The South's signature spread: sharp cheddar grated coarse, mixed with mayonnaise, diced pimientos, garlic, hot sauce and cracked pepper, served on white bread, on crackers, on celery, or melted onto a hot biscuit.

Pimento cheese began as a Northern industrial product in the early 20th century when canned pimientos became widely available, but the South adopted it as its own and made it the dish that defines white-Southern hospitality. By mid-century every Southern home had a daily-batch jar in the fridge. Augusta's Masters Tournament made it nationally famous in the 1950s by selling pimento cheese sandwiches for $1 on the course, a tradition that continues today. Savannah pimento cheese typically uses a heavier hand with mayonnaise and a sharper cheddar than Texas or Tennessee variants; The Grey, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room and Crystal Beer Parlor each run distinct house versions.

4 editor picks for Pimento Cheese in Savannah, ranked by editorial score. All Savannah signature dishes · Pimento Cheese across every city.

Also in: Birmingham, Charleston, Charlotte, Greenville.