When my husband went to The Masters for the first time, he came home absolutely raving about how fabulous it was. Naturally, I assumed he’d been treated to some boujee buffet with silver serving pieces and towering floral arrangements. But the more I pressed for details, the more I realized — it wasn’t the extravagance that impressed him. It was the simplicity. The retro style. The limited, thoughtful menu.
And you know what he still talks about? The pimento cheese sandwiches. He’s going again this year, and he’s already started yapping about those darn sandwiches.
All this talk got me thinking: pimento cheese might just be the MVP of spring entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a watch party for March Madness, setting up a polished brunch for Easter, or mixing mint juleps for the Kentucky Derby, pimento cheese belongs on the table.
Ways to Serve Pimento Cheese for Every Occasion:
- Masters-style sandwiches — white bread, crusts cut off, simple and classic.
- Warm pimento cheese dip — serve with crackers and veggies for a crowd-pleasing March Madness snack.
- Easter brunch crostini board — top toasted crostini with pimento cheese, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- Tea sandwiches for the Derby — crustless, dainty, and served with a side of mint juleps.
- Stuffed mini bell peppers or pastry cups — bake until bubbly, drizzle with hot honey, and watch them disappear.
- Pimento cheese-stuffed deviled eggs — Southern comfort on a platter.
- My favorite hack: pimento cheese grits — just stir a tub into hot, buttery grits and thank me later.
How to Elevate Store-Bought Pimento Cheese:
- Stir in freshly shredded sharp cheddar.
- Add crispy bacon crumbles.
- Mix in diced pickled jalapeños or dill pickles.
- Splash in a little hot sauce or fresh lemon juice.
- Top with hot honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Fold in caramelized onions for extra depth.
- Use it as a spread on a BLT for a serious upgrade.
- Add a dollop of mint jelly for an unexpected, but delicious combo.
Make-Your-Own Pimento Cheese (Basic Recipe):
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (or a mix of white and yellow cheddar)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or a mix of white and yellow cheddar
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jar 4 oz diced pimentos drained
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Customize with bacon, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs to make it your own.
PS: The Masters may have the sandwich — but you can have the board, the dip, the brunch spread, and the snack that everyone will ask for again and again.
👉 Bookmark this blog and get creative with pimento cheese all spring long!
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