Whether you’re hosting potlucks for your friends or throwing a family dinner party, these 15 delicious pimento cheese appetizers are sure to impress.
Pimento cheese is a hot and creamy combination of grated cheddar cheese, cream cheese, diced pimentos (sweet red bell peppers), mayonnaise, and spices.
It’s often spiced with extra flavors like dill pickles, garlic powder, jalapenos, and Worcestershire sauce for added zest.
In some regions, pimento cheese is lovingly referred to as “pimiento” or even “the caviar of the South.”
With its velvety texture and mildly piquant flavor, it’s no wonder this traditional condiment is popular all over the United States.
Pimento cheese is a popular ingredient in tasty appetizers.
Nowadays, you can find ready-made versions at grocery stores, but nothing beats homemade pimento cheese.
It’s not tricky to make with a few accessible ingredients and takes only minutes to prepare.
If you’re short on time or ingredients, there are countless recipes online for variations on the original recipe.
Whether as an appetizer or part of a meal, all will surely enjoy pimento cheese.
With a versatile component like pimento cheese, you can also use your imagination to create incredible appetizers.
Here’s a list of 15 recipes you can use to get started.
Make sure to check out #13 for a unique twist that you and your guests are sure to love!
1. Baked Pimiento Cheese Tomatoes
This dish brings together all of the flavors of the southern United States; thick slices of beefsteak tomatoes topped with homemade pimento cheese, traditionally called Southern pâté around these parts.
This cheesy goodness is made from a combination of sharp cheddar, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, and fresh chives for something unique.
On top, it’s finished with a sprinkle of buttery panko breadcrumbs that give it a beautiful texture and crunch when baked until golden brown in the oven.
Trust us: you won’t want to pass this one up!
2. Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip
This cheesy pimento dip is a surefire crowd-pleaser and ideal for when your guests arrive.
It’s easy to make with simple ingredients like cheddar cheese and cream cheese.
It comes together in minutes in the microwave–works nicely for when you need something ready fast.
Plus, it’s warm and gooey and will help satisfy those hungry tummies while waiting for dinner.
Dress it up with a few extra seasonings or garnishes to wow your guests: sprinkle on chili powder or serve it with a bowl of tortilla chips.
Now you’re set for when your guests come calling!
3. Pimiento Cheese Ball
Have you tried making a pimento cheese ball for your upcoming holiday get-together?
The creamy cheddar cheese, tart green onion, and sweet red pimento make this appetizer a show-stopping hit.
Not only does it look incredibly festive with its flecks of green and red, but it’s also sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
It’s straightforward to make with just a few ingredients and will provide tons of flavor for all your guests.
4. Southern Pimento Cheese
Look no further if you’re looking for the ultimate pimento cheese recipe!
This pimento cheese recipe is sure to add sizzle to your next gathering.
Whether it’s a Southern cookout or a simple party appetizer, this recipe packs all the flavor punch of traditional pimento cheese without being needlessly complicated.
Aside from essential ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, the secret to this fantastic dish lies in the combination of seasonings and peppers that take it over the top!
5. Pimento Cheese Bites
Look no further if you’re looking for an easy-to-make but impressive pimento cheese appetizer!
Crispy phyllo cups loaded with pimento cheese and the combination of sweet and savory makes for a treat that’ll wow family and friends.
Topped off with a slightly spicy red pepper jelly, each bite’s sure to tantalize everyone’s taste buds.
6. Grandma Knowlton’s Pimiento Cheese
Pimento cheese is one of the best and most comforting Southern recipes, known lovingly as the “caviar of the South.”
It’s a delightfully creamy blend of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and some chopped pimentos for a distinctive flavoring.
Whether you make this dip for an upcoming party or mix it up with your favorite sandwich recipe for grilled cheese, you’ll surely enjoy the flavorful concoction.
Why not whip up a batch of homemade pimento cheese and share it with friends today?
7. Tomato & Pimento Cheese Fritters
These little pockets of goodness have quickly become a hit in my home, and I know they will be a crowd favorite in yours too.
Every bite starts with a deliciously crunchy cornbread exterior, followed by an explosion of creamy pimento cheese, sweet onions, garlic, and zesty tomatoes.
It’s a fantastic combo of savory and sweet that will have you dancing with glee.
There’s nothing better than biting into one of these fritters for lunch or dinner.
8. Baked Pimento Cheese Pinwheels
Pimento cheese pinwheels are an easy and inviting appetizer to serve at your next party!
They require only a few simple ingredients, including classic pimento cheese and puff pastry dough, giving you a flavorful dish with minimal effort.
