Grandma's Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese from Scratch

I grew up eating plenty of Southern food since my dad was from the South, and one dish that always stood out was pimento cheese. This is grandma’s old fashioned pimento cheese recipe from scratch, made with sharp cheddar and mayonnaise and does not use Velveeta or cream cheese.

Our recipe is a Southern classic that works as an easy pimento cheese recipe for sandwiches, crackers, or party spreads, and every bite still reminds me of my family’s Southern roots.

This old fashioned pimento cheese recipe is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor from sharp cheddar and a touch of Worcestershire. Unlike shortcut versions, this one skips the processed cheese and uses whole natural ingredients.

What You Need to Know

• Use sharp cheddar and shred it yourself for the best flavor
• Duke’s mayonnaise makes it taste truly Southern, but any good mayo will work
• Chill the mixture before serving so the flavors blend together
• Skip Velveeta and cream cheese to keep it authentic and old fashioned

Ingredients Overview

• Sharp cheddar cheese - you can use other types of cheddar, but sharp cheddar will give you the best flavor
• Mayonnaise
• Jarred diced pimentos
• Onion (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper

How to Make Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese from Scratch

1. Shred the cheddar cheese and place it in a medium bowl
2. Add mayonnaise, pimentos, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne
3. Stir until smooth and creamy
4. Season with salt and pepper
5. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving

Grandma’s Tips

• Hand-grating cheddar gives the spread its rustic texture
• A dash of vinegar or hot sauce can add extra tang
• Let it sit overnight for the boldest flavor

FAQs

What was the original pimento cheese recipe in 1919?

The earliest published pimento cheese recipes appeared around 1919. They used cream cheese blended with canned Spanish pimientos and were often served as dainty sandwich fillings or appetizers.

Why did Southerners switch to cheddar and mayonnaise?

By the 1930s, Southern cooks began replacing cream cheese with sharp cheddar and mayonnaise. These ingredients were easier to find, more affordable, and gave the spread a tangier flavor. This style became the old fashioned Southern recipe still loved today.

What makes this an old fashioned pimento cheese recipe?

It’s made from scratch with hand-grated cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It does not use Velveeta or cream cheese, which were shortcuts that became popular later.

Is pimento cheese Southern or Northern?

Pimento cheese actually started in the North as a cream cheese and pimiento spread. It eventually made its way South, where it was reinvented into the cheddar-and-mayo version that became a Southern staple.