Name: Bojangles Pimento Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup diced pimentos, drained; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Some days, you just want a quick and simple snack, something easy to scoop, spread, or pile on whatever you have. That’s when I reach for a mix that is quick and tasty, featuring salt, cheese, and a hint of heat.

I’m talking about a homemade spread that tastes great without needing a complicated recipe. It’s easy, straightforward, and packed with flavor. I created my version of the Bojangles Pimento Cheese Recipe.

It’s simple, affordable, and it tastes like you put in more effort than you actually did.

What Makes Bojangles Pimento Cheese So Popular

Bojangles’ pimento cheese is a creamy, cheesy spread made from cheddar, mayonnaise, mild red peppers, and a blend of spices. People like it because it’s thick, salty, and works well on almost anything, from biscuits and sandwiches to crackers, fries, and more.

It’s comfort food that hits quick and keeps you coming back. The restaurant version is smooth, mild, and easy for anyone to enjoy.

This copycat version retains all the good parts but offers a stronger flavor because it uses real cheese and fresh mix-ins, not shelf-stable ingredients. If you’re new to it, this is the place to start.

Why This Copycat Recipe Works

This pimento cheese has a superior texture compared to what you find on store shelves. You won’t have to guess what’s in it or how long it can last. I appreciate the original version for making it popular.

Still, this homemade recipe wins in taste, freshness, cost, and the ability to adjust the heat, salt, or sharpness to your preference. If you enjoy pimento cheese, this is the best choice. If you haven’t tried it before, this version will not let you down.

Ingredients You Need for Bojangles Pimento Cheese Recipe

1. Extra Sharp Cheddar (1 cup, freshly grated): This cheese has a strong, bold flavor that makes the spread taste like authentic cheese. If you prefer a milder taste, use regular sharp cheddar instead.

2. Sharp cheddar (1 cup, freshly grated): This cheese balances the extra sharpness of the cheddar, so the spread doesn’t taste too harsh.

3. Mayonnaise (½ cup): This helps combine all the ingredients and gives the spread a smooth texture. You can use light mayo or Greek yogurt, but light mayo makes the spread thinner, while yogurt adds a tangy taste and isn’t as classic.

4. Diced Pimentos (1 jar, drained well): These add color, a mild pepper flavor, and a soft texture. You can substitute small-diced roasted red peppers for a deeper, smokier taste.

5. Grated Sweet Onion (1 teaspoon): This adds a mild sweetness and prevents the mixture from tasting flat. You can use a yellow onion for a sharper taste or onion powder for a milder onion flavor.

6. Soy Sauce (tiny splash): This adds depth and prevents the cheese from tasting too one-dimensional and salty.

7. Cayenne Pepper (pinch to ¼ teaspoon): This gives a mild, background heat. You can use smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor without the heat of spice.

8. Salt + Pepper (to taste): Add these at the end to avoid overdoing it.

Essential Tools for Making This Spread

Box grater
Mixing bowls
Spoon or spatula
Airtight container
Knife or spreader

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Pimento Cheese

Step 1: Grate the Cheese

Grate the cheese yourself. Bagged cheese has a powder that stops it from sticking to mayonnaise, making the spread watery. Use the small holes for extra-sharp cheddar and the larger holes for sharp cheddar. This gives a creamy and chunky texture.

Step 2: Make the Mayo Mix

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, grated onion, pimentos, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. It will look loose at first, but don’t worry. It will thicken when you add the cheese.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the grated cheese. Stir gently and fold the mix without mashing. Ensure all the cheese is coated. If there seems to be too much mayo, don’t worry. The cheese will soak it up while chilling.

Step 4: Chill It

Place all ingredients in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This is important. If you taste it right after mixing, it will only taste like the individual ingredients. After resting, it will have the taste you want.

Step 5: Taste and Fix

Taste the mixture. If it needs more heat, add cayenne. If it needs more salt, add it now. If it seems too thick, add a spoonful of mayonnaise. If it’s too thin, add more grated cheese.

Pro Tips to Perfect Your Pimento Cheese

Don’t use pre-shredded cheese. It will make the spread wet and crumbly.
Drain the pimentos well. Extra water can ruin the dish.
Chilling time is essential. The spread needs to be set perfectly.
For a stronger flavour, add more extra-sharp cheddar.
For a smoother texture, use sharper or milder cheddar.
If the taste is flat, try adding a little onion instead of more salt.
If the spread looks pale, it likely means the pimentos weren’t drained enough.

How to Store and Prep Pimento Cheese Ahead of Time

This spread is ideal for making in advance because its flavor improves over time. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

After that, the cheese and mayonnaise may separate, and the taste might become sour. If you notice water on top, smell a sour odor, or see color changes, throw it away.

Can you freeze it? Yes, but it’s not recommended if you care about texture. It becomes grainy after thawing because mayonnaise and cheese don’t freeze well together.

Best Ways to Serve Your Pimento Cheese

If you’re looking for a side dish to serve with this, keep it simple. Choose items that add crunch, balance the richness, or let the spice shine through. Crackers are the easiest option because their crispiness contrasts with the creaminess.

Celery sticks do the same thing but offer a fresh snap that keeps the dip light and crisp. Warm biscuits are a classic choice that creates a restaurant feel at home.

For something bolder, try it on a sandwich; the salty flavors work well together. You can also use it with burgers, as the pimento cheese adds heat and creaminess without getting lost in the patty.

Lastly, if you want an impressive but easy appetizer, fill mini peppers with it. The sweet crunch and creamy filling make a great combination.

To serve, never heat it. Let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes so it softens enough to spread.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pimento Cheese

1. How do I fix a spread that is too runny?

If your spread is watery, it may be due to pimentos that were not appropriately drained or pre-shredded cheese that was not fully drained. To fix it, grate more cheese and mix it in slowly.

Refrigerate the spread for at least 1 hour to help it set. If it’s still loose, add a teaspoon of cream cheese to improve the texture.

2. Why does my spread taste bland?

Sometimes, flavors need time to mix. Chill the spread overnight and taste it the next day. If it still lacks flavor, add a pinch of salt and a bit of onion or cayenne. Using sharp cheddar can also enhance the flavor.

3. Is it safe to leave this recipe out on the counter?

Since this spread has dairy, don’t leave it out for more than two hours, especially in warm places. Always keep it refrigerated and discard it if it smells sour or appears oily.

4. Can I make this spread lower in fat?

Yes, you can use light mayo and reduced-fat cheddar, but it will change the texture. To thicken it, grate the cheese finely and mix in Greek yogurt to add body without much fat.

5. What can I do if the spread is too spicy?

If it’s too hot from the cayenne, add more grated cheese and mayo to lower the heat. A small amount of sugar (less than ⅛ teaspoon) can also help. Chill the spread for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to balance.

Yield: 8