Healthy Southern Pimento Cheese

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Pimento cheese is a Southern classic. Everybody has their own secret family recipe and everybody wants to have bragging rights that theirs is the best. Southern Pimento Cheese is the perfect dip and sandwich spread. It’s fast and easy to make. Pimento Cheese can be made a day in advance and will keep fresh refrigerated for a few days.

What Makes It Healthy?

I wouldn’t exactly say that it’s healthy but it is healthier than most versions of Southern Pimento Cheese. Most traditional recipes are pretty unhealthy. Many Pimento Cheese recipes call for a whole block of cream cheese and ungodly amounts of mayonnaise. This recipe for Pimento Cheese is a little healthier because it uses protein packed low fat cottage cheese rather than cream cheese and a reduced amount of plant based mayonnaise.

I love celery with Pimento Cheese! A veggie tray just feels incomplete with out a good dip. I love tricking people into eating more vegetables by serving cheese dip. This dip is hard to resist!

Host’s Tip: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

Pimento cheese is a Southern host’s secret weapon because it’s low-stress and highly versatile. You can serve it as a dip with celery and crackers or use it to make finger sandwiches. If you’re looking for more ways to feed a crowd without the stress, check out my full list of favorite vegetarian potluck dishes for more inspiration!

How to make Southern Pimento Cheese

First you need to grate a block of sharp cheddar cheese. I recommend using a food processor with a spreader attachment. You can grate the cheese by hand using a box grater but you will save yourself a lot of time and aggravation if you use a food processor. Don’t use the store bought pre shredded cheese. It needs to be freshly grated cheddar cheese.

After you have grated your cheddar cheese transfer it to a large mixing bowl and use a spoon to stir in the rest of the ingredients. Don’t mix the ingredients in with the food processor. You want to mix by hand to preserve the texture of the grated cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions: Healthy Southern Pimento Cheese

Southern tradition meets a lighter touch. Here are the answers to your most common questions about keeping the Southern flavor while cutting back on the heavy stuff.

What makes this version “healthier” than traditional pimento cheese?

Traditional recipes often rely heavily on full-fat mayonnaise and blocks of cream cheese. This version lightens things up by:

• Swapping the high calorie cream cheese for low fat cottage cheese, which also adds protein to this dish.
• Using plant based mayonnaise rather than regular mayo. Plant based mayonnaise isn’t a “health food” but making this simple swap will lower the total cholesterol in the dish.
• Reducing the amount of mayonnaise used to lower the total calories and fat content. Traditionally versions often call for double the amount of mayo that is used in this recipe.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

If you’re in a rush, you can, but for the best texture, grate it yourself. I love using my food processor to shred cheese. It makes it really easy. Pre-shredded store bought cheese is usually coated in anti-caking agents, like potato starch, to prevent it from clumping in the bag. That changes the texture of the cheese. Freshly grated cheese will give you a creamier and more cohesive dip. Plus buying a block of cheese is generally cheaper than buying pre-shredded bags.

How long will it say fresh in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, your pimento cheese will stay fresh typically for 5 to 7 days. The flavors often improve after 1–3 days as they meld together in the fridge. If the mixture becomes overly liquidy, smells off, or develops mold, discard it.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, pimento cheese isn’t spicy. It is mild and creamy. Pimento peppers are sweet low heat peppers similar to roasted red peppers. However if you want to kick it up a notch you can make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or finely diced jalapenos.

What are the best healthy ways to serve it?

While pimento cheese is often traditionally served on white sandwich bread you can try these healthier alternatives:

• Crunchy Veggies: Celery sticks, cucumber slices, or sliced bell peppers.
• Protein Style: Add a dollop on top of a veggie burger or add into an omelet.
• Whole Grains: Use whole grain bread or seeded crackers.

Looking For More Southern Appetizers?

If you are looking for more Southern recipes for your next party or get together then check out these great ideas!

• Classic Benedictine Spread
• Southern Deviled Eggs
• Creamy Jalapeno Dip
• Vegetarian Bisquick Sausage Balls
• Baked Pepper Jelly Dip with Cream Cheese

Looking for more Southern Sandwich Ideas…

Check out our twist on the classic Southern Tomato Sandwich.