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Keto Appetizers

Southern Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of family picnics and lazy Sundays. This keto rendition swaps nothing in flavor—it’s every bit as creamy and sharp as the classic, but with only 2 grams of net carbs per serving. I whip it up in under 15 minutes for an effortless appetizer that always gets compliments.

15 min Prep time 0 min Cook time 15 min Total time 8 Servings 320 Calories
Southern Pimento Cheese

Ingredients

  • cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
  • ounces cream cheese, softened
  • /2 cup mayonnaise
  • /4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • /4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
  • /4 teaspoon onion powder
  • jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
  • (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Start by softening the cream cheese on the counter for 30 minutes to make mixing easier. If you forgot, a quick 15-second zap in the microwave does the trick. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the shredded sharp cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne, onion powder, and minced jalapeño (if using). Drain the diced pimentos well—excess liquid can make the spread too runny—and add them to the mixer. Beat everything together on medium speed until smooth and well blended, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Taste and season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This step allows the spices to meld and the spread to firm up perfectly. I like to transfer it to a pretty serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and extra jalapeño slices.

Chef's Tip

I always let the pimento cheese chill overnight; the garlic and cayenne meld into a beautifully balanced heat that is worth the wait. For a smoky twist, a pinch of smoked paprika stirred in before serving makes it pop.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften, or spread cold on warm keto biscuits for a delightful contrast. Avoid freezing as the texture may become grainy.

Variation Tips

For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese. Make it a bacon pimento cheese by folding in crispy crumbled bacon. Serve with celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or baked cheese crisps for dipping. It also makes a fantastic topping for grilled burgers or stuffed in chicken breasts.

Frequently Asked Questions