Sharp cheddar mixed with mayonnaise and roasted red peppers (pimentos), sometimes pickled jalapeño. The Carolinas claim it as a regional staple sandwich filling.

Pimento cheese became regional shorthand for Southern fixings in the early 1900s, when home economists pushed it as a sandwich filling for school lunches across the Carolinas. Greenville restaurants run it on every variation: Soby's serves a Spicy Pimento Cheese starter at dinner and brunch; Tupelo Honey runs pimento cheese fries.

Where to eat Pimento cheese in Greenville

2 editor picks for Pimento cheese in Greenville, ranked by editorial score. All Greenville signature dishes · Pimento cheese across every city.

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More places near Soby's New South Cuisine and Tupelo Honey

Not on this list, but close by, nearest first. Every one is in our guide with its address, hours and what to order.

Make it at home

Serves 210 minEasy

Ingredients

  • 8 oz sharp cheddar, grated by hand
  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (pimentos), drained and chopped
  • 1 tbsp pickled jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

  1. Grate the cheddar by hand. Pre-shredded does not have the right texture and gets gummy.
  2. Mix grated cheddar with the cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, pickled jalapeño, Worcestershire, cayenne, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix or the cheese will smear.
  4. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Will keep up to 5 days in the fridge.

Editor tip. Grate the cheese by hand. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking starch that makes pimento cheese gluey instead of cheesy.

Common allergens: Dairy, Egg.