Cheese Pimiento Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Cheese Pimiento is a delicious spread with savory cheese, sweet pimientos, and mayonnaise for extra creaminess. It's incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of your time!

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • What is Cheese Pimiento?
  • Ingredients you'll need
  • Notes and substitutions
  • How to make this recipe
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Filipino spreads (Palaman)
  • Other appetizers and sides you may like
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

What is Cheese Pimiento?

Cheese Pimiento is a spread or filling for sandwiches or bread like the traditional Filipino pandesal. It is made with a blend mayonnaise, pimiento (a type of sweet red pepper), and grated cheese, often processed cheese with a creamy texture and mild, slightly salty flavor.

Queso de Bola, a type of Edam cheese that's especially popular during the holidays, is a preferred choice, known for its nutty flavor and slightly firmer texture.

Ingredients you'll need

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (2)

Notes and substitutions

  • Cheese: Processed cheese is typically used for its creamy and slightly salty taste, or Queso de Bola (Edam cheese), a semi-hard, yellow cheese popular during Christmas in the Philippines. If needed, substitute with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor or American cheese, another processed type. You can also mix in Gouda or Colby for variety.
  • Pimiento: I use jarred pimientos with their bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. You can also use roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers, which can be roasted and peeled to mimic the texture and taste of pimientos.

How to make this recipe

Step 1: Chop the pimientos

Begin by finely chopping the pimientos.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (3)

Step 2: Grate the cheese

Finely grate the cheese for a more uniform texture.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (4)

Step 3: Combine the ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped pimientos, and mayonnaise. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (5)

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Add honey or sugar to balance the flavors. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more mayonnaise. If it’s too thin, add more grated cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika for an extra hint of flavor. Some like adding finely chopped pineapple for a sweet and tangy touch.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (6)

Enjoy your homemade Cheese Pimiento spread with freshly baked pandesal for a classic Filipino treat! For any leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a delicious dip.

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (7)

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Cheese Pimiento without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a thicker texture and a tangy flavor.

What is Pimiento?

Pimiento, also known as pimento or cherry pepper, is a type of sweet pepper with a bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. It's often used in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. Pimientos are typically found jarred in supermarkets, either whole or diced, and are commonly used to stuff olives or in dishes like Cheese Pimiento.

How long does homemade Cheese Pimiento last?

Homemade Cheese Pimiento Spread can last up to one week in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To extend its shelf life, avoid cross-contamination by using a clean spoon each time you serve it.

Can Cheese Pimiento Spread be frozen?

Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and consistency of the spread.

More Filipino spreads (Palaman)

  • Ube Halaya: A sweet and creamy spread made from ube or purple yam with a distinct purple color and a rich, buttery flavor.
  • Mango Jam: A sweet, fruity spread made from ripe mangoes.
  • Corned Beef: Canned corned beef sautéed with onions, used as a filling for sandwiches.
  • Liver Spread with Mayonnaise: A savory, creamy mixture of liver spread and mayonnaise often used as a spread in Filipino sandwiches.
  • Chicken Spread: A creamy spread typically made with shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and seasonings, similar to chicken salad in Western cuisine.
  • Tuna Spread: A spread made from canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise and various seasonings, often enjoyed in sandwiches or as a cracker topping.
  • Egg Salad Spread - Made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, this creamy spread is a classic choice for sandwiches and snacks.

Other appetizers and sides you may like

  • Cheese Lumpia Recipe
  • Lumpiang Labong Recipe
  • Ampalaya Atchara Recipe
  • Salt and Pepper Squid Recipe
Cheese Pimiento Recipe (12)

Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

📖 Recipe

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (13)

Cheese Pimiento Recipe

A delicious spread with savory cheese, sweet pimientos, and mayonnaise for extra creaminess.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Spread

Cuisine: Filipino

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 163kcal

Author: Nora Rey

Cost: $4-$6

Equipment

  • Grater

Ingredients

  • 2 cups grated cheese (about 6 ounces) see note
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup chopped pimiento see note
  • Honey or sugar to taste

Instructions

  • Chop the pimientos: Begin by finely chopping the pimientos.

  • Grate the cheese: Finely grate the cheese for a more uniform texture.

  • Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped pimientos, and mayonnaise. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

  • Taste and Adjust: Add honey or sugar to balance the flavors. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more mayonnaise. If it’s too thin, add more grated cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

    You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika for an extra hint of flavor. Some like adding finely chopped pineapple for a sweet and tangy touch.

