself

For the best texture, freshly shred the cheddar rather than using pre-shredded cheese.

Freshly shredded cheese blends beautifully with the mayonnaise and gives the finished spread a creamier consistency.

Choose Your Favorite Mayonnaise

Since mayonnaise is one of only three ingredients, its flavor will have an impact on the finished recipe.

Use a mayonnaise you enjoy.

Don't Skip Draining the Pimentos

The pimentos should be drained and finely chopped before mixing.

Too much liquid can make the finished spread looser than you'd like.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese

This recipe couldn't be easier!

Step 1: Shred the Cheddar

Freshly shred 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.

For the smoothest, creamiest texture, shredding the cheese yourself is worth the extra minute or two.

Step 2: Prepare the Pimentos

Drain the jarred pimentos thoroughly.

Finely chop them so they're distributed evenly throughout the cheese mixture.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the shredded cheddar, chopped pimentos, and mayonnaise to a medium mixing bowl.

Give everything a good stir.

Step 4: Mix Until Creamy

Stir until the cheese is evenly coated with mayonnaise and the pimentos are distributed throughout.

For a smoother spread, use a fork to slightly mash the mixture as you stir.

You don't need to turn it completely smooth. Leaving some texture gives the pimento cheese plenty of character.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

This short chilling time gives the flavors an opportunity to blend and allows the mixture to firm up.

And honestly, waiting can be the hardest part!

Step 6: Stir and Serve

After chilling, give the pimento cheese a quick stir.

Then it's ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Pimento Cheese

This is where this little three-ingredient recipe really shines.

With Crackers

Spoon the pimento cheese onto your favorite crackers for a quick snack or easy appetizer.

As a Sandwich Filling

Spread it generously between slices of bread for an easy, satisfying sandwich.

With Fresh Vegetables

Use it as a creamy dip for vegetables.

Crunchy vegetables and creamy cheese are such a good combination!

On Burgers

Add a spoonful to a hot burger for an extra-rich, cheesy topping.

On Sandwiches

Pimento cheese can also be used as a flavorful spread on sandwiches.

There really are no shortage of ways to enjoy it.

Tips for Making the Best Pimento Cheese

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

This is one of the simplest ways to improve the texture. Freshly shredded cheddar gives you a smoother, creamier mixture.

Drain the Pimentos Well

Excess liquid can affect the consistency, so drain the pimentos before chopping.

Don't Overmix

Stir until everything is evenly combined. If you want a smoother texture, gently mash with a fork rather than aggressively mixing.

Give It Time to Chill

That 30-minute rest in the refrigerator is useful. It lets the flavors come together while firming the mixture slightly.

Taste Before Serving

After chilling, give the pimento cheese a quick stir and taste it before serving.

That's when you'll get the best idea of its final texture and flavor.

How to Store Pimento Cheese

Cover the pimento cheese and keep it refrigerated.

Because this recipe contains mayonnaise and cheese, it should be treated as a refrigerated food and not left sitting out for extended periods.

For the best quality, make sure it's stored in a clean, airtight container and use good food-safety practices.

Recipe at a Glance

Recipe: 3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese

Prep: A few minutes

Chill: About 30 minutes

Servings: Not specified in the original recipe

Main ingredients: Sharp cheddar, pimentos, mayonnaise

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheddar is recommended for the smoothest, creamiest texture.

Do I need to cook the pimento cheese?

No. This is a simple mix-and-chill recipe. Once the ingredients are combined and chilled, the pimento cheese is ready to serve.

Why do I need to drain the pimentos?

Draining removes excess liquid and helps keep the finished spread creamy rather than watery.

How long should pimento cheese chill?

About 30 minutes is recommended. This gives the flavors time to blend and allows the mixture to firm up.

Can I make the texture smoother?

Yes! As you stir, gently mash the mixture with a fork for a smoother consistency.

What can I serve with pimento cheese?

It's delicious as a cracker spread, vegetable dip, sandwich filling, or topping for burgers and sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

This 3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese is one of those recipes that's almost too easy not to make.

Just sharp cheddar, pimentos, and mayonnaise come together to create a creamy, flavorful spread that's incredibly versatile.

There's no complicated preparation, no long ingredient list, and no special equipment required. Just shred, mix, chill, and serve!

Whether you're putting together a quick snack, preparing an easy appetizer for guests, or looking for something delicious to spread onto a sandwich, this recipe has you covered.

If you make this pimento cheese, I'd love to hear how you served it! Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can see your delicious creation, too.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes to Try

If you love recipes with simple ingredients and big flavor, try adding more easy favorites to your recipe collection:

Creamy cheese dips

Easy cracker spreads

Homemade sandwich spreads

Simple vegetable dips

Quick party appetizers

Easy cheese-based snacks

Sometimes, the best recipes really are the simplest ones!

Nutrition Information

The original recipe does not provide nutritional information, and exact values will depend on the specific brands of cheddar cheese and mayonnaise used.

For the most accurate nutrition information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and serving size you choose.