Betty Crocker's Pimento Cheese Recipe: Creamy Southern Spread With Crunchy Texture

Betty Crocker's pimento cheese recipe delivers that classic Southern creamy texture with just the right amount of crunchy pimento heat. This isn't your average cheese spread—it's a foolproof blend of sharp cheddar, tangy mayo, and sweet pimentos that comes together in minutes.

The secret lies in balancing textures: velvety cheese meets the slight bite of diced pimentos for a flavor profile that's both comforting and bold.

What sets this recipe apart is how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality results at home. No special equipment needed—just a mixing bowl and a few pantry staples. The key technique? Using a mix of sharp cheddar and mild cheddar creates depth without overpowering the delicate pimento flavor.

And don't skip the mayonnaise—it's what gives that signature creamy consistency that makes this spread irresistible.

By the time you're done, you'll have a creamy, spreadable cheese mixture that's perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or even as a casserole topping. The texture is smooth yet just slightly crunchy from the pimentos, creating every bite with that perfect balance of richness and tang.

This is the kind of recipe that transforms simple snacks into something special.

Whether you're serving it at a picnic, game day, or just looking for a quick appetizer, this pimento cheese delivers every time. The best part? It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make a batch and enjoy it all week long.

Let's get started on this Southern classic!

Ingredients for betty crocker pimento cheese

Sharp cheddar, tangy mayo, and sweet pimentos—just these few ingredients transform into creamy Southern perfection.

The cheddar is where the magic happens. Sharp cheddar gives that bold, tangy kick while mild cheddar softens the flavor—together they create that perfect balance. Grab a wedge from the deli counter (pre-grated gets clumpy) or buy a block at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's for the freshest texture. The mayo matters too—duck egg mayo from Kewpie or Hellmann's adds richness that regular mayo can't match. Pimentos? Muir Glen or Heinz jarred pimentos are the gold standard—just drain them well to avoid a watery spread. For extra crunch, leave the pimentos slightly chunky instead of finely diced.

No sharp cheddar? Extra sharp cheddar at half the amount works in a pinch. Mayo too thick? Add a splash of buttermilk to thin it out. Hate mustard? Skip it—this recipe still works, but the tang helps balance the richness. Want more depth? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. The butter is non-negotiable—it's what gives that velvety texture. Softened butter blends in smoothly, but don't melt it or you'll end up with a greasy mess. Pro tip: if your spread is too thick, stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it up.

This keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 1 week, sealed in an airtight container. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Make a double batch—it disappears fast at picnics and game days. If it separates, just stir it vigorously or microwave for 10 seconds to bring it back together. The flavor actually improves after 24 hours as everything melds. Freezes for 3 months if you want to prep ahead, but texture can get grainy after thawing.

Step-by-step instructions for betty Crocker's pimento cheese recipe

Here's how to create that legendary Southern spread with perfect texture every time.

Start by grating both the 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese and 0.5 cup mild cheddar cheese using a box grater or food processor. I like to use a box grater because it gives me more control over the texture—you want fine, even shreds for that silky consistency. If using a food processor, pulse briefly just until the cheese is finely chopped, about 10-15 seconds. Avoid over-processing or the cheese will turn into a paste.

As you grate, I recommend wearing gloves to prevent the cheese from sticking to your hands. The sharp cheddar should be the star here—its tangy bite balances the creaminess beautifully. Once grated, transfer both cheeses to a medium mixing bowl. This is where all the magic happens, so don't skip this step. Freshly grated cheese makes all the difference in texture and flavor.

In the same bowl with the grated cheeses, add the 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp softened butter, and 1 tsp hot sauce (if using). Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, gently fold these ingredients together until fully combined. The mixture should begin to look like a thick, creamy paste. I like to start with a gentle hand—we don't want to incorporate too much air yet, as that can make the final spread too light.

This is where the tangy brightness comes from—the white vinegar cuts through the richness of the cheese and mayo, while the hot sauce adds just a hint of heat. The butter helps create that signature Southern creaminess. Mix until everything is evenly distributed, but don't overwork it. You're aiming for a smooth, cohesive base that's ready for the final texture boost.

Now it's time to add the 0.5 cup diced pimentos and all the dry seasonings: 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Using your wooden spoon, gently fold these ingredients into the cheese mixture. The pimentos should be evenly distributed throughout—this is what gives pimento cheese its signature crunchy texture and vibrant color. I like to fold them in just until combined, being careful not to mash them too much. You want those little pieces to stay intact for that delightful bite in every spoonful.

Taste the mixture at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or a dash of hot sauce to suit your preference. The cheese should be creamy but still have some body to it. If it's too thick, you can add a teaspoon of mayonnaise to loosen it up. This is your chance to make it perfect for your taste—whether you prefer it slightly tangier or with more heat.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This chilling step is absolutely crucial—it allows all the flavors to meld together and gives the cheese spread its ideal consistency. When you take it out of the fridge, it should be smooth, creamy, and just thick enough to hold its shape when spread. If you can't wait, give it a taste after 15 minutes—you'll see the flavors coming together beautifully.

I know it's tempting to eat it right away, but trust me, the wait is worth it. The cold temperature helps the cheese firm up just enough to create that perfect spreadable texture without being too soft. This is especially important if you're using it as a dip or sandwich spread—you want it to hold together nicely on bread or crackers. Once chilled, your pimento cheese is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Best sauces and condiments for these flavors

Classic Southern Dips

Serve your pimento cheese with classic Southern sides like crusty sourdough bread or water crackers for an easy appetizer. I love pairing it with pickled okra or sliced cucumbers on the side—the tangy crunch cuts through the richness beautifully.

For a heartier option, spread it on toasted baguette slices and top with a sprinkle of paprika for a quick open-faced sandwich. 🥖

Sandwich Spread Perfection

This pimento cheese transforms any sandwich into a Southern classic. Slather it between toasted white bread and sliced turkey for a crowd-pleasing club sandwich. I also love it on grilled cheese—just add a layer of pimento cheese between two slices of American cheese and sharp cheddar on buttered bread.

For a spicy kick, mix in 1 tsp of hot sauce before assembling. The mayo-based spread keeps the sandwich moist without making it soggy.

Casserole Topping

Use pimento cheese as a rich, creamy topping for baked potatoes or cornbread casseroles. Spread a generous layer over roasted sweet potatoes and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly. It also works as a baked mac and cheese topping—just dollop spoonfuls on top before baking.

For extra flavor, mix in 1 tbsp of chopped chives or green onions before spreading. The cheese melts into a golden, flavorful crust that everyone will love.

Dip for Veggies

Create a veggie platter with carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips for dipping. The creamy texture and mild heat make it irresistible with raw veggies. For a smoky twist, add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the mix before serving.

I also like to serve it with pita chips or pretzel crisps for a crunchy contrast. The pimentos add a nice pop of color and texture that keeps dipping fun.

Breakfast Twist

Elevate your breakfast game by spreading pimento cheese on English muffins or biscuits with a fried egg on top. The tangy, creamy flavor pairs perfectly with crispy bacon or sausage links.

For a sweet-savory combo, drizzle honey over the top after toasting. This unexpected breakfast hack is a Southern favorite that’s sure to impress. 🍳

Game Day Must-Have

No tailgate party is complete without pimento cheese. Serve it in a bowl with toothpicks for easy snacking alongside chips and salsa. I like to add diced jalapeños for extra heat and serve it with mini cornbread muffins for dipping.

The creamy, spicy spread balances the richness of fried chicken wings perfectly. Double the recipe and store leftovers in an airtight container for quick game-day refills.

Frequently asked questions