Notes

  • Cheese: Processed cheese is typically used for its creamy and slightly salty taste, or Queso de Bola (Edam cheese), a semi-hard, yellow cheese popular during Christmas in the Philippines. If needed, substitute with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor or American cheese, another processed type. You can also mix in Gouda or Colby for variety.
  • Pimiento: I use jarred pimientos with their bright red color and mild, sweet flavor. You can also use roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers, which can be roasted and peeled to mimic the texture and taste of pimientos.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 382mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 334IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 0.3mg

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kris

    Cheese Pimiento Recipe (18)
    So easy to make and deliciousn thank you!

    Reply

    • Nora Reyes

      Hi Kris! Thank you! =)

      Reply

Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think:

Cheese Pimiento Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why does my pimento cheese taste bitter? ›

The sharply acid and bitter flavor, commonly found in old pimento cheese of the Neufchatel type, is due to the action of an orgA:nlsm resembling Clostridium butyricum, which may act in association with the Streptococcus lactis of the starter.

How long is homemade pimento cheese safe to eat? ›

If you have homemade pimiento cheese to use up, our test kitchen suggests storing it covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

What are the 3 main ingredients in cheese? ›

Production. There are three main components for making cheese: the milk, a coagulant, and bacterial cultures. Cheese is made mostly of milk, whether from cows, sheep, goats, buffalo or a blend of these milks.

What are the 3 ingredients used to make the majority of cheese? ›

Most types of cheese only need two or three ingredients, milk, cultures and rennet. These simple ingredients will ripen the milk, form curds and whey and add flavor to the finished cheese.

Can pimento cheese go bad? ›

Please keep refrigerated until ready for use. How long is pimento cheese good after opening? Enjoy all this goodness within four weeks, whether you've opened the package or not, or check the expiration date on the container.

Why does cheese suddenly taste bad? ›

Dysgeusia is a type of taste disorder that causes food to taste different than it should. It is often caused by a temporary condition such as a cold, allergies, or pregnancy. However, it is sometimes caused by something long-term such as dementia or Parkinson's disease.

Why do Southerners love pimento cheese? ›

It may have become popular in the South because it didn't spoil easily at room temperature, making it easy to pack in lunchboxes, particularly for textile workers. But it was also fashionable as a sandwich in tea rooms.

What does pimento do to your body? ›

The antioxidants present in pimento also have anti-inflammatory qualities that may ease cramps and aid digestion. Pimento also has anesthetic and analgesic properties that helps to relieve pain and relax muscles. It can be used also as a poultice made from the spice or as an essential oil.

What spices are pimentos? ›

Pimento is a dried berry from a tropical evergreen tree. Its pleasant aroma resembles a blend of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg with peppery overtones, and is used to flavour pickles, relishes, sauces, poultry, fish, stuffings and cooked vegetables. The warm, aromatic spice may be used in cakes, puddings and preserves.

What is the difference between pimiento and pimento? ›

The dictionary lists "pimiento" as the first reference for spelling the pepper's name and lists "pimento" as a variant. Per Southern Living style, we choose to use the first-reference spelling listed in Merriam-Webster, so "pimiento" it is.

Can I freeze homemade pimento cheese? ›

Tailgating. Our freezable pimento cheese is great for tailgating as it can be made ahead, frozen, and pulled out and thawed when needed. I will actually mix up, divide, and freeze what I will need for several tailgating events.

Can you eat pimento cheese after the expiration date? ›

After the expiration date, the product should be discarded.

How many days is pimento cheese good for? ›

Whereas pre-packaged pimento cheese can last up to four weeks in the fridge, the homemade version will not last quite as long due to the lack of stabilizers and preservatives — it will only last for about one week.

What are the ingredients in prices pimento cheese? ›

Reduced-Fat Cheese Blend (Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes], Whey, Soybean Oil and Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate [Preservative], Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Paprika and Annatto [Color]), Dressing (Water, ...

Does pimento cheese contain cream cheese? ›

Cream cheese enhances the cheddar flavor and ensures that your pimento cheese is tangy and spreadable. Not all pimento cheese recipes include cream cheese, but it just doesn't taste right to me without it.

Where is pimento cheese made? ›

While it's hard to imagine anyone appreciating the heavenly combination of shredded cheese, mayo, and diced red pimentos as much as Southerners, the delicious spread actually got its start up North—in New York, specifically.

What's in the Chick-fil-A pimento cheese? ›

It's made with shredded Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimento peppers, though cream cheese is often added for texture and taste along with a few seasonings and spices. And while it may not be the most attractive-looking spread in the world, it wins big time for its cheesy, tangy taste and creamy texture.

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