If you live in the South, then you’re probably familiar with Pimento Cheese. But what you may not have is the ultimate, go-to, make-your-neighbor-beg-for-the-secret Pimento Cheese recipe. And that’s exactly why this 7-ingredient version is your new culinary best friend. And it also happens to be the perfect inspiration for my Pimento Cheese Charcuterie Board
If you’re not from the South, then you need to know pimento cheese is a staple at almost every gathering down here — from funerals to holiday dinners — and is a combination of cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and spices. It’s usually served with celery, crackers, or those yummy pretzel thins. This is what makes the pimento cheese charcuterie board such a natural extension of the beloved Southern staple — it goes with almost anything.
When made correctly, it’s the best appetizer because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and can even be made gluten-free. And there are no shortages of crackers, breads, and vegetables, even jellies, to pair it with. This is exactly what led me to merge the best pimento cheese with the ever-so-popular charcuterie board.
Let’s be real for a moment. A charcuterie board is simply a fancy way of pulling together a special collection of meats, cheeses, nuts, or whatever you feel like. And you happen to serve them on a board, or a tray. Then, everyone is free to graze and grab at their heart’s delight.
I love the idea of the boards because there are no hard and fast rules, and it’s meant to serve amazing food without a ton of fuss and formality.
Why is this Pimento Cheese Recipe So Special?
I’m not going to lie. A lot of people claim they have the best Pimento Cheese. A recipe search will yield more results than you can ever wish to have. The problem is most recipes lack flavor or have a strange texture. But trust me when I tell you it’s as much about the method as it is the quality of ingredients.
What’s the “secret” to making this cheesy spread so much better than the other thick, gloppy versions you’ve tried? The trick is to grate the cheese yourself, this way it’s as fresh as possible. Don’t take any shortcuts by buying the packaged shredded stuff. It doesn’t work the same.
There is one other secret to making this Pimento Cheese the tastiest recipe ever — you need to use Duke’s mayonnaise.
If you don’t have Duke’s where you live, then I’m sorry. I really can’t tell you another substitute because I can’t recommend anything else. Ok, perhaps if you pressure me enough then I’ll tell you how you can use your favorite mayonnaise brand. But for me and my family, it’s Duke’s all the way.
Beyond the freshly grated cheese and mayo, this recipe can be adjusted in several different ways. You can easily divide it, you can add more pimentos, or you can add more cayenne pepper if you like it a little spicier.
I’m providing the recipe for you, but you must know you can customize it to fit what you like.
Creating a Delicious Pimento Cheese Charcuterie Board
Once you make this pimento cheese, it will be the star of the show. However, there are numerous other ways to dress it up and display it on a board or tray. The idea behind a charcuterie board spread is to give everyone a variety of high-quality ingredients they can mix and match themselves.
Suggestions to go along with the pimento cheese are:
- Celery sticks
- Green peppers
- Red peppers
- Cucumbers
- Pickles
- Carrots
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced peaches
- Sliced apples
- Club crackers
- Wheat crackers
- Pretzel thins
- Artisan crackers
- Bagel chips
- Sliced baguettes
- Corn chips
- Green olives
- Bacon jam
- Tomato relish
- Candied pecans
- Cashews, peanuts, or any other nut
Are you getting the impression by now that pimento cheese goes with almost anything? Good! This is one reason why it epitomizes traditional comfort food — it’s a fantastic way to use what you have, while keeping the focus on the spread.
The Best Pimento Cheese Recipe
The ingredients to this classic are simple:
- 8oz block sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 8oz block extra sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup grated Vidalia onion (or any sweet onion)
- 1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
- 2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz diced pimento, drained
- Dash of cayenne pepper, to taste
But the method is even more simple. You combine all of the ingredients, adjust the taste to the way you like it, and then allow it to refrigerate before serving.
This is my absolute, all-time favorite recipe and I can’t wait to hear how you use it to create the ultimate Pimento Cheese Charcuterie Board. Or perhaps you’ll make it and use it for sandwiches and salads.
However you serve it, I promise this will become your go-to recipe for traditional, glorious pimento cheese! And don’t forget – if you want your copy of this delivered right into your inbox, then grab your free printable here.
