Spicy Chipotle Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe

Pimento cheese gets a spicy kick with the addition of smoked cheddar cheese and chipotle peppers in adobo.

Often called the “caviar of the South,” pimento cheese is a beloved Southern classic. This version isn’t strictly traditional, but it’s my favorite take: smoky cheddar balanced with the smoky-heat of chipotle peppers in adobo. I first tasted this combination as an appetizer at Parlor Market in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. The restaurant is gone now, but their flavorful pimento cheese lives on in this recipe.

What are chipotle peppers in adobo?

Chipotle peppers are smoked, dried jalapeños often packed in a tangy, slightly sweet adobo sauce made from puréed chiles, tomatoes, vinegar, onions, garlic and spices. You’ll typically find them in the international or Latin foods aisle of most grocery stores. They bring smoky depth and moderate heat to this spread.

Because this recipe uses only a few peppers, you’ll likely have leftovers—store them in the refrigerator and use later in other dishes that benefit from smoky heat.

Ingredients and tools you will need

This spicy pimento cheese spread is simple to make and calls for just a handful of ingredients. To prepare this zesty version, you’ll need:

• 1 pound smoked cheddar, grated – Look for smoked cheddar in the gourmet or specialty cheese section. If you can’t find smoked, extra-sharp cheddar works as a substitute. Avoid pre-shredded cheese when possible; freshly shredding yields a smoother blend.
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups mayonnaise
• 3–4 whole chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped – Three peppers provide a noticeable but not overpowering heat; add more if you prefer it spicier.
• 1 green onion, white and green parts, chopped – Trim the root tip and chop the remainder, including the green tops.
• 1 teaspoon chopped pimento peppers – Optional. The recipe works well without them, but a small amount keeps the name traditional.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer, optional – A mixer will give a smoother consistency (use the paddle attachment on a stand mixer). You can also mix entirely by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor.

How to make Chipotle Pepper Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread

Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Stir or mix until thoroughly combined and the texture is even. You can serve it right away, but for the best flavor let the mixture chill, covered, in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve as a dip with crackers or pretzels, as a spread on sandwiches, or with vegetables.

Storage instructions

Keep the pimento cheese refrigerated in an airtight container. It will hold for up to five days. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. This spread does not freeze well, as the texture changes after thawing.

Leftovers are delicious in stuffed potato skins, spread between slices of bread, as a dip for vegetables, or served with fried green tomatoes. It also works well warmed: transfer to a casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and warmed through.

Frequently asked questions

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