They can be served warm or cold, making them a versatile, convenient option for hosting.
Plus, their eye-catching spirals are fun and inviting, sure to light up your guests’ faces!
9. Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls are an easy and terrific way to liven up your next party or gathering.
Combining the zesty flavor of pimento cheese with the savory taste of pork sausage is sure to please everyone.
With just a few ingredients, these can be made ahead of time for convenience for busy hosts so they can spend more time enjoying their guests’ company instead of in the kitchen.
Plus, who doesn’t love a portable snack?
Serve it as is or with a side such as a ranch dip for an added layer of flavor.
10. 3-Ingredient Cheese Straws
Southern cheese straws are a mouthwatering snack with a truly authentic flavor.
The combination of traditional southern ingredients is hard to beat; sharp cheddar cheese, creamy pimento cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans all make for an unbeatable flavor and texture.
11. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches With Tomatoes
Pimento Cheese Sandwiches With Tomatoes are an exquisite accompaniment to any summer get-together.
The creamy pimento cheese is made by mixing shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos.
These sandwiches should be topped off with the classic summertime flavors of juicy, red tomatoes that add an extra punch of flavor.
The sandwiches can be added to white bread for a more traditional feel.
At the same time, you could use something like focaccia or even crackers for an interesting twist.
There’s nothing better than a freshly made pimento cheese sandwich with tomatoes to satisfy your guests when hosting an outdoor party this summer.
12. Pimento Cheese Celery
Pimento Cheese Celery is an excellent snack for any occasion.
Whether looking for a quick bite before running out the door or searching for something to munch on while hosting a get-together with friends, pimento cheese celery is the way to go.
Not only will it tantalize your taste buds–thanks to its balance of creaminess and tanginess–it offers a satisfying crunch that will kick up the fun and energy wherever you may be.
So, next time you need a crowd-pleasing snack that won’t take too much time or money to prepare, why not try this classic combination of pimento cheese and fresh celery?
13. Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs are a real crowd-pleaser!
If you have yet to try them, consider giving them a go next time you cook up some deviled eggs.
It is incredibly easy to make these unique appetizers, as you must add pimento cheese to the usual mayonnaise, mustard, and paprika mix for the filling.
Whether you plan on bringing them to a picnic or throwing a party, these special deviled eggs provide hidden pockets of flavor that will surely excite your taste buds.
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs bring the pleasure of Southern cuisine in every bite!
14. Pimento Cheese & Bacon Mini Cheese Ball Bites
These mini cheese balls of homemade pimento cheese are indeed compelling.
Coated in a savory mix of crunchy bacon, toasted pecans, and spicy jalapeños and then speared with a pretzel stick for easy eating, these bite-sized snacking goodness will keep your guests asking for more.
Impress without the fuss–whip up a batch of mini cheese balls with your secret sauce and enjoy watching as everyone is delighted by their flavor explosion!
15. Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a sublime appetizer for a dinner party or potluck!
With roasted bell peppers, creamy pimento cheese, and bold spices, these stuffed peppers will liven up the atmosphere and become a crowd favorite.
The combination of mild sweetness from the bell pepper and the sharpness of sharp cheddar cheese makes this dish irresistible.
Best of all, they’re effortless to prepare–mix all the ingredients in advance and pop them into the oven when it’s time to serve!
The bottom line
Pimento Cheese Appetizers are a great way to spice up any gathering.
From Pimento Cheese Sandwiches With Tomatoes to Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs to Mini Cheese Ball Bites and Stuffed Peppers, there’s something for everyone.
With these tasty recipes, you can impress your guests with a burst of flavor that’s sure to leave them wanting more!
15 Delicious Pimento Cheese Appetizers
Whether you're hosting potlucks for your friends or throwing a family dinner party, these 15 delicious pimento cheese appetizers are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Baked Pimiento Cheese Tomatoes
- Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip
- Pimiento Cheese Ball
- Southern Pimento Cheese
- Pimento Cheese Bites
- Grandma Knowlton's Pimiento Cheese
- Tomato & Pimento Cheese Fritters
- Baked Pimento Cheese Pinwheels
- Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
- 3-Ingredient Cheese Straws
- Pimento Cheese Sandwiches With Tomatoes
- Pimento Cheese Celery
- Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
- Pimento Cheese & Bacon Mini Cheese Ball Bites
- Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Instructions
- Have a look at our list of Pimento Cheese Appetizers.
- Choose the dish you want to recreate.
- Start making your newly found recipe!
- Share your insights on our Facebook page.