Appetizer

Cypress Pimiento Cheese

Indulge in Cypress Pimiento Cheese, a Southern classic with roasted piquillo peppers and a perfect blend of cheeses.

This Cypress Pimiento Cheese with roasted piquillo peppers and smoked paprika is a delightful spin on the Southern classic. Often referred to as the “Caviar of the South,” this tasty spread embodies the region’s rich culinary traditions.

A bowl of creamy Cypress Pimiento Cheese dip garnished with chopped herbs and red peppers is surrounded by toasted baguette slices and round crackers on a gray plate, all set on a marble surface with a checkered napkin and parsley leaves nearby. — Cypress Pimento Cheese

Why You’ll 🫶🏻 this Cheese Spread

Imagine a mix of sharp white cheddar and zesty mascarpone cheese, enhanced by the bold flavor of piquillo peppers. This spread is not just ordinary; it’s a cdelicious combination of flavors that dances on your palate, making each bite a delicious experience that keeps you coming back for more. The addition of smoked paprika will have your taste buds thinking you are eating barbecue-flavored pimiento cheese! Not only is it tasty, but it also takes just minutes to prepare and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Enjoy! ~Nicole

*Note: “Pimento” and “Pimiento” refer to the same variety of red pepper. Since this recipe uses the Spanish Piquillo pepper, it is called Pimiento.

Key Ingredients for Cypress Pimiento Cheese

A flat lay of ingredients for Cypress Pimiento Cheese in bowls on a white surface: shredded cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, red peppers, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.

White Cheddar Cheese, Mascarpone, and Parmesan are the main ingredients in this spread. Cheddar has a sharp flavor, mascarpone adds a rich, creamy texture, and parmesan adds a nutty flavor.

Roasted Piquillo Peppers serve as a substitute for the traditional pimientos. They add a smoky flavor, traditional color, and sweetness.

Duke’s Mayonnaise (Yes, I found some up here above the Mason-Dixon Line at my local market) is the binder that also adds a rich, creamy texture. It has a tangier and slightly sweet taste than Hellman’s.

Smoked Paprika adds a seasoned smoky flavor that makes this dish taste like a barbecue cheese spread.

Flat-leaf Parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note.

Tabasco adds a tangy kick if you can handle a little heat.

Equipment Needed

Box grater

A glass bowl contains Cypress Pimiento Cheese made with shredded cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, red diced peppers, chopped herbs, and spice. Nearby are a blue spatula and small wooden bowls with salt and pepper on a white countertop.

A hand holds a bottle of Tabasco sauce above a glass bowl filled with creamy Cypress Pimiento Cheese, with a blue spatula resting inside the textured mixture.

Tips for Making Cypress Pimiento Cheese

Use a box grater and grate the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has stabilizers, and the taste just isn’t the same. See my kitchen tip on How to Grate Semisoft Cheese on a Box Grater the Easy Way.

The preparation for this dish could not be any easier. Add everything to a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine, and season to taste.
To further season and flavor the cheese spread, add a few dashes of Tabasco, or your favorite hot sauce for a nice little kick.

Substitutions

Substitute roasted red peppers or pimientos for piquillo peppers.
Substitute cream cheese for the mascarpone.
Substitute Hellman’s mayonnaise for the Duke’s.
Substitute any favorite hot sauce for the Tabasco.

A toasted baguette slice topped with creamy Cypress Pimiento Cheese, packed with red peppers and herbs, rests on a black and white checkered napkin. In the background, a plate holds more toast, crackers, and a bowl of dip. — Cypress Pimento Cheese

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to enjoy pimiento cheese. Here are just a few.

Cornbread Crostini (although not pictured) is my favorite way to serve it.
Serve it on crackers, crostini, or toast points.
Use it as a dip for vegetables
Enjoy it in a sandwich with White Bread or on The Ultimate Steakhouse Burger.
Make a grilled cheese sandwich.
Enjoy it on a grilled chicken sandwich.
Load a spoonful on a baked potato.
Add it to Deviled Eggs.
Cypress macaroni and cheese, anyone?
Mix some in your favorite quiche recipe.
Add some to Bisquick Bicsuits.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors will bloom if the cheese spread sits in the refrigerator a few hours in advance.

Can I use light mayonnaise?

I do not recommend it because it has a sweeter flavor. That said, it is a matter of taste.

Other cheese spreads you may enjoy…

A black-and-white checkered bowl filled with pimento cheese spread, a serving knife, crackers with cheese, and candied pecans arranged on a dark surface. — **Goat Cheese and Gouda Pimiento Cheese**

A white bowl filled with creamy dip, garnished with herbs, sits next to a plate of round crackers. A white spoon rests in the dip. The bowl and crackers are on a white plate with a neutral cloth nearby. — **Goat Cheese and Gouda Pimiento Cheese**

Cypress Pimiento Cheese

By Nicole Prep: 10 minsTotal: 10 mins Servings: 1.5 cups A white bowl filled with creamy, orange-hued Cypress Pimiento Cheese dip, topped with chopped red peppers and fresh herbs, surrounded by toasted bread slices and crackers on a plate.

This Cypress Pimiento Cheese with roasted piquillo peppers is a delightful spin on the Southern classic.

Equipment

Box grater

Ingredients

4 ounces white sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
½ cup ( 4 ounces) mascarpone cheese
¼ cup (4 ounces) diced piquillo peppers
¼ cup (2 ounces) Duke's mayonnaise
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 ounce parmesan cheese, grated (about ¼ cup)
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Tabasco to taste, optional

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy!

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition

Calories: 996kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 93g, Saturated Fat: 43g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 179mg, Sodium: 1188mg, Potassium: 158mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 3808IU, Vitamin C: 31mg, Calcium: 878mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Source: Adapted from Uptown Down South Cuisine by Magnolias owner Don Drake