Recipe for Kraft Pimento Cheese Spread: Creamy Southern Classic With Sharp Cheddar

This creamy spread delivers the classic Southern flavor you remember from childhood picnics and family gatherings. I’ve refined the traditional approach to ensure every batch turns out smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced.

The secret lies in using sharp cheddar for bold flavor and finely diced pimentos for just the right touch of sweetness. A splash of mayonnaise binds everything together without overpowering the cheese.

What you’ll end up with is a versatile spread that works on sandwiches, crackers, or even as a dip for veggies. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week, making it a go-to for quick meals.

Simple ingredients, timeless taste. Here’s how to make it at home.

Ingredients for Recipe for Kraft Pimento Cheese Spread

Ten ingredients bring that classic Southern spread to life with bold, creamy goodness.

The cheddar is everything here. Sharp cheddar from a block (not pre-shredded, which has anti-caking agents) gives that punchy flavor. I grab mine at Whole Foods or Publix—their cheese counters have great options. The pimentos? Any jarred brand works, but drain them really well (pat dry too) so your spread isn’t watery. Cream cheese should be at room temp to blend smoothly.

No sharp cheddar? Mild cheddar plus a pinch of cayenne gets you close. Out of pimentos? Roasted red peppers (jarred) work in a pinch—just dice them fine. The mayo is non-negotiable for texture, but Duke’s or Hellmann’s are the gold standard. For a tangier kick, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt. The Worcestershire adds depth—just make sure it’s anchovy-free.

Spread keeps 7-10 days in the fridge in a sealed container. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months—just stir well after thawing. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a veggie dip.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Kraft Pimento Cheese Spread

Here’s my foolproof method for that perfect creamy texture with just the right tang.

Step 1: Grate the Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Start by grating the 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese from a block. I always use freshly grated because pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. The sharper the cheese, the more robust your spread will taste—this is non-negotiable for authentic flavor.

Pile the grated cheese on a cutting board and give it a rough chop. This ensures the pieces are uniform and small enough to blend seamlessly into the mixture. You want fine, even shreds, not long strings that resist incorporation.

Step 2: Cream the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the 4 oz Cream Cheese and 0.5 cup Mayonnaise together until completely smooth. I use full-fat mayonnaise here—it’s what gives the spread its luxurious, velvety texture. The cream cheese should be at room temperature so it blends effortlessly without lumps.

Add the 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce, 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder, 0.5 tsp Onion Powder, 0.25 tsp Salt, and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper. Mix until all the spices are fully incorporated. This is where the depth of flavor develops—don’t skip mixing thoroughly.

Step 3: Fold in Cheese and Pimentos

Add the grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Fold it in gently with a spatula until just combined. You don’t want to overwork it at this stage. The cheese should be evenly distributed but still visible in streaks—it will fully incorporate as it rests.

Drain the 4 oz Diced Pimentos well to remove excess liquid, then fold them into the mixture. I like to fold rather than stir to keep the pimentos intact for little pops of color and sweetness in every bite. The spread should look flecked with orange at this point.

Step 4: Season and Adjust to Taste

Add the 0.5 tsp Hot Sauce and fold to combine. This is optional, but I love the subtle kick it adds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes the cheese needs a touch more salt, but remember the flavors will intensify as it chills.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (I prefer 2 hours). This resting time is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld and the spread to thicken to that perfect, scoopable consistency. The texture should be creamy but hold its shape when spread.

Step 5: Serve Chilled

Give the spread a final stir before serving. It should be thick, smooth, and slightly tangy with visible flecks of pimento throughout. The color will be a vibrant orange-cheddar hue with no separation.

Serve it chilled on crackers, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies. The spread will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, though it’s so good it rarely lasts that long. For the best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Flavor Customization for These Flavors

Spice It Up

For a smoky kick, add ½ tsp smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. I love how this transforms the spread into a bold, barbecue-style dip that pairs perfectly with pretzels or grilled meats. A pinch of cayenne pepper also works if you prefer heat. 🔥

Herb Infusions

Fresh herbs can brighten up this classic spread. Try mixing in 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or 1 tsp dried dill for a subtle, garden-fresh note. The herbs add a layer of complexity without overpowering the cheese and pimento flavors.

Cheese Swaps

Swap half the cheddar for 4 oz pepper jack cheese to introduce a mild spice. Alternatively, use 4 oz Colby cheese for a milder, creamier texture. Both options keep the spread smooth while offering a fun twist on the original recipe.

Tangy Additions

For extra tang, stir in 1 tbsp pickled jalapeño juice or 1 tsp apple cider vinegar. This cuts through the richness and adds a zesty brightness. I often do this when serving the spread with rich, fried foods like hushpuppies. ✨

Sweet & Savory

A touch of sweetness can balance the sharpness. Mix in 1 tsp honey or 1 tbsp finely chopped sweet pickles. This works especially well if you’re using the spread for tea sandwiches or as a filling for deviled eggs.

Crunchy Texture

For texture contrast, fold in ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or 2 tbsp crispy fried onions. The crunch adds a delightful surprise in every bite, making it more interesting as a topping for burgers or baked potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions