Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

Name: Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded by hand; 4 oz whipped cream cheese; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 3 tbsp pimiento, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp hot sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tbsp bacon pieces; 1 loaf baguette bread, sliced

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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

Homemade Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini combine rich and tangy pimento cheese spread with crusty slices of baguettes as delicious party appetizers or snacks. If you’re looking for an easy to make old fashioned pimento cheese recipe, you’ve found it!

White platter with old fashioned pimento cheese topped with bacon on crostini.

This easy pimento cheese recipe, also affectionately referred to as the pâté of the South and the caviar of the South, is bold in flavor – combining tangy mayo, whipped cream cheese, freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped pimento, hot sauce, garlic, cayenne pepper, and topped with crispy bacon pieces.

This mouth-watering appetizer is perfect for game day, parties, your next backyard barbecue, holidays, and other social gatherings. Be prepared for no leftovers! I personally love Stan’s Pimento Cheese but when I am not near a store that carries it, I usually opt for making my own homemade pimento cheese!

Close up of pimento cheese and bacon crostini on a white platter.

Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini Ingredients & Substitutions:

Pimento cheese and bacon crostini recipe ingredients.

Sharp cheddar cheese – Use mild cheddar or extra-sharp cheddar cheese. It’s best to shred the cheese by hand for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains a waxy outer coating to extend its shelf life, which can prevent the white cheddar from melting well. Experiment with other cheeses, such as Parmesan, ricotta, Monterey Jack, or goat cheese.

Whipped cream cheese – Bring this to room temperature for easier mixing.

Mayonnaise – Full fat is best, but you can use reduced oil mayonnaise if you prefer. I love Duke’s mayo for this recipe (and for anything else that requires mayonnaise!).

Pimento peppers – Finely chopped. Red bell peppers can be used instead or cherry peppers if you want extra spiciness.

Hot sauce – Use your favorite brand. Some recipes also call for Worcestershire sauce but I prefer hot sauce for this recipe.

Garlic – Minced or garlic powder. Onion powder can also be used.

Cayenne pepper – Adjust the amount to suit your level of spicy heat.

Bacon pieces – Salami, prosciutto, smoked ham, or crumbled sausage are all delicious substitutes and an easy way to vary this appetizer.

Baguette bread – Sliced. French baguette is the best for this recipe, but you could use ciabatta or Italian loaf.

How To Make Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini

Grate cheese and chop the pimentos.
Add the first 7 ingredients to a small bowl, and mix together. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours so that the flavors will blend together.
Once ready to serve, slice the bread to serve.
Arrange slices of white bread on a platter, and spread the cheese mixture onto each one.
Top with bacon pieces and enjoy!

Shredded sharp cheddar added to a bowl of pimento cheese mixture.

What To Serve With Pimento Cheese

Serve your delicious pimento cheese and bacon crostini with other finger foods and party appetizers, such as fresh fruit, raw veggies (celery sticks, red bell peppers, and carrots) deli meats, crackers, and more!

Any extra pimento cheese sandwich spread can be used to make pimento cheese dip or pimento cheese sandwiches.

How To Store This Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe

Leftover pimento cheese and bacon crostini can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It’s best to store the bread separately from the cheese, but if the crostini has already been assembled, keep in mind that the bread will become softer when stored.

I love making a batch of this in preparation for the week ahead, it’s a delicious pimento cheese recipe to use on sandwiches.

Recipe FAQ’s:

What is pimento cheese called in the South?

Pimento cheese is known as “Carolina caviar” or “Southern pate,” in the Southern parts of the United States. It’s a much-loved classic Southern staple for generations!

What is the flavor of pimento cheese?

Pimento Cheese is tangy, creamy, thick, and rich in flavor. I’ve also added hot sauce and cayenne pepper to this cheese spread for a delicious kick of heat.

Is pimento cheese a healthy food?

Yes, especially if you follow a high-fat, low-carb diet, such as the keto diet. As with everything, enjoy pimento cheese in moderation.

Can I freeze pimento cheese?

Pimento cheese spread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, thawed in the fridge, and stirred before serving again. That said, the freezing process can alter the texture of this cheese spread.

Are pimento peppers the same as red peppers?

Pimento peppers are stronger in flavor than red bell peppers. Red bell peppers are a great substitute for this classic Southern pimento cheese recipe.

Can I mix this pimento cheese spread in a food processor or stand mixer?

While it’s not necessary, you can create a very smooth texture by mixing the pimento cheese spread in a food processor, stand mixer, or using a hand mixer.

What else can I add to this old-fashioned pimento cheese recipe?

Green olives and dill pickles are great add-ins and will provide extra texture. Feel free to experiment to suit your personal preferences.

More Delicious Party Appetizers

I hope you enjoy this delicious pimento cheese and bacon crostini recipe! If you try it, please come back and leave me a comment letting me know how you liked it. And if you have any questions, please feel free to ask! I love hearing from you!

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe:

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

Yield: 24

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Homemade Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini combine rich and tangy pimento cheese spread with crusty slices of baguettes as delicious party appetizers or snacks. If you're looking for an easy to make old fashioned pimento cheese recipe, you've found it!

Ingredients

4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded by hand
4 oz whipped cream cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tbsp pimiento, finely chopped
1/2 tsp hot sauce
1/2 tsp garlic
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp bacon pieces
1 loaf baguette bread, sliced

Instructions

Shred the cheddar cheese, and chop the pimientos.
Add the first 7 ingredients to a small bowl, and mix together. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours so that the flavors will blend together.
Once ready to serve, start by slicing the bread on and angle into 24 pieces, roughly ⅓ inch slices.
Arrange slices of bread on a platter, and spread about a teaspoon or so of cheese mixture onto each one.
Top with bacon pieces.