Copycat Kraft Pimento Cheese Spread Recipe: Bold Southern Flavor in 5 Minutes

This copycat Kraft pimento cheese spread delivers that iconic tangy, slightly sweet Southern flavor you know and love, but with a professional twist. The secret lies in balancing sharp cheddar with just the right amount of pimento peppers and a touch of cream cheese for that signature creamy texture.

I've tested this recipe dozens of times to ensure it's smooth, spreadable, and packed with that unmistakable pimento kick.

What sets this version apart is the 5-minute prep time—no waiting for cheese to melt slowly or dealing with grainy textures. The key ingredients are simple: sharp cheddar, cream cheese, pimento peppers, and a pinch of spices, all combined in a food processor until perfectly smooth.

This spread is ideal for sandwiches, crackers, or even as a dip, and it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks.

The result is a bold, tangy spread with the right balance of heat and creaminess, just like the original. The pimento peppers add a subtle sweetness that rounds out the sharpness of the cheddar, while the cream cheese ensures it stays smooth and spreadable.

Whether you're a fan of classic Southern flavors or just love a good cheese spread, this recipe delivers every time.

For extra versatility, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer pimento peppers, or even swap in diced jalapeños for a different kind of heat. Let's get started on making this restaurant-quality spread at home!

Ingredients for copycat kraft pimento cheese spread

Five minutes to iconic Southern tangy creaminess. No fancy tools, just bold flavors.

The cheddar is non-negotiable here. Sharp, aged cheddar gives that signature bite—Kraft 2% or Pepper Jack works, but nothing beats a good Vermont cheddar if you want to splurge. The cream cheese keeps it smooth, so full-fat is a must (low-fat gets grainy). For the pimento peppers, grab a can of pimentos from the deli section—the ones in jars with liquid work best. Fresh pimento peppers are rare, but if you find them, chop them finely. The mayo adds richness, so Duck brand or Hellmann's are my go-tos—they're consistent and creamy.

No mayo? Greek yogurt at half the amount works for a tangier twist. Short on pimento peppers? Diced jalapeños or roasted red peppers add heat or sweetness, but reduce to 1 tbsp to avoid overpowering. The spices are just for balance—skip the garlic powder if you're not a fan, but the onion powder helps round out the sharpness. For extra tang, add 1/2 tsp of lemon juice. This spread is forgiving, so don't stress over small variations. The key is blending until it's completely smooth—no chunks allowed!

This keeps beautifully in the fridge for 2 weeks, sealed in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze portions in ice cube trays—just thaw and blend again. It reheats well, too, so a quick zap in the microwave makes it perfect for toast or crackers. Double the batch—you'll want it around. The flavor actually improves after 24 hours as everything melds together. Trust me, the first batch won't last.

Step-by-step instructions for copycat Kraft pimento cheese spread

Here's how to recreate that iconic tangy, creamy spread with just 10 simple ingredients.

Place both the 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese and 8 oz cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. If using block cheddar, grate it coarsely first. Let the cheeses sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes—this makes them easier to blend and prevents lumps. I like to cut the cream cheese into small cubes first so it softens more evenly.

While they soften, measure out the 2 tbsp pimento peppers (chopped from canned peppers) into a small bowl. This step is crucial because canned pimentos can be watery, and draining them first prevents a watery spread. Pat them dry with a paper towel if needed. The peppers should be finely chopped—about the size of small rice grains—for even distribution.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dry mustard, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 0.25 tsp garlic powder, and 0.25 tsp onion powder. The olive oil adds richness while keeping the spread smooth, and the mustard enhances that classic tangy flavor. Mix well until all the spices are fully dissolved—you should see no visible flecks of powder remaining.

This is where the magic happens. The olive oil and mayonnaise create the perfect base for blending, while the spices balance the sharpness of the cheddar. If you're using Dijon mustard, you'll notice a slightly more complex flavor profile, but yellow mustard works perfectly fine too. Taste the mixture now—it should have a bright, slightly spicy kick.

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to blend the softened cheeses on low speed for 1-2 minutes. This breaks down the cheeses into a smooth, creamy base. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything incorporates evenly. You'll see the mixture start to lighten in color as it emulsifies.

Once the cheeses are fully combined, gradually add the wet ingredient mixture while continuing to blend on low speed. This slow incorporation prevents the spread from splitting or becoming grainy. After about 30 seconds, add the 2 tbsp chopped pimento peppers and blend for another 30 seconds to distribute them evenly. The spread should now have a vibrant orange-red hue from the peppers.

Taste the spread and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it tastes too mild, add a pinch more salt or a dash of black pepper. For extra tang, you can add a tiny bit more dry mustard—just ¼ tsp at a time. If the spread is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of warm water and blend again until smooth. It should have a thick but spreadable consistency, like a rich, creamy dip.

For the perfect texture, let the spread sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together completely. If you notice any separation after blending, simply stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to re-emulsify. The spread will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, though I promise it won't last that long!

Best sauces and condiments for this dish

Classic Pairings

This pimento cheese spread shines on toasted white bread or crusty sourdough for classic Southern-style sandwiches. I love pairing it with cucumber slices and crisp lettuce for a refreshing contrast.

For a heartier option, spread it on baked potato skins or cornbread—the sweetness of the cornbread balances the tangy cheese perfectly. 🥖

Spicy Kick Variations

For extra heat, stir in 1 tsp hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco) or ½ tsp cayenne pepper while blending. If you prefer smoky flavors, add ½ tsp smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder.

For a sweet-spicy twist, mix in 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup—this works surprisingly well with the pimento peppers.

Dip Perfection

Serve this spread as a dip with pretzel crisps, pita chips, or veggie sticks like carrots and celery. For a gourmet touch, pair it with water crackers or triscuits.

The creaminess makes it ideal for dipping, and the pimento peppers add a fun pop of color to your snack plate. 🥕

Breakfast Boost

Add a spoonful to your morning avocado toast or bagel halves for a savory breakfast upgrade. It also works as a filling for crepes or waffle sandwiches. For a Southern-inspired brunch, spread it on biscuits with a fried egg on top—trust me, it’s a game-changer. 🍳

Savory Snack Board

Include this spread on your charcuterie board alongside prosciutto, aged cheddar cubes, and marinated olives. The tangy, creamy texture cuts through the saltiness of cured meats beautifully. For a sweet-savory combo, add fig jam or grape jelly to balance the flavors. 🧀

Grilled Cheese Upgrade

Use this spread as a filling for grilled cheese sandwiches instead of regular cheese. The pimento peppers add a unique twist, and the extra creaminess makes every bite decadent. I like to pair it with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a melty, flavorful combo. 🧈

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