Name: Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe with Bacon Crostini
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 June 11, 2026 by Allison Lancaster

This old fashioned pimento cheese recipe is a true Southern classic! Creamy, tangy cheese spread piled onto crispy bacon crostini makes the perfect party appetizer. Ready in minutes!

This post was originally published in 2024 and updated in 2026.

White platter with pimento cheese and bacon crostini.

If there is one recipe that screams “Southern kitchen,” it is this old fashioned pimento cheese recipe served on crispy bacon crostini. I grew up eating pimento cheese on white bread at family get-togethers, and the first time I made my own version from scratch I could not believe how easy it was. My family calls this stuff “the good cheese” now, and honestly, that is the biggest compliment I have ever received in my kitchen. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, a holiday party, or just looking for an impressive appetizer that takes almost no effort, this one always disappears first.

Down South, pimento cheese is known as the “caviar of the South” for very good reason. This creamy, tangy, slightly spicy Southern pimento cheese spread is bold in flavor and incredibly versatile. You can pile it on crostini (which is my personal favorite), stuff it into sandwiches, serve it as a dip with crackers, or honestly just eat it with a spoon. No judgment here!

Why You Will Love This Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe

Authentic Southern flavor: This tastes like the real thing because it is the real thing.
Ready in minutes: Mix, refrigerate, and serve. That is it.
Crowd pleaser: I have never brought this to a party and come home with leftovers.
Totally customizable: Adjust the heat, swap the cheese, add extras. Make it your own.
Made from scratch: No mystery ingredients, just real food you can pronounce.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese with Bacon Crostini

Here is what you need to make this homemade pimento cheese dip, along with some easy substitutions:

Pimento cheese and bacon crostini recipe ingredients.

Baguette (1 loaf, sliced): French baguette is my top choice. Ciabatta or Italian loaf work well too. Slice on an angle for pretty presentation.
Sharp cheddar cheese (4 oz, shredded by hand): Always shred your own! Pre-shredded cheese has a waxy coating that affects the texture of the spread. Sharp cheddar gives you that classic tangy bite. Extra-sharp works great too.
Whipped cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): Bring this to room temp before mixing so everything blends together smoothly.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): I am a Duke’s mayo devotee and I will not apologize for it. Duke’s gives this spread that authentic Southern flavor that other brands just cannot match. Use full-fat for best results.
Pimento peppers (3 tbsp, finely chopped): The star of the show! You can find these in jars in the canned goods aisle. Red bell peppers work as a substitute if needed, though pimentos are a little sweeter and more tender.
Hot sauce (1/2 tsp): Use your favorite. This adds just a little kick without making it spicy.
Garlic (1/2 tsp): Minced fresh garlic or garlic powder both work here.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp): Adjust to your heat preference. Leave it out entirely if you are making this for little ones.
Bacon pieces (2 tbsp): For topping the crostini. Salami, prosciutto, or smoked ham are all delicious alternatives.

How to Make Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini (Step by Step)

This easy pimento cheese crostini appetizer comes together in just a few simple steps:

Shred the cheese. Use a box grater to hand-shred your cheddar. This step makes a big difference in the final texture of your spread.
Chop the pimentos. Finely chop your pimento peppers so they blend evenly into the spread without big chunks.
Mix the spread. Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, hot sauce, garlic, and cayenne to a bowl and mix until combined. Then fold in the shredded cheddar.
Refrigerate. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This step is important! The flavors meld together beautifully as it chills, and it makes the spread so much more flavorful.
Slice the bread. When ready to serve, slice the baguette on an angle into roughly 1/3-inch slices. You should get about 24 pieces.
Assemble. Spread about a teaspoon of pimento cheese onto each baguette slice and top with bacon pieces.
Optional baking step: You can bake the crostini at 350 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes before topping, if you prefer a warm, crunchy bite.

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

Tips for the Best Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

Always shred your own cheese. I know I already said this, but it is worth repeating. Hand-shredded cheese melts and blends better, and the flavor is noticeably better.
Do not skip the chilling time. Four hours in the fridge is ideal. If you can make this the night before, even better. The flavors just keep getting better as they sit together.
Taste as you go. Everyone’s palate is different. Taste your spread before refrigerating and adjust the heat, garlic, or mayo to your liking.
Use Duke’s mayo if you can find it. This is a Southern kitchen non-negotiable for me. The flavor is just different in the best way.
Serve at slightly room temperature. Take the spread out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving so it is easy to spread.

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

Serving Ideas and Topping Options

This homemade pimento cheese recipe is incredibly versatile. Beyond the classic crostini, here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

On crackers as a simple pimento cheese dip
Stuffed into celery sticks for a low-carb option
Spread on white bread for classic pimento cheese sandwiches
Dolloped on top of burgers hot off the grill
Served alongside fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell pepper strips
Alongside other Southern party favorites like sausage cheese dip and pinwheels

This spread is wonderful for game day, holiday parties, bridal showers, summer barbecues, or honestly any occasion where you want to impress people without a lot of fuss.

How to Store Homemade Pimento Cheese

Store leftover pimento cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The bread should be stored separately from the cheese spread, as it will soften if stored together once assembled.

You can also freeze pimento cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

One of my favorite things to do is make a big batch on Sunday and use it throughout the week on sandwiches and crackers. It makes the best quick lunch!

Common Pimento Cheese Variations to Try

Jalapeno Pimento Cheese: Add finely diced fresh or pickled jalapenos for extra heat.
Green Olive Pimento Cheese: Stir in a handful of chopped green olives for a briny, salty twist.
Smoked Gouda Version: Swap half the cheddar for smoked Gouda for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat mayo and Neufchatel cheese in place of regular cream cheese.
Extra Garlic: Add a little extra garlic and a pinch of onion powder if you love a more savory spread.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pimento Cheese

What is pimento cheese called in the South?

Pimento cheese goes by a few affectionate nicknames in the South, including “the caviar of the South” and “Carolina caviar.” It is a beloved Southern staple that has been passed down through generations of Southern families, and almost everyone has their own version with their own little tweaks.

What does pimento cheese taste like?

Pimento cheese is creamy, tangy, and rich with a slight sharpness from the cheddar. In this version, the hot sauce and cayenne give it a gentle kick of heat that balances beautifully with the creamy mayo and cream cheese base. It is bold and satisfying without being too heavy.

Can I make pimento cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely, and I actually recommend it! Making this spread at least 4 hours ahead (or the night before) gives all the flavors time to come together. It keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep and party planning.

Is pimento cheese gluten-free?

The pimento cheese spread itself is naturally gluten-free. To keep the whole appetizer gluten-free, just swap the baguette for gluten-free crackers or gluten-free bread. The spread is delicious with veggies for a totally gluten-free option.

What can I substitute for pimento peppers?

Red bell peppers are the most common substitute and work wonderfully. They are a little milder and larger, so chop them extra fine. Roasted red peppers (from a jar) are another great option and add a slightly smoky depth to the spread.

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe:

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe with Bacon Crostini

Yield: 24

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

This old fashioned pimento cheese recipe is a true Southern classic! Creamy, tangy cheese spread piled onto crispy bacon crostini makes the perfect party appetizer. Ready in minutes!

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

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.