Jalapeno Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern cheese spread recipe made with cheese, mayonnaise, pimento (peppers), and seasonings. Jalapenos add a spicy kick.
I don’t know how pimento cheese became a Southern social essential, but I just know that it is.

Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is a staple at Southern gartherings from game parties, family reunions, showers, and potluck socials. Not only is it popular, it seems that every family has a favorite way to make it. (Don’t be offended. We’re the same way with potato salad and deviled eggs. We make them like Grandma made them and the way they’ve been made for generations!)
Furthermore, you’ll almost always find a debate brewing regarding what mayonnaise is the best in pimento cheese. For me, it has to be Duke’s or Blue Plate. I legit never but another brand. What’s your favorite?
I added jalapenos to my recipe but it’s still as versatile as the orginal. You can serve it as a hot or cold dip or spread with crackers or vegetable sticks. It’s great on a sandwich, grilled cheese, and on burgers.

Ingredients
The full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions is at the bottom of this post. You can save a tree and save the recipe to your personal and private recipe box right here on Call Me PMc. This way you’ll never misplace it.
- Colby cheese shredded
- cheddar cheese shredded
- pimento, diced
- Jalapeno, seeded and diced
- Mayonnaise, Blue Plate or Duke’s
- Dry mustard
- Salt, to taste

The last thing I want to do during a hot day is cook. Instead, I made this no-cook simple recipe. My version of pimento cheese is full of flavor with sweet pimentos and spicy jalapeños!
- I used two different types of cheese in my recipe. You can use one or your favorite. I like gouda and Monterrey jack in pimento cheese as well.
- Shred your cheese. Do not use preshredded cheese, it has additives that change the taste and texture.
- If the jalapeno doesn’t add enough kick for you, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- This is a great addition to my Southern Inspired Charcuterie Board.
- Olive oil mayonnaise is a great alternative if you’re trying to lighten up this recipe.
This Jalapeno Pimento Cheese would be great on a cold sandwich or with crackers. Try it also as a spread on your cheese tray. Additionally, it makes a tasty addition to a hot grilled cheese sandwich or as a hot dip where the cheese gets ooey and gooey and delicious!
Pimento Cheese is a staple at our tailgate as well. It is so simple to make and a crowd-pleaser that we just cannot have game day with out it. Click here for more tailgating recipes.

I updated this post from an earlier version dated June 4, 2013. I made new photos and simplified the recipe instructions.

Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
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Save To Your Recipe BoxIngredients
- 8 ounces Colby cheese shredded
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 ounces pimento
- 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
- ¾ cup mayonnaise I only use Blue Plate
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Drain pimento, reserving liquid.
- In a large bowl, combine cheeses, pimento, jalapeno, mayonnaise, mustard, salt (pinch), and 1 tablespoon pimento liquid.
- Mix together until completely combined. Taste and add more salt and mayonnaise if necessary.
Nutrition

Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
Love Pimiento Cheese!! Maybe it’s the Southerner in us?! Love the kicked up version with jalapeno too 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing
Linda says
Pretty awesome, PMc!! So glad I stopped by from Busy Monday Party! I’d love to have you share at What to do Weekends but before I send you the link, I am also following you on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ and Bloglovin. Best wishes, Linda
BinomialBaker says
I love anything that has tons of flavor and this recipe sure sounds great! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
Paula says
It’s spicy! Thanks for visiting!
Robin says
This sounds wonderful – it would be great on a turkey sandwich. Thank you for coming by and sharing this on Fluster Buster’s Creative Muster Party.
Robin
Fluster Buster
Paula says
I haven’t had it on turkey, but I have on ham. It was good. I like it best on Ritz crackers 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Tanya says
Oh man I love making pimento cheese! I’ve added jalapeño peppers too and I’m convinced its the only way to eat it!!! Looks wonderful Paula!
Paula says
Thanks so much, Tanya!
Michelle says
Sounds awesome I love a dish with a kick.
Min says
HI Paula! I’ve actually never had pimento cheese before.. didn’t realize how simple it is to make! Thanks for sharing! I’ll be making it soon and will let you know 😉
Cindy Eikenberg says
Paula, this sounds like a yummy summer appetizer…well, yummy anytime, not just for summer! 🙂 Thanks for sharing and pinning! Have a happy rest of the week!
Paula says
Thank you Cindy. I love Pimento Cheese anytime. Thanks for pinning.
Linda says
Pimento cheese sandwiches with sliced red onion on wheat bread is my favorite summer lunch. I never thought about adding jalapeno. Now I’ll just have to make this one. Oh well…..!
Thanks for sharing, Paula.
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
Tumbleweed Contessa
Paula says
It’s my favorite too, I like it on buttery crackers. Thanks for visiting Linda.
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents says
Visiting from Wonderful Food Wednesday – and I just slobbered all over myself. Thanks! 🙂 Pinned!!!
Paula says
lol, too funny, glad you liked and thanks for pinning 🙂
Michelle says
YUM! Like the idea of putting jalapeno in it! Pinning!
Paula says
Thank you, I like it spicy too! Thanks for pinning.
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
I cannot stand macaroni and cheese! Can you believe I never once had Pimento Cheese until I moved to Missouri?? Now I love it and adding a little jalapeno to it sounds perfect! Thank you ma’am!
Paula says
My kids don’t like mac and cheese and I could live off it. They don’t like Pimento cheese either and it’s a close second favorite for me. Have a great week, Danni.
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
Being a southerner, I do love my pimento cheese. I too put a little jalapeno in mine for heat. Kind of kicks it up a notch.
Sam
Paula says
Thank